Front Range Fed

  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    How To Make Homemade Fire Roasted Tomatoes In The Oven

    Published: Mar 6, 2025 by Sarah Jenkins. This post may contain affiliate links. See the Privacy Policy at the bottom of this page.

    Jump to Recipe
    fire roasted tomatoes on baking sheet with wire rack.

    Fire-roasted tomatoes are smoky, charred little flavor bombs that take any dish from meh to wow. This easy recipe will give you the best flavor possible—smoky, sweet, and deeply caramelized. Perfect for pasta sauces, homemade salsas, Tex-Mex dishes, and all sorts of dishes that need a little oomph. 

    fire roasted tomatoes on baking sheet with wire rack.

    The other night, I made homemade chili and added a big old scoop of these fire-roasted tomatoes to the batch. My husband loved it, my kids loved it, and I loved that it gave my favorite chili a bit of extra pizazz. It's easy to love this recipe. First of all, it's ridiculously simple to make. It’s also the best way to use up an abundance of tomatoes from your summer garden. And let's not forget about that luscious fire-roasted flavor—juicy tomatoes kissed by high heat develop a rich, smoky depth you simply can’t get from regular canned tomatoes (even those labeled fire-roasted!). 

    Sure, you could grab a can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes from your local grocery store, but why settle for processed when you can fire up your own homemade fire-roasted tomatoes that are seriously sooo much better? I also love that you get full control over the ingredients—no citric acid, calcium chloride, or other tomato product additives, just fresh summer tomatoes roasted to perfection. Bonus: your kitchen will smell amazing, and you'll be able to use these babies in everything from chilis to pasta and pizzas. 

    In This Post
    • Key Ingredients
    • How To Make Fire Roasted Tomatoes
    • Tips And Tricks
    • Variations And Substitutions
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Ways To Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
    • More Easy Veggie Sides
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    Key Ingredients

    Tomatoes, spices, and a bit of heat are all you need here. 

    ingredients for fire roasted tomatoes on countertop, labeled.
    • Roma tomatoes. The best tomatoes are ones you've grown in your garden, but if you don't have a green thumb, don't worry. Store-bought tomatoes work great too. Red-ripe California Roma tomatoes work best, but cherry tomatoes or San Marzano (like plum tomatoes, but just a bit thinner) are also great options.
    • Grapeseed or avocado oil. This is important. These oils have a high smoke point, making them ideal for roasting. Trust me on this - your kitchen will get a little smoky and you do not want to use olive oil here unless you want to set off all your smoke alarms! Just a small drizzle is all you need.
    • Kosher salt & black pepper. Has there ever been a better power couple? These simple seasonings enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
    • Smoked paprika. Helps bring out that deep, fire-roasted flavor. You could also use regular paprika here too.
    • Garlic powder. This is optional and may depend on how you plan to use your tomatoes, but I highly recommend it for an extra punch of flavor. I was using my tomatoes in a big batch of chili and the garlic flavor went perfectly with the dish.

    How To Make Fire Roasted Tomatoes

    Let's make roasted tomatoes!  The process here is easy - just slice, season, and roast. 

    1. Preheat the oven. Set it to 450°F for peak flavor and caramelization.
    2. Prep the tomatoes. Rinse, dry, and slice your whole tomatoes in half (cut side up!). If you want a smoother texture, remove the seeds.
    3. Season generously. Place tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
    sliced roma tomatoes on pan lined with wire rack.
    1. Roast away. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges char slightly. Want even more smoky flavor? Switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
    2. Cool & store. Let them cool slightly before transferring them to a glass jar or airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer shelf life.
    fire roasted tomatoes on baking sheet with wire rack.

    Tips And Tricks

    • Watch carefully. Definitely keep an eye on these. If you use too much oil, things can get smoky quickly. I recommend turning on your oven vent right at the start. 
    • Use a Grill. Want that true fire-roasted experience? Use a charcoal grill or an open fire to roast tomatoes instead of the oven.
    • Storing/Canning. Storing in a mason jar? Add a touch of organic tomato juice for extra moisture and flavor. I'm not a canner, but you could also totally can these and eat them all year long.  
    • Freezing the tomatoes. If you plan to freeze, first spread the tomatoes on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to an airtight container. This makes pulling out individual tomatoes for recipes much easier. 
    • Reduce the smoke. Roasting tomatoes can be a bit tricky and if you're not careful, you can end up with a kitchen full of smoke. To avoid this, use an oil with a high smoke point, like grapeseed or avocado oil. Depending on the size of your tomatoes, you may not need the full 30 minutes to roast (smaller varieties may get away with 20 minutes or less), and you can always lower the heat a bit if you find your tomatoes are smoking.

    Variations And Substitutions

    Different varieties of tomatoes, different seasonings and even how you process the tomatoes can give you a completely different product!

    • Try different types of tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes or San Marzano tomatoes work beautifully.
    • Experiment with different seasonings. Try Italian seasonings (like my homemade spaghetti seasoning recipe, sea salt, or fresh basil for a herby twist.
    • Make them spicy! Need a spicy kick. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
    • Make a sauce. Blend these into tomato sauce or tomato paste for an ultra-rich base.
    • Dice em up! Fire-roasted diced tomatoes go great in salsas and Mexican dishes. 
    fire roasted tomatoes on baking sheet with wire rack.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make these on a gas grill?

    Yep! Just place the tomatoes cut side down on the grill grates and cook over medium heat until charred.

    What’s the shelf life of homemade fire-roasted tomatoes?

    Stored in an airtight container, they last up to 5 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze them. If you're into canning, you can also can these babies to save for a rainy day. 
    Here's an excellent guide for canning tomatoes if you're so inclined.

    Can I use regular tomatoes?

    Yes! I often gravitate to Roma tomatoes since they're so readily available, but any type of juicy tomatoes will work. Bonus - trying out different varieties will give you different flavors!

    How do I use these in Italian recipes?

    Sub them into spaghetti sauce, pizza sauces, or as a side dish with fresh herbs and olive oil.

    Ways To Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes

    You can use fire-roasted tomatoes pretty much anywhere you'd use normal tomatoes in a recipe. Here are some ideas:

    • Pasta or sauce. Toss them into pasta sauces or spaghetti sauce for a deep, smoky sweetness.
    • Salads. Stir them into homemade salsas for a next-level Tex-Mex dip.
    • Tomato paste or juice. Blend them into a rich tomato paste or organic tomato juice.
    • Pizzas. Pile them onto pizza for a natural complement to melty cheese and Italian seasonings.
    • Soups. Mix them into stews and soups for a sweet, roasted depth.

    So, next time you find yourself with a ton of tomatoes, fire-roast them and watch your favorite dishes reach a whole new level of flavor. 

    If you do give this recipe a try don’t forget to leave a comment below to tell me how you liked it, and tag me with a pic @frontrangefed on Instagram!

    More Easy Veggie Sides

    • Roasted Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts
    • Cheesy Boursin Mashed Potatoes
    • Easy Air Fryer Kale Chips
    • Hot Honey Roasted Carrots
    • Crispy Parsnip Fries
    • Garlic Green Beans
    • Smoked Corn On The Cob
    • Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli

    Recipe

    fire roasted tomatoes on baking sheet with wire rack.

    How To Make Homemade Fire Roasted Tomatoes In The Oven

    Author: Sarah Jenkins
    Fire-roasted tomatoes are smoky, charred little flavor bombs that take any dish from meh to wow. This easy recipe will give you the best flavor possible—smoky, sweet, and deeply caramelized. Perfect for pasta sauces, homemade salsas, Tex-Mex dishes, and all sorts of dishes that need a little oomph.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish, vegetable
    Cuisine American, Italian, Mexican
    Servings 2 cups
    Calories 211 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 lbs Roma tomatoes (about 10-12 tomatoes)
    • 2 tablespoon grapeseed oil or avocado oil
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • Prepare the tomatoes. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Rinse the 10-12 tomatoes, pat them dry, and slice them in half lengthwise.
    • Season the tomatoes. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the halved tomatoes on top, cut side up. (If you have a baking rack that fits into your pan you can place them on top of that too to help catch all the tomato juices.) Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of oil and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika and ½ teaspoon garlic powder (if using).
    • Roast the tomatoes. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until the edges of the tomatoes begin to char slightly and they look caramelized. For a more intense "fire-roasted" effect, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
    • Cool and store. Let the tomatoes cool slightly. You can serve them immediately, use them in recipes, or store them for later use. If storing, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze or can for longer storage.

    Notes

    • Keep an eye on these to ensure they don't burn. Using an oil with a high smoke point like grapeseed oil or avocado oil will produce less smoke than using an oil with a low smoke point (like olive oil.). If the tomatoes start to smoke, lower the temperature to 350.
    • If your tomatoes are on the smaller side, you may wish to lower the cooking time to around 15 minutes.  
    • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 211kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 605mgPotassium: 1102mgFiber: 6gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 4027IUVitamin C: 62mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword oven-roasted
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    More Side Dishes

    • crockpot pinto beans in serving bowl with cilantro and jalapeno slices on top.
      No-Soak Crock Pot Pinto Beans with Bacon and Sautéed Veggies
    • closeup view of pomegranate couscous salad with pistachio, lemon and mint.
      Festive Pomegranate and Couscous Salad
    • closeup of jammy eggs on plate.
      Perfect Jammy Eggs (Soft-Boiled) in 7 Minutes
    • air fryer kale chip on platter on countertop.
      5-Minute Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips

    Comments

    No Comments

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

    Did you try this recipe? I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Sarah Jenkins

    Hi, I'm Sarah! I love creating dishes based on what's in season and using local ingredients as often as I can. I hope you'll find some new to you recipes here that will inspire you to make something delicious!

    More about me →

    Popular

    • closeup of lazy lasagna with frozen cheese ravioli, pieces cut.
      Lazy Baked Frozen Ravioli Lasagna (With Cheese Ravioli)
    • closeup of buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta in serving bowl.
      Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
    • dump and bake meatball casserole in casserole dish on countertop.
      Quick And Easy Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole
    • stack of air fryer biscuits on cutting board with bowl of jelly on the side.
      Easy Perfect And Fluffy Canned Air Fryer Biscuits 
    • cornbread cowboy casserole in dutch oven on countertop with section of casserole spooned out.
      Easy Cornbread Cowboy Casserole With Beef And Beans
    • glazed meatloaf on platter.
      EASY Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf Recipe
    • small batch chocolate chip cookies piled onto cutting board.
      Best Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
    • sheet pan pancakes with mix in pan with strawberries, blueberries and chocolate chips.
      Sheet Pan Pancakes From Mix

    Latest Recipes

    • pork carnitas burrito cut in half on plate.
      Chipotle-Style Pork Carnitas Burrito Recipe
    • instant pot pork carnitas on platter.
      Easy Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe - Crispy And Juicy!
    • two wine glasses with hugo spritz, garnished with mint and lemon wheel with St-Germain bottle in the background.
      How To Make A Hugo Spritz - The Ultimate Summer Cocktail
    • bowl of turkey tetrazzini on countertop.
      Easy Leftover Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe (Lighter Version!)
    Subscribe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    INFO

    Privacy Policy & Disclaimer

    Contact

    SUBSCRIBE

    Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Follow

    Instagram

    Facebook

    Pinterest

    Copyright © 2025 Front Range Fed

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.