Blistered Cherry Tomatoes – Easy Cast Iron Recipe
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This easy recipe for cast-iron blistered tomatoes is perfect for your late summer harvest! This elegant and vibrant side dish features sweet cherry tomatoes that burst in your mouth with robust flavor.
A few years ago, my husband, Joe, and I had the most amazing breakfast with some friends at French Bistro on the Las Vegas strip called Mon Ami Gabi. Among the standout dishes was a side of blistered cherry tomatoes that were so simple yet incredibly flavorful.
These sauteed cherry tomatoes were served alongside our eggs and toast, and I just had to recreate them at home. My husband is not even a big fan of tomatoes, but he devoured them!
We were amazed at how intensely sweet and tangy blistered tomatoes could be. Most importantly, I loved how they popped in my mouth!
Now, they’re a staple in our kitchen, adding a burst of freshness to everything from breakfast to dinner.
While breakfast is my preferred meal to serve blistered tomatoes, the amazing thing is that they’re actually quite versatile. You can serve them up with grilled steak or chicken, spoon them over pasta, or whatever you like!
One reason I love them for breakfast is because breakfast can be a challenging meal to work veggies into, and that’s why these blistered tomatoes are the perfect solution!
Whether you serve them up with fried eggs or a delicious loco moco, this is a great way to inch closer to your daily fruit and veggie targets, helping you eat the rainbow.
This is easily one of our favorite tomato recipes, especially now that tomato season is here. Fresh tomatoes from the garden or farmers markets are perfect for this incredibly easy and delicious veggie side. I can’t wait for you to give it a try!
Ingredients Needed for Blistered Tomatoes
To make blistered cherry tomatoes recipe, you just need a few staple ingredients:
Cherry Tomatoes – Cherry or grape tomatoes are the perfect size for a quick blister in the cast iron skillet.
Olive Oil – Avocado oil can also be used if needed.
Salt & Pepper
Aromatics – In my photos & video, I simply used dried basil because that’s what I had on hand. However, you can add minced or sliced garlic, fresh basil, shallots, or really whatever you like! You can also keep it simple and not add any extras. Whatever you choose, just make sure you add it at the end of cooking so it doesn’t burn.
Balsamic Glaze – This is completely optional, but delicious. Just add a drizzle of glaze on top of your blistered tomatoes for the perfect final touch!
How to Make Blistered Cherry Tomatoes
Let me show you how to make blistered tomatoes the easy way with a cast-iron skillet!
1. Prep Ingredients
Blistered tomatoes cook very quickly and are at risk of burning. The best way to ensure this doesn’t happen is by prepping all your ingredients before you start cooking– you won’t have time in the middle of it!
Wash your tomatoes and pat them dry. Gather your olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried basil (or slice some fresh basil, mince some garlic or shallots, etc. Just make sure you do this before you start cooking!)
2. Heat Skillet
Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat on the stove.
3. Blister Tomatoes
When the skillet is hot, add the tomatoes. Leave the tomatoes alone to sit for about 2 minutes without any stirring– until the bottoms blister.
4. Gently Stir
Once the bottoms of the tomatoes blister, give them a gentle stir. Let them cook for another minute or two.
5. Add the Aromatics
For the last minute of cooking, you can add your dried basil, minced garlic, or whatever flavorings you would like.
After adding, give the tomatoes a stir, then remove the skillet from heat.
You want to be careful not to overcook the tomatoes to where they burst when stirred (it is more fun for them to burst in your mouth!), nor do you want to burn the herbs or garlic.
Err on the conservative side and remove the skillet from the heat earlier rather than later.
6. Serve
Serve immediately, and if desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Additions & Garnishes
As mentioned, you can add whatever herbs or aromatics you’d like. Minced garlic, sliced shallots, chopped basil, or even dried Italian seasoning. They are all delicious!
You may also wish to grate fresh Parmesan cheese onto your blistered tomatoes for a rich, nutty, cheesy flavor, or sprinkle chili flakes on top for a bite!
Drizzle balsamic glaze (balsamic vinegar that has been reduced) on top of the sautéed tomatoes for a real treat.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover blistered tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently for serving. Understand that leftover blistered tomatoes will not remain firm.
Serving Suggestions
There are so many delicious ways to serve these blistered tomatoes. Try them with any of these amazing recipes!
- Hawaiian Loco Mocos – My favorite breakfast recipe as of late.
- Smoked Picanha Steaks with Chimichurri – These tomatoes would be the perfect complement to these juicy steaks.
- Smoked Whole Chicken – This smoked chicken is absolutely delicious–smoky, juicy, flavorful, and the perfect protein to go with the tomatoes!
- Blackstone Jamaican Jerk Chicken Thighs – Tangy, sweet tomatoes would beautifully balance out this spicy, crispy Jerk chicken!
- Traeger Beef Burgers – Deliciously juicy, these smoked burgers are perfect for a Saturday night.
- Healthy Biscuits & Gravy – Another delicious healthy & savory breakfast recipe, these tomatoes would be the perfect way to add some veggies to your plate.
Fruit & Veggie Recipes
Want more fruit & veggie recipes for your harvest? Check out my fermented tomatoes with basil and garlic recipe. Check out my Summer Recipes page for more inspiration.
Leave a Rating & Review!
Try this recipe today and then please come back and leave a rating & review–it means the world!
Blistered Tomatoes
Equipment
- 1 large skillet preferably cast iron
Ingredients
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried basil - or fresh basil, or minced garlic
- salt & pepper to taste
- optional balsamic glaze for serving
Instructions
- Rinse cherry tomatoes clean and pat dry. Prep all ingredients before starting because these cook fast and you don't want to burn them.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat on the stove.
- When the skillet is hot, at the tomatoes. Let sit for about 2 minutes without stirring until the bottoms blister.
- Gently stir the tomatoes with a spatula, then add your basil (or garlic if using).
- Let them cook for another minute or two, then remove them from heat. You want to be careful not to overcook these tomatoes to where they prematurely burst. Pull the skillet off the heat sooner rather than later.
- Serve immediately. If desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze.
So simple and so delicious! I’ve always loved tomatoes most when they’re cooked. Just so sweet, tangy, and perfect. This is a such a delicious and easy way to get some veggies in at breakfast, too!