Super Delish Smoked Tomatoes

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Are you ready to experience a flavor explosion? Smoked tomatoes are a game changer – they’re juicy, rich, and infused with a delightful smoky essence. Move over, sun-dried tomatoes! Chef Jenn here, and I’m excited to show you how to create these easy flavor bombs. Fire up your smoker, grab some tomatoes, and let’s get smoking!

One summer day, my hubby was going to the farmer’s market, and I asked him to bring me some fresh local Roma tomatoes. He brought home half a bushel. Do you know how many tomatoes are in a half bushel? A LOT! 

I smoked them! I washed them, cut them in half, and smoked them. We ate a bunch, I made smoked tomato everything, and then I froze the rest for later. 

Smoked tomatoes are amazing and so easy! Forget sundried tomatoes; these are way better!

You’ll Need:

• Traeger pellet smoker – Or another type of smoker.
• Hardwood pellets – Or your favorite pellet flavor.
• Grill basket or pan
• Roma tomatoes – 7-8 tomatoes.
• Olive oil
• Fresh garlic
• Salt and pepper

The Best Tomatoes for Smoking

While you can smoke any type of tomato, Roma tomatoes are my top choice. They’re meaty, have fewer seeds, and hold up well during smoking. When halved, they’re perfect for various dishes. Cherry tomatoes are also fantastic – just toss a pan of them on the smoker when you have some extra space.

How To Make Smoked Tomatoes

1. Preheat your smoker to 225-F according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Wash the tomatoes, remove the stems, and cut them in half. 
3. Toss the tomatoes with minced fresh garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the tomatoes on a grill pan or basket and smoke them at 225°F for 45 minutes to an hour. Flip them about halfway through the smoking time.
5. They’re ready when they start to wrinkle and lose some moisture. Continue smoking until they reach your preferred level of smokiness and texture.

Step-By-Step Process

Chef Jenn’s Tips

• Only cut the tomatoes in half or you could have a juicy mess in your smoker.
• Use a grill pan with holes to allow the smoke to circulate freely.
• Season lightly to let the natural tomato flavor shine. A hint of fresh rosemary or thyme can be a nice touch.
• Keep the temperature low and slow – 225°F is ideal for roasting tomatoes.

Delicious Ways to Use Smoked Tomatoes

Smoked tomatoes are incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to use them:

• Top grilled bread with fresh mozzarella or ricotta and a few smoked tomatoes.
• Stir into salads.
• Mix into a smoky salsa.
• Create a rich tomato sauce.
• Add to chili for extra depth of flavor.
• Include on a charcuterie board for a smoky twist.

Can You Freeze Smoked Tomatoes?

Absolutely! Smoked tomatoes freeze beautifully, giving you a taste of summer all year round. I recommend using a vacuum sealer to keep them fresh.

Storage

Store them in the freezer for 3-4 months, or keep them in the fridge for about a week. For longer storage in the fridge, pack them in olive oil. Bonus: the olive oil will take on a wonderful smoky flavor!