Is your garden overflowing with tomatoes? Make this delicious Cherry Tomato Jam! This quick, small batch jam couldn't be easier to make (no canning required), and its savory flavor is simply scrumptious. Spread it on burgers and sandwiches, pair it with cheese and crackers, and so much more!
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Ginnie's Take
Are you a cherry tomato fan? I find these flavorful mini tomatoes simply irresistible! You won't catch me leaving the grocery store without throwing a pack (or two) into my shopping cart, and sometimes, I go a little overboard. Whenever I do, I make this mouthwatering Cherry Tomato Jam. This homemade jam has the most amazing, sweet-savory flavor, it's so simple to make. Plus, you can easily scale this small batch recipe up or down depending on how many tomatoes you have. The perfect recipe for cherry tomato lovers!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Amazing Flavor - This homemade jam has a wonderful savory tomato-basil flavor with a touch of natural sweetness from the tomatoes and balsamic vinegar (there's no sugar added). It's so delicious!
- Easy to Make - Unlike traditional preserves, this recipe is fast and easy to prepare. There's no canning required, although you can freeze the jam to save it for later.
- Versatile - There are so many ways to use this scrumptious sauce! Add it to burgers, spread it on toast, pair it with cheese and crackers, and more. You'll find lots of ideas below.
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Ingredients
You need just a few basic ingredients to make these Cherry Tomato Preserves:
- Tomatoes - This recipe works with cherry tomatoes and grape tomatoes. I used these Flavor Bombs, which have a great flavor.
- Garlic - Fresh garlic pairs perfectly with the tomatoes and adds tons of flavor.
- Olive Oil - You'll sauté the garlic in a little extra virgin olive oil, which adds richness to the finished jam.
- Vinegar - Tangy balsamic vinegar brightens up the other flavors and gives the jam a touch of sweetness.
- Herbs - A little fresh basil takes this savory jam from good to great! Don't skip it.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, gluten free, and nut free, so everyone gathered around your table can enjoy it!
You'll Also Need
Grab a sharp knife to prep the tomatoes and basil, as well as a garlic press if you have one. You will cook the jam in a large frying pan.
How to Make Tomato Jam with Cherry Tomatoes
This Quick Tomato Jam really couldn't be easier to prepare! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's a quick overview of the process:
- Sauté garlic. Start by cooking the garlic in olive oil just until fragrant.
- Cook tomatoes. Next, you'll add the tomatoes, then continue cooking until they start to soften.
- Add vinegar. Mix in the balsamic vinegar, then cook the tomatoes until they are thick and jammy.
- Stir in basil. Finish the recipe by mixing in the fresh basil. Let cool to room temperature or chill before using.
Okay, time to try your homemade Cherry Tomato Jam! You are going to love the sweet-savory flavor.
Variations
This Tomato Jam recipe is fun and easy to customize with different ingredients! Here are a few ideas to try:
- Tomatoes - While cherry and grape tomatoes are best, you can experiment with other tomatoes. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be different.
- Spicy - Give your jam a little kick by sautéing a jalapeño, habanero, or serrano pepper with the garlic. You could also mix in some crushed red pepper flakes or Calabrian chili peppers.
- Herbs + Spices - Replace the basil with other fresh herbs, such as oregano, thyme, rosemary, or dill. Fragrant spices, like smoked paprika, Chinese five spice, cumin, or garam masala, are also delicious. For a more old fashioned flavor, try adding warm spices, such as cloves, cinnamon, and ginger.
- Vinegar - Swap in apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or lemon juice for the balsamic. Depending on what you use, you may want to add a pinch of sugar to make up for the lost sweetness.
- Sweet - Stir in a tablespoon (or two) of brown sugar for sweeter tasting preserves.
How to Use
You'll find so many ways to use this delightful savory jam! Here are a few of my favorites:
- Eggs - Add a dollop to scrambled or fried eggs, or spread it on a Breakfast Sandwich.
- Burgers - The taste of this homemade jam is somewhat reminiscent of ketchup, making it perfect for burgers. In fact, I first created it for my Portobello Halloumi Burgers. Try it on these Edamame and Black Bean Burgers, too!
- Sandwiches - Don't stop at burgers, because these preserves are ideal for slathering on any sandwich or wrap. Add some to this Broccoli Rabe Grilled Cheese, or simply spread it on toasted sourdough bread, like I did in the photo below!
- Cheese Board - This tomato-basil spread makes an excellent addition to a gourmet Cheese Plate.
- Crostini Topping - Serve a bowl of this colorful jam with crunchy Crostini Toasts for a quick appetizer.
- Pizza - Use it as a sauce for pizza and flatbreads.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator, where the jam will stay fresh for about four days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later. I'd recommend eating the frozen jam within two to three months for the best flavor.
Related Recipes
Looking for more ways to use up lots of grape and cherry tomato? Try one of these delicious ideas next:
- Make Roasted Cherry Tomatoes or Roasted Grape Tomatoes, which are perfect for topping all sorts of dishes!
- Use them to prepare this tomato-based Sicilian Pesto alla Trapanese.
- Treat yourself to the tastiest Pesto Tomato Pasta, which is topped with these delish Marinated Cherry Tomatoes!
- Serve them on this mouthwatering Tomato and Goat Cheese Tartine (perfect for a lunch or dinner).
- Throw together this Easy Pasta Salad with just four ingredients!
- Whip up this decadent Burrata Caprese Salad in minutes.
- Serve this yummy Bake Feta and Tomato appetizer at your next party.
Free Printable Labels
Click anywhere on the image below (or on the text below the image) to download the free printable labels.
For best results, print the labels on white cardstock. You can attach the labels to a mason jar with twine or ribbon, or you can place the labels underneath the lid's ring. You can also print the labels on sticker paper, then stick them right to the jars (either on the front or on the lid).
Cherry Tomato Jam
Ingredients
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Quarter 4 cups cherry tomatoes (or halve, if very small).
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- When hot, add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, stirring constantly (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in cherry tomatoes, then season lightly with salt. Cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar to tomatoes. Mix well, then cook until mixture is thick and jammy.
- Remove from heat, then stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped basil. Season to taste with salt.
- Cool to room temperature before eating (or refrigerate). Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
