Garlic Grilled Tomatoes
Garlic Grilled Tomatoes highlight the best of fresh summer produce. Grill fresh summer tomatoes that are drizzled with a garlic and herb-infused olive oil to bring out the robust flavors of the tomatoes. This side dish recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes while adding a smoky depth from grilling.
Whether served alongside grilled meats, spooned over toasted bread, or enjoyed on their own, these grilled Roma tomatoes with herbs are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. With minimal prep and just a few ingredients, they are a great way to enhance simple ingredients.
Garlic grilled tomatoes are one of those side dishes I keep coming back to, especially during grilling season. They add just the right balance of smoky, slightly charred flavor while keeping that fresh, juicy bite.
I love how versatile they are—perfect with Grilled Garlic Honey Boneless Wings or Lemon Basil Grilled Pork Chops when I want something bold, but also incredible in my Vegan Fire-Roasted Tomato and Bean Soup for a deep, roasted tomato flavor. No matter how I serve them, they always feel like a little upgrade to the meal without much effort.
Garlic Grilled Tomatoes
Juicy ripe tomatoes are transformed on the grill, caramelized on the outside, tender on the inside, and infused with garlicky, herbal flavor. Fresh oregano brings a bold, slightly peppery note, while basil adds a burst of brightness just before serving. This is one of those deceptively simple dishes that steals the show at any cookout or dinner table.
Timesaving Tips and Variations
Grilling tomatoes is simple, but a few adjustments can make the process even easier while adding variety to the dish. Whether you’re short on time or looking to customize flavors, these tips ensure flexibility without sacrificing quality.
- Use Pre-Minced Garlic – Instead of mincing fresh garlic, opt for store-bought minced garlic.
- Skip Slicing – Use cherry or grape tomatoes whole instead of larger varieties to avoid cutting prep while still achieving great flavor.
- Use a Grill Basket – Prevent tomatoes from sticking or falling through the grill grates by using a grill basket or foil-lined tray.
- Cheese Topping – Sprinkle crumbled feta or grated Parmesan over grilled tomatoes before serving.
- Spicy Kick – Mix red pepper flakes or smoked paprika into the garlic oil for a hint of heat.
- Different Herbs – Experiment with fresh thyme, parsley, or rosemary to customize the flavor profile.
Whether tweaking ingredients or simplifying the process, these methods enhance the recipe without extra hassle.
Grill up a larger batch of the tomatoes and then use them in sauces and soups, or use them to make bruschetta.
What to Serve with Garlic Grilled Tomatoes
Whether you’re planning a cookout, brunch, or a simple weeknight dinner, here are some delicious ways to serve them:
- Potato Crusted Frittata Recipe
- Baked Lemon Pepper Tilapia Recipe
- Grilled Chicken Kabobs
- BBQ Crock Pot Chicken Legs
However you serve them, this dish brings bold summer flavor to the table. Mix and match with your favorite proteins or grains to create a satisfying, seasonal meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ingredients to Make Garlic Grilled Tomatoes
Grilling tomatoes is a simple process that relies on a few essential ingredients to bring out their best flavor. Each component plays a key role in enhancing texture, aroma, and overall taste, ensuring a perfectly balanced dish.
Key Ingredients and Their Purpose
- Fresh Tomatoes – Opt for firm, ripe tomatoes like Roma. Their natural sweetness and sturdy texture hold up well to grilling.
- Olive Oil – A high-quality olive oil helps the tomatoes caramelize, while also carrying the garlic and herb flavors into every bite.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic infuses the olive oil with a bold, aromatic taste that deepens as the tomatoes grill.
- Fresh Herbs – Basil and oregano add brightness and complement the smoky, charred notes from the grill.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Seasoning enhances the tomato’s natural sweetness and balances the acidity, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
The garlic and herb infused olive oil on the tomatoes is so flavorful and grilling the tomatoes brings out all of the flavors in them while holding their shape. I cannot tell you how totally delicious these were, you must try them yourself!
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How to Make Garlic Grilled Tomatoes
Slice the tomatoes lengthwise in half and set aside. Heat a small skillet and add the olive oil and garlic. Let cook for a few minutes, watching it so it doesn’t burn. Add the chopped basil and oregano; let simmer a couple of minutes. Remove from heat.
Spoon the garlic and herb-infused olive oil over the cut side of the tomatoes, and place them cut-side down in a disposable grill pan. Season with salt and pepper. Cook on each side for about 3 minutes each, then serve.
Herb and Garlic Grilled Tomatoes are simple to make and so tasty to eat. Give this recipe a try, click below to print the recipe and keep it handy for your next cookout!
Garlic Grilled Tomatoes
Equipment
- grill or skillet
Ingredients
- 4 Roma tomatoes cut in half lengthwise
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves of garlic finely minced
- 2 tsp chopped fresh basil chopped small
- 2 tsp chopped fresh oregano chopped small
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Cut your tomatoes in half crosswise, place on a plate, and season with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Heat a small frying pan over medium-low heat, then add the minced garlic and olive oil. Let garlic cook in the olive oil for about 2 minutes, watching so it doesn’t burn. Add the herbs (basil and oregano) and let cook for another 1-2 minutes, again watching so the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Turn off heat and let oil cool a minute. Then, spoon or brush over the cut-side of the tomatoes.
- You can grill the tomatoes right on the grill but be sure to oil the grates first. I prefer to lay a sheet of aluminum foil over the grill grate, then placing the tomatoes cut-side down to grill for about 3 minutes.
- Turn them over gently with tongs and continue to cook for another 3 minutes or until the tomatoes are tender.
- Remove from grill and let cool for a couple of minutes, serve warm or room temperature.
- Alternatively, you can grill a double batch (or more) and adjust the olive oil mixture accordingly and use the tomatoes in sauces.
Nutritional Disclaimer
“Blogghetti” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
#BBQWeek
Fire up the grill—it’s BBQ Week! This is your chance to dive into a lineup of recipes perfect for backyard feasts, from juicy, flame-kissed meats to refreshing salads, bold sides, and indulgent desserts. Whether you’re hosting a big summer bash or just enjoying a casual cookout, these dishes bring the smoky flavors and festive vibes to make any meal unforgettable.
- Banana Pepper BBQ Ribs from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats from The Spiffy Cookie
- Green Bean and Potato Salad from Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Peach Glaze from A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Italian Pasta Salad (REDO) from Our Crafty Mom
- No Bake S’mores Pie from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Purple Margarita from Easy Recipes for One
- Strawberry Limeade from Art of Natural Living
Enjoy!
The perfect side dish for so many things. There is nothing better than summer tomatoes.