Smoked Tomato Recipe: How to Smoke Tomatoes for Rich Flavor

If you love fresh tomatoes, try this Smoked Tomatoes recipe. Simple steps yield delicious, smoky tomatoes that complement any meal.

Smoked Tomatoes slices topped with spices and fresh basil

Tomato lovers will enjoy the rich, smoky flavor of these smoked tomatoes. They pair well with many smoked dishes and sides and are easy to prepare with common pantry spices.

The herb and garlic seasoning boosts the tomatoes’ natural sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.

What’s in this post: Smoked Tomatoes

  • Why We Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • How to Make Smoked Tomatoes
  • Recipe Tips
  • How to Use Smoked Tomatoes
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Smoked Tomatoes Recipe

Why We Love This Recipe

This smoked tomatoes recipe is straightforward and uses basic pantry ingredients. You can swap dried spices for fresh herbs if preferred to customize the flavor.

They make a great accompaniment for grilled or smoked mains and can be folded into sauces, salads, soups, or served as a smoky side.

Ingredients

Ingredients - Tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, fresh basil
  • Ripe tomatoes – choose firm, ripe tomatoes (any variety)
  • Olive oil – or avocado oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano – or Italian seasoning; fresh thyme or rosemary also work
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil – chopped, for garnish; optional balsamic drizzle

Scroll to the recipe card below for exact amounts and full instructions.

How to Make Smoked Tomatoes

  • Step 1 – Preheat your smoker to 225°F (about 107°C).
Slice fresh tomatoes on a baking sheet

Step 2 – Wash the tomatoes and cut them in half horizontally.

Combining oil with spices in a bowl

Step 3 – In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano.

Drizzling oil and spices on a baking sheet

Step 4 – Brush the cut sides of the tomato halves with the garlic-herb oil.

Slice tomatoes topped with oil and spices on the grill grates

Step 5 – Place the tomatoes, cut side up, directly on the smoker grates.

Smoked tomatoes on the grill grates

Step 6 – Smoke for about 2 hours, or until tomatoes are soft and infused with smoke.

Smoked tomatoes slices on a white platter

Step 7 – Remove from the smoker, let cool slightly, and garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.

Recipe Tips

  • Tomato selection: Choose tomatoes that are ripe but still firm so they maintain shape while smoking.
  • Slicing: Keep slices similar in thickness so they smoke evenly.
  • Doneness: Smoking time can vary; they are ready when tender and smoky to taste.
Slice smoked tomatoes on a platter topped with seasoning and fresh basil

How to Use Smoked Tomatoes

Smoked tomatoes are versatile. Use them to add smoky depth to many dishes or serve as a side.

  • Top avocado toast with smoked tomatoes and fresh herbs.
  • Chop and mix into homemade salsa for a smoky twist.
  • Dice and toss over salads for added flavor.
  • Blend into marinara or tomato sauce for pasta.
  • Stir into soups to deepen the broth’s flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of tomatoes are best for smoking?

You can smoke many varieties: cherry, Roma, plum, or larger slicing tomatoes. Firm, ripe tomatoes hold up best.

What wood chips work well?

Mild fruit woods like apple or cherry work great. Hickory adds a stronger smoke flavor — choose based on preference.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently or serve cold.

Can I freeze smoked tomatoes?

Yes. Freeze in a freezer-safe container or vacuum-seal for up to three months.

Slice tomatoes and spices and fresh basil on a platter

More Smoked Side Dish Recipes

Corn on the cob on a platter

Smoked Corn on the Cob

Creamy deviled eggs garnished with paprika and chives on a white plate

Smoked Deviled Eggs

If you make these smoked tomatoes, please leave a comment or rating — feedback is appreciated.

Smoked Tomatoes

Smoked Tomatoes

If you love fresh tomatoes, try this Smoked Tomatoes recipe. Simple steps yield delicious, smoky tomatoes that complement any meal.
Prep Time 15 mins
Smoke Time 2 hrs
Total Time 2 hrs 15 mins
Servings 4
Cuisine American
Course Side Dish
Calories 133
Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

  • 6 medium-sized ripe tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the smoker to 225°F.
  2. Wash the tomatoes and cut them in half horizontally.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
  4. Brush the cut side of each tomato half with the garlic-herb oil.
  5. Place the tomato halves, cut side up, directly on the smoker grates.
  6. Smoke for about 2 hours, or until the tomatoes are soft and have absorbed the smoke flavor.
  7. Remove from the smoker and let cool slightly.
  8. Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.

Recipe Notes

Pick tomatoes that are ripe but still firm so they hold up during smoking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 133 kcal. Carbohydrates: 9 g. Protein: 2 g. Fat: 11 g. Sodium: 592 mg. Potassium: 461 mg. Fiber: 3 g. Sugar: 5 g. Vitamin A: 1573 IU. Vitamin C: 26 mg.