Grilled grape tomatoes are better than raw ones. Fifteen minutes of direct heat collapses them slightly, concentrates the sweetness, and adds a little char at the skin that you cannot get any other way. Skewer them, brush with olive oil, season, and grill over medium-high heat for about five minutes per side. Serve over almost anything.
Balsamic vinegar caramelizes on the surface during grilling, leaving the tomatoes with a slight sweetness and tang. Serve them warm as a side dish, or pile them on grilled bread, or toss them into pasta. They are one of the simplest things to put on a grill and one of the most useful.
Tips for Grilling Grape Tomatoes
Use a grill basket or skewers
Grape tomatoes are small enough to fall through standard grill grates. A grill basket keeps them contained while still letting heat and smoke reach the skin.
If you use skewers, thread the tomatoes close together so they do not spin when you turn them. Two parallel skewers per row prevent spinning entirely.
Do not overcook them
You want the skins blistered and slightly charred, but the tomatoes should still hold their shape. Overcooked tomatoes collapse into mush.
Five to seven minutes is enough for most grills. Pull one off and squeeze it gently. It should be soft but still intact. Once the skins start splitting, they are done.
Grilled Grape Tomatoes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Juicy grape tomatoes marinated and grilled to perfection, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pint grape tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the grape tomatoes in the marinade.
- Grill the tomatoes for 5-7 minutes until slightly charred.
- Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pint
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 1
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead?
Yes. Cherry tomatoes are slightly larger than grape tomatoes but cook the same way. They may take a minute longer. Any small, firm tomato works for grilling.
What balsamic vinegar should I use?
A standard grocery-store balsamic vinegar is fine. You do not need aged or expensive balsamic for this. The heat caramelizes even inexpensive vinegar into something that tastes rich.
Can I grill these indoors?
A grill pan over medium-high heat works well. The ridges leave char marks on the tomatoes. Toss them in the pan and shake it every minute or so to rotate them.
