Sweet-charred grilled tomatoes meet a slather of quick savory fruit jam—choose blueberry, fig, or caramelised onion – for a quick summer side dish. Vegetarian, gluten‑free, and easily vegan with plant‑based cheese.
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Why You’ll Love These Grilled Tomatoes
- 10 minutes on the grill (or under) – perfect for busy weeknights or BBQ add‑ons. Otherwise cook it in the oven.
- Unique sweet‑savory flavour from blueberry jam, oregano & melting cheese.
- 75 calories per serving (tomato half) and packed with nutrients.
- Vegetarian & gluten‑free, with a simple vegan swap.
I’ll be honest, I’ve eaten this dish for breakfast, too. There’s something weirdly satisfying about it – it’s filling, but I always feel quite mobile afterwards, especially if I have a workout or something planned.
It’s nice and light, but you still feel like you ate something decent.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Big tomatoes: Bigger is better in this case, as they’re easier to cover in toppings.
- Blueberry jam: I love this one, but you can use any jam you have in the fridge!
- Cheddar cheese, grated: Sub plant‑based cheddar for vegan option.
- Dried oregano: Try za’atar or Italian herbs.
- Olive oil: Swap avocado oil for higher smoke point.
- Salt & pepper: Smoked sea salt adds BBQ depth.
- Watercress (garnish): Optional freshness & colour.
Jam Ideas
You can use any type of jam for this – sweet or savory! Some ideas are:
- Blueberry Jam
- Fig Balsamic Jam – mash 2 tbsp fig jam with ½ tsp balsamic vinegar or cream.
- Caramelised Onion Jam
- Strawberry or other berry jam
How to Make the Greek Tomato & Feta Omelette
Prep grill
Heat to medium‑high (200 °C / 400 °F). Oil grates.
Halve tomatoes
Scoop a tiny cavity for jam; brush cut sides with olive oil.
Add toppings
Spread ½ tsp savory blueberry jam on each half, sprinkle oregano, top with cheese.
Grill
Place tomatoes cut‑side up, close lid, cook 5 – 6 min until cheese bubbles & tomatoes blister.
Finish
Season, garnish with watercress, drizzle olive oil.
Pro Tips
- Use a grill basket or foil to keep tomatoes from tipping.
- Room‑temp jam and cheese melt faster, avoiding over‑cooked tomato skins.
- You can oven‑roast at 180 °C / 360 °F for 25 min if grilling isn’t an option.
Variations
- Blueberry Onion Jam Burst: Double the minced onion in the jam for extra savory punch.
- Herbed Goat Cheese: Swap cheddar for crumbled goat cheese & fresh thyme.
- Vegan Grilled Tomatoes: Use plant‑based cheddar shreds and skip honey if using sweetened jam.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside grilled halloumi or tofu for a complete vegetarian BBQ plate.
- Add to bruschetta or crostini with basil leaves for appetisers.
- Pair with sparkling rosé or iced herbal tea for a summer brunch.
Charred grilled tomatoes topped with quick savory blueberry jam and melting cheese—vegetarian, gluten‑free, ready in 10 minutes.
Optional
- 1 handful watercress (for garnish)
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Preheat the oven to 180°C/360°F. Or grill/BBQ for 10 minutes.
-
Cut the tomatoes in half, and place on a baking tray with aluminium foil or parchment paper.
3 medium tomatoes
-
Spread a little bit of jam on each of the tomato slices.
3 tsp blueberry jam
-
Then sprinkle dried oregano on top.
1 ½ tsp oregano, dried
-
Layer the grated cheese over the tomatoes and place in the oven for 25 minutes or until cheese is golden brown.
½ cup cheddar cheese, grated
-
Now garnish each slice with watercress.
1 handful watercress
-
Drizzle with olive oil and finish with salt and pepper. Enjoy!
1 tbsp olive oil, Salt and pepper to taste
Nowadays you can find various vegan cheese options (even cheddar flavour) in bigger supermarkets. See what floats your boat.
Jansen’s pro tip:
These are excellent for a brunch with friends. Double up the ingredients to make sure everyone gets a half or two!
Nutrition Facts
Grilled Cherry Tomatoes with Savory Blueberry Jam
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill tomatoes without them falling through the grates?
Use a perforated grill tray or cast‑iron skillet; small cherry tomatoes stay put.
Is blueberry jam good with savory dishes?
Yes! Adding vinegar & onion turns it into a quick chutney‑style condiment.
How do I make these vegan?
Replace cheddar with vegan mozzarella shreds and check jam for honey.
Which jam is best with grilled tomatoes?
Fig jam is the most universally loved partner – it’s naturally sweet, slightly earthy, and pairs especially well with tomato’s acidity. Blueberry-onion jam adds a bright, wine-like fruitiness, while caramelised-onion jam amps up the umami for a fully savoury twist.
Can I use tomato jam on grilled tomatoes?
Yes, tomato jam doubles down on tomato flavour and works like a chunky, sweet chutney. Keep the layer thin (½ tsp per tomato half) so the dish doesn’t taste one-note, and add a splash of balsamic or a few chilli flakes for contrast. Basil is also lovely.
What cheese pairs with jam & tomatoes?
I think the best is mature cheddar. Goat cheese (soft chèvre) for tang. Fresh mozzarella for milky creaminess. Salty feta if you want a sharper bite. Each cheese balances jam’s sweetness while complementing grilled tomato umami.
Storage & Meal‑Prep
Grill tomatoes just before serving for best texture. Leftovers keep 2 days in the fridge; reheat under a broiler 2 min.