Grilled Tomatoes with Savory Fruit Jam (Blueberry, Fig & Onion Variations)
- Updated on May 28, 2025
Sweet-charred grilled tomatoes meet a slather of quick savory fruit jam—choose blueberry, fig, or caramelised onion – for a quick summer side dish. Vegetarian, gluten‑free, and easily vegan with plant‑based cheese.
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Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Grilled Tomatoes
- 10 minutes on the grill (or under) – perfect for busy weeknights or BBQ add‑ons. Otherwise cook it in the oven.
- Unique sweet‑savory flavour from blueberry jam, oregano & melting cheese.
- 75 calories per serving (tomato half) and packed with nutrients.
- Vegetarian & gluten‑free, with a simple vegan swap.
I’ll be honest, I’ve eaten this dish for breakfast, too. There’s something weirdly satisfying about it – it’s filling, but I always feel quite mobile afterwards, especially if I have a workout or something planned.
It’s nice and light, but you still feel like you ate something decent.
If you like sweet breakfasts or snacks, you’ll love these 4-ingredient white chocolate muffins, too. Easiest muffins I ever made!!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Big tomatoes: Bigger is better in this case, as they’re easier to cover in toppings.
- Blueberry jam: I love this one, but you can use any jam you have in the fridge!
- Cheddar cheese, grated: Sub plant‑based cheddar for vegan option.
- Dried oregano: Try za’atar or Italian herbs.
- Olive oil: Swap avocado oil for higher smoke point.
- Salt & pepper: Smoked sea salt adds BBQ depth.
- Watercress (garnish): Optional freshness & colour.
Jam Ideas
You can use any type of jam for this – sweet or savory! Some ideas are:
- Blueberry Jam
- Fig Balsamic Jam – mash 2 tbsp fig jam with ½ tsp balsamic vinegar or cream.
- Caramelised Onion Jam
- Strawberry or other berry jam
How to Make Grilled Tomatoes with Blueberry Jam
Prep grill
Heat to medium‑high (200 °C / 400 °F). Oil grates.
Halve tomatoes
Scoop a tiny cavity for jam; brush cut sides with olive oil.
Add toppings
Spread ½ tsp savory blueberry jam on each half, sprinkle oregano, top with cheese.
Grill
Place tomatoes cut‑side up, close lid, cook 5 – 6 min until cheese bubbles & tomatoes blister.
Finish
Season, garnish with watercress, drizzle olive oil.
Pro Tips
- Use a grill basket or foil to keep tomatoes from tipping.
- Room‑temp jam and cheese melt faster, avoiding over‑cooked tomato skins.
- You can oven‑roast at 180 °C / 360 °F for 25 min if grilling isn’t an option.
Variations
- Blueberry Onion Jam Burst: Double the minced onion in the jam for extra savory punch.
- Herbed Goat Cheese: Swap cheddar for crumbled goat cheese & fresh thyme.
- Vegan Grilled Tomatoes: Use plant‑based cheddar shreds and skip honey if using sweetened jam.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside grilled halloumi or tofu for a complete vegetarian BBQ plate.
- Add to bruschetta or crostini with basil leaves for appetisers.
- Pair with sparkling rosé or iced herbal tea for a summer brunch.
Ingredients
- 3 medium tomatoes (medium-large)
- 3 tsp blueberry jam
- 1 ½ tsp oregano, dried
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- 1 handful watercress (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/360°F. Or grill/BBQ for 10 minutes.
- Cut the tomatoes in half, and place on a baking tray with aluminium foil or parchment paper.3 medium tomatoes
- Spread a little bit of jam on each of the tomato slices.3 tsp blueberry jam
- Then sprinkle dried oregano on top.1 ½ tsp oregano, dried
- Layer the grated cheese over the tomatoes and place in the oven for 25 minutes or until cheese is golden brown.½ cup cheddar cheese, grated
- Now garnish each slice with watercress.1 handful watercress
- Drizzle with olive oil and finish with salt and pepper. Enjoy!1 tbsp olive oil, Salt and pepper to taste
NOTES
Nowadays you can find various vegan cheese options (even cheddar flavour) in bigger supermarkets. See what floats your boat. Jansen’s pro tip:
These are excellent for a brunch with friends. Double up the ingredients to make sure everyone gets a half or two!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill tomatoes without them falling through the grates?
Use a perforated grill tray or cast‑iron skillet; small cherry tomatoes stay put.
Is blueberry jam good with savory dishes?
Yes! Adding vinegar & onion turns it into a quick chutney‑style condiment.
How do I make these vegan?
Replace cheddar with vegan mozzarella shreds and check jam for honey.
Which jam is best with grilled tomatoes?
Fig jam is the most universally loved partner – it’s naturally sweet, slightly earthy, and pairs especially well with tomato’s acidity. Blueberry-onion jam adds a bright, wine-like fruitiness, while caramelised-onion jam amps up the umami for a fully savoury twist.
Can I use tomato jam on grilled tomatoes?
Yes, tomato jam doubles down on tomato flavour and works like a chunky, sweet chutney. Keep the layer thin (½ tsp per tomato half) so the dish doesn’t taste one-note, and add a splash of balsamic or a few chilli flakes for contrast. Basil is also lovely.
What cheese pairs with jam & tomatoes?
I think the best is mature cheddar. Goat cheese (soft chèvre) for tang. Fresh mozzarella for milky creaminess. Salty feta if you want a sharper bite. Each cheese balances jam’s sweetness while complementing grilled tomato umami.
Storage & Meal‑Prep
Grill tomatoes just before serving for best texture. Leftovers keep 2 days in the fridge; reheat under a broiler 2 min.
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