This Grilled Tomatoes Recipe turns simple, budget-friendly ingredients into a juicy, flavorful side dish that’s quick to make and perfect for any family meal.
It’s the kind of easy recipe that makes you slow down, take a bite, and wonder why you don’t grill tomatoes more often.
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Why You’ll Love Grilled Tomatoes!
Cooking for a family with 8 kids means meals have to be affordable, simple, and something everyone will actually eat and this grilled tomatoes recipe checks every box.
I love that it uses ingredients we always have on hand and comes together quickly while the grill is already hot. It’s a budget-friendly Grilled Sides that feels a little special without any extra effort, making it perfect for busy nights when you still want something fresh and homemade on the table.
Whether you’re cooking for a backyard BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner, grilled tomatoes add big flavor with almost no effort. For even more grilled fruit recipes try Grilled Apples, Grilled Peaches and Grilled Mango.
Ingredients
- Roma Tomatoes – Make sure tomatoes are firm and about the same size
- Olive Oil – Use your favorite oil
- Simple Spices – Use garlic powder, salt and black pepper
- Fresh Basil Leaves – Thinly sliced (for serving)
Scroll to the recipe card for the full recipe details.
How to Make Grilled Tomatoes
Step 1 – Preheat a grill over medium high heat and rub the grill grates with olive oil.
Step 2 – Cut the tomatoes in half widthwise (through the center of the tomato).
Step 3 – Drizzle the cut side of the tomatoes with olive oil and season with the garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Step 4 – Place the tomatoes on the grill (directly on the grill grates) cut side down. Grill for 4-6 minutes with the lid closed until grill marks are visible on the tomatoes.
Step 5 – Carefully flip the tomatoes and grill for 2-3 more minutes.
Step 6 – Carefully remove the tomatoes from the grill. Serve topped with the fresh basil leaves and enjoy!
Grilled Tomatoes Recipe (Easy Side Dish for the Grill)
Ingredients
- 6 Firm Roma Tomatoes
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Fresh Basil Leaves thinly sliced (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat a grill over medium high heat and rub the grill grates with olive oil.
- Cut the tomatoes in half widthwise (through the center of the tomato).
- Drizzle the cut side of the tomatoes with olive oil and season with the garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Place the tomatoes on the grill (directly on the grill grates) cut side down. Grill for 4-6 minutes with the lid closed until grill marks are visible on the tomatoes.
- Carefully flip the tomatoes and grill for 2-3 more minutes.
- Carefully remove the tomatoes from the grill.
- Serve topped with the fresh basil leaves and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Use firm, ripe tomatoes to prevent them from falling apart
- Don’t overcook — tomatoes should be tender, not mushy
- Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking
- Grill cut-side down first for the best char
- Italian-Style – Add fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, fresh mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese
- Garlic Butter Tomatoes – Brush with melted garlic butter
- Sweet & Savory – Drizzle with balsamic glaze
- Spicy – Sprinkle with red pepper flakes
Nutrition Facts
What Goes Well with Grilled Tomatoes?
Grilled Tomatoes pair perfectly with any type of meat, pasta salads or vegetables for a great side dish. Try it with these grilled meats for a complete meal idea.
Grilled Tomatoes FAQ’s
Yes, tomatoes grill very well when they are firm and ripe. Grilling enhances their natural sweetness and adds a light smoky flavor.
Roma tomatoes, vine-ripened tomatoes, and beefsteak tomatoes work best because they hold their shape on the grill.
Tomatoes take about 4-6 minutes total on a medium-high grill, depending on thickness.
Leftover grilled tomatoes will last for 3-4 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
More Easy Grilled Side Dishes
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We love hearing from you! If you make Grilled Tomatoes at your next BBQ, make sure to let us know how it turns out.
