Blistered Tomatoes

Blistered tomatoes opens up a whole new avenue of dishes and they can elevate just about any meal! Whip these up in less than 10 minutes!

Blistering tomatoes is a quick and simple technique that brings out their natural sweetness and adds a deep, caramelized flavor. A quick sauté with garlic and herbs turns cherry tomatoes into something extra juicy, and almost gourmet.

This method is perfect for cherry or grape tomatoes, which blister quickly while still maintaining their juicy interior.

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I have been on a bit of a blistered tomato binge lately. These are so easy to bring together and adding burrata cheese makes it even more amazing. Finish it off with sautéed garlic and fresh basil…YUM!

Why Blistered Tomatoes?

Blistered tomatoes are made by quickly cooking cherry or grape tomatoes in a hot pan, causing their skins to crack and their natural sugars to caramelize. This intensifies their sweetness and creates a perfect contrast to the rich creaminess of the orzo. The blistering process adds depth to their flavor while still keeping the tomatoes juicy and fresh.

What You’ll Need to Blister Tomatoes

The ingredients are pretty simple; it’s really just some cherry tomatoes. You can add in other ingredients but making simple blistered tomatoes is pretty straight forward.

• 1 pint of cherry or grape tomatoes (or other small tomatoes)
• 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt (optional)
• Skillet

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the Skillet – Choose a large, heavy skillet or sauté pan to ensure even heat distribution. Heat it over medium-high heat and let it get very hot before adding the tomatoes. This high heat is key to blistering the skins quickly.
2. Add Oil – Once the pan is hot, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Swirl the oil around the pan to ensure an even coating.
3. Add the Tomatoes – Add your washed and dried cherry or grape tomatoes to the skillet. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan—if needed, work in batches so each tomato has contact with the hot surface.
4. Let Them Sit – Let the tomatoes sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. This allows their skins to blister and char slightly without bursting too soon. Resist the urge to stir right away!
5. Shake or Stir – Once the tomatoes begin to blister and their skins start to crack, shake the pan or gently stir the tomatoes to blister them on all sides. This should take an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove from Heat – Once the tomatoes are evenly blistered, remove them from the heat. They should have charred skins but still be juicy inside.

Tips for Perfectly Blistered Tomatoes

Blistering tomatoes is pretty straightforward but there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind so you can enjoy the perfect blistered tomato.

Tips & Tricks

• High Heat is Key: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the tomatoes. This ensures they blister rather than stew.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the tomatoes enough space to cook evenly. If they’re too crowded, they’ll steam instead of blister.
• Use Firm, Fresh Tomatoes: Fresh, firm cherry or grape tomatoes work best for blistering as they hold their shape while still softening nicely inside.

Ways to Use Blistered Tomatoes

Blistered tomatoes bring out the natural sweetness and tanginess of fresh tomatoes, making them a versatile and delicious addition to almost any meal!

• Salads – Add blistered tomatoes to your favorite salads to give them a sweet, smoky flavor. They work well in both warm and cold salads. 
• Pasta dishes – Blistered tomatoes can elevate any pasta dish. Toss them into creamy pastas like my creamy orzo pasta, pesto pasta, or a simple olive oil and garlic pasta for a pop of sweetness and acidity.
• Pizza Topping – Use blistered tomatoes as a topping for homemade pizza or flatbreads. Their burst of sweet flavor pairs beautifully with cheese, fresh basil, and even spicy toppings like pepperoni or sausage.
• Eggs – For a savory breakfast, fold blistered tomatoes into omelets or scatter them over frittatas. They add a fresh, tangy element to the eggs that pairs well with herbs and cheese.
• Grain Bowls – Blistered tomatoes are perfect for adding to grain bowls. Combine them with grains like rice, farro, or couscous, along with roasted veggies, greens, and a protein like chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for a balanced meal.

Recipe: Creamy Orzo with Blistered Tomatoes

Optional Add Ins

Basic blistered tomatoes are cherry tomatoes with olive oil and some salt, but you can add in some other flavors too to step it up a notch. I added in fresh minced garlic and chopped basil once the tomatoes were removed from the heat.

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Blistered Tomatoes

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Blistering tomatoes is a quick and simple technique that brings out their natural sweetness and adds a deep, caramelized flavor. This method is perfect for cherry or grape tomatoes, which blister quickly while still maintaining their juicy interior.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, or other herbs
• kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Add the tomatoes and let them sit undisturbed in the pan for 2 minutes, to blister on the bottom.
2. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper, then stir together with the tomatoes. Let them cook and blister another 2-3 minutes, stirring a few more times.
3. Remove the blistered tomatoes from the heat, then top with chopped basil or other fresh herbs.

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