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    Home » Recipes » Smoker Recipes

    Smoked Cherry Tomatoes with Basil and Goat Cheese

    Published: Mar 30, 2024 · Modified: Jul 27, 2024 by Amanda Mason · 28 Comments

    Yield 4 people
    Cook 1 hour hour
    Prep 5 minutes minutes
    Jump to Recipe
    White bowl containing cherry tomaotes topped with basil and goat cheese.
    White bowl containing smoked cherry tomatoes topped with goat cheese crumbles and fresh basil, fork in bowl.
    Foil packet containing cherry marinated tomatoes.
    20 cherry tomatoes in marinade spread on piece of aluminum foil.
    Red heirloom tomatoes on table with fresh basil leaves, bowl of tomatoes on table.
    White bowl containing smoked cherry tomatoes topped with goat cheese crumbles and fresh basil, fork in bowl.
    White bowl containing smoked tomatoes, goat cheese, and fresh basil.

    Packed with flavor, these smoked tomatoes make for one of the best BBQ side dishes! With only a 1 hour smoke time, these smoked cherry tomatoes have a show stopping taste that pairs perfectly with so many main dishes!

    Bowl of smoked tomatoes topped with cheese and basil.

    It's getting warm outside and that means it's time to break out the smoker so I can make some delicious smoker recipes! I have some of the best smoked meat recipes you'll find. I love making this smoked meatloaf, these smoked ribs and this smoked brisket around Memorial Day and the 4th of July holidays. And if you just want to smoke an easy recipe on the weekend, this hot smoked salmon and these smoked chicken breasts are quick, easy, and no hassle.

    But...have you ever smoked your SIDE DISHES? I love to smoke a pan of macaroni and cheese to pair alongside these smoked baked beans with bacon! Smoked side dishes are where it's at! And that's why I'm sharing this smoked tomato recipe. Packed with a smoky tomato flavor, these tomatoes work perfectly in salads and in making a homemade pasta sauce. Or, you can just enjoy them as a side dish paired with any protein!

    If you like a good Caprese salad recipe, then you'll love these smoked cherry tomatoes with fresh goat cheese and basil. The tastes are very similar. And if your smoker is already going, you should smoke up these smoked tomatoes to go with your smoked meat. The flavor combinations are just out-of-this-world delicious!

    Jump to:
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • 🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
    • 📋 Variations
    • 📋 Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
    • 🍅 More Ways To Use Smoked Tomatoes
    • 🙋🏼‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
    • Expert Tips
    • 🔥 More Smoker Recipes!
    • Smoked Cherry Tomatoes with Basil and Goat Cheese
    Bowl of freshly washed tomatoes.

    Why This Recipe Works

    • With only 6 basic and fresh ingredients, this is a super easy and convenient side dish to prep.
    • We're talking way less clean up...why dirty up your kitchen when you don't have to?!
    • The flavor of these smoked tomatoes is delicious and pairs with so many different proteins. We're talking fresh flavor combinations with the basil and creaminess of the goat cheese.
    • These can be made using any type of smoker!

    🛒 Ingredients You'll Need

    Bowl of fresh cherry tomatoes and a list of ingredients to make them in a smoerk.
    • Cherry Tomatoes - because they are small, sweet, and extra juicy, you'll be able to taste the smoke flavor in every bite! Make sure to use ripe, but not overripe tomatoes. If they are overripe, they tend to turn out mushy.
    • Olive Oil - used in the marinade and helps infuse extra flavor.
    • Balsamic Vinegar - also used in the marinade and enhances the flavor.
    • Water - added to the foil pouch to help maintain moisture during the smoking process.
    • Salt - a flavor enhancer.
    • Pepper - adds a subtle hint of heat.
    • Goat Cheese - added in the marinade and after the tomatoes are done smoking. The smoked cheese is a phenomenal culinary addition to this recipe.
    • Basil - also added to the marinade and after the smoking process. Basil adds a layer of fresh flavor.

    Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list & instructions!

    📋 Variations

    • Use Different Types of Tomatoes: You can use any type or size of tomatoes for this recipe. If you want to stick with small tomatoes, grape tomatoes will work well. If you want to use bigger tomatoes, try using Roma tomatoes, tomatoes on the vine, or green tomatoes. Make sure to cut the larger tomatoes into quarters. By cutting them, it breaks the skin so the smoke can permeate.
    • Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar: Using a flavored oil and vinegar adds a lot of extra flavor. Garlic and rosemary infused olive oil tastes the best. Peach, cherry, and cranberry balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction also enhances the flavor.
    • Spiciness: To add some heat to this dish, try adding chopped jalapeños to the marinade. To make it even hotter, include some of the seeds.
    • Liquid Smoke: Try adding a couple of Tablespoons to the water pan for added smoke flavor.

    📋 Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

    Red and white bowl containing cherry tomatoes sitting on a white table with a blue napkin.

    Step 1: Thoroughly wash the tomatoes and place them in a bowl.

    Bowl of raw cherry tomatoes with basil and goat cheese.

    Step 2: Next, grab some fresh basil and slice into thin strips. Add fresh goat cheese crumbles.

    Plastic bag filled with olive oil, basil, and fresh cherry tomatoes.

    Step 3: In a gallon size plastic bag, add the tomatoes, fresh basil, goat cheese crumbles, olive oil, Balsamic Vinegar, salt, and pepper. Zip the bag close and shake well to combine all the ingredients. Place the baggie in refrigerator and marinate for at least 2 hours.

    Raw cherry tomatoes with basil on aluminum foil.

    Step 4: After the marination process, pour the cherry tomatoes and marinade mixture onto a piece of aluminum foil.

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    Aluminum packet containing smoked tomatoes.

    Step 5: Fold the aluminum foil around the cherry tomato mixture and form into a pouch. Before closing, add 1 Tablespoon of water. Seal the aluminum pouch loosely, leaving a slight opening so the smoke can enter.

    Aluminum foil packet containing cherry tomatoes placed in a smoker.

    Step 6: Put the foil pouch into the smoker on the racks. Smoke for 1 hour.

    Step 7: After they are done smoking, open the aluminum pouch and pour the smoked tomatoes into a bowl. Top with more freshly sliced basil and goat cheese crumbles. Add a bit of salt and fresh ground pepper and you are ready to eat!

    Person eating with a fork smoked cherry tomatoes.

    Sweet and juicy with a savory twist, these smoked tomatoes are the perfect side dish! Try pairing them with this smoked tri tip and this smoked pork loin.

    🍅 More Ways To Use Smoked Tomatoes

    • Salsa - adding smoked tomatoes when making homemade salsa is absolutely delicious and adds a depth of smoky flavor in every bite. Just make sure to leave out the goat cheese.
    • Sauce - while fresh tomatoes are amazing in homemade sauces, using smoked tomatoes for sauce enriches the flavor. I often add them to my homemade spaghetti sauce and in this homemade crock pot marinara with meatballs recipe. And, you can even add them on top of a homemade pizza!
    • Chili and Soups - adds a wonderful smoky flavor that pairs really well with the beef and beans in this three bean chili and in this southwest stew. And they add a more robust flavor when used to make this creamy tomato soup.
    • Bruschetta and Charcuterie Board - instead of using fresh tomatoes on bruschetta, add a uniquely smoky flavor by using smoked tomatoes. They taste so good when I add them on top of these garlic aioli chicken baguettes. The same goes with a board...swap out the fresh tomatoes for this smoked version!

    🙋🏼‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

    Can I freeze smoked tomatoes?

    Yes! Once they have completely cooled, add them to a freezer safe container and freeze up to 3 months. Make sure to remove the cheese before freezing.

    At what temperature should I smoked tomatoes?

    For best results, smoke the tomatoes at 225°F. Smoking at this temperature helps keep them from drying out. Just enough smoke will be generated at this temperature for the tomatoes to really absorb a lot of the smoke.

    Expert Tips

    1. Use light flavored wood chips or chunks such as apple, cherry, oak, or pecan.
    2. The reason you want to seal the foil pouch loosely and leave a small opening is so the tomatoes don't dry out and become shriveled during the smoking process. This method also allows just enough smoke to enter to provide that smoky flavor. You can also opt to poke holes in the foil pouch with a fork to allow the smoke to penetrate the tomatoes.
    3. Make sure to let your smoker fully preheat before starting to cook to ensure as much smoke flavor is captured
    4. Adding 1 Tablespoon of water to the aluminum foil pouch before slightly sealing (you want the smoked to get in there!) helps provide additional moisture to cook the tomatoes.

    🔥 More Smoker Recipes!

    • Glass containing a berry smoothie topped with 2 raspberries and a mint spring, berries and banana on table.
      Quick and Easy Raspberry Smoothie
    • Slice of white sauce spinach lasagna on a spatula coming out of a pan.
      White Sauce Lasagna Recipe
    • Smoked chicken quarters on a slate plate topped with BBQ sauce.
      Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters
    • Smoked Beef Short Ribs

    If you tried these smoked cherry tomatoes or any other recipes on my website, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I love hearing from you! And, please leave a 🌟 rating while you're there!

    📧 Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter, so that you don’t miss out on any of my delicious recipes!

    Person eating with a fork smoked cherry tomatoes.

    Smoked Cherry Tomatoes with Basil and Goat Cheese

    These Smoked Cherry Tomatoes with Basil and Goat Cheese are the perfect side dish for any BBQ! Easy to prep with a show stopping taste, you'll have yourself one super-simple AND healthy summer side dish!
    5 from 10 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish, Sides
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour hour
    Marinade Time: 2 hours hours
    Total Time: 3 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 122kcal
    Author: Amanda Mason

    Equipment

    • Smoker

    Ingredients

    • 25-30 cherry tomatoes
    • 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil,
    • 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar,
    • ⅓ cup goat cheese, crumbled and divided
    • ¼ cup fresh basil, sliced and divided
    • salt, to taste
    • pepper, to taste
    • 1 Tablespoon water

    Instructions

    • Rinse the cherry tomatoes and place them in a bowl.
    • Next, grab a handful of fresh basil and slice into thin strips and set aside.
    • In a gallon size plastic bag, add the tomatoes, fresh basil, Balsamic vinegar, ½ of the goat cheese crumbles, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
    • Close the plastic bag and shake well to combine all the ingredients. Place the bag in the refrigerator and marinate for at least 2 hours.
    • After the tomatoes have marinated, start preparing your smoker by getting the wood chips or chunks ready, filling your water pan (add the liquid smoke in this step if you wish to) and then light your smoker.
    • Preheat the smoker to 225°F.
    • While the smoker is preheating, pour the cherry tomatoes and remaining marinade onto a piece of long aluminum foil.
    • Fold the aluminum foil around the cherry tomato mixture and form into a loose pouch. Before closing the pouch, add 1 Tablespoon of water. Slightly close the aluminum pouch, leaving a small opening.
      Expert Tip: The reason you want to seal the foil pouch loosely and leave a small opening is so the tomatoes don't dry out and become shriveled during the smoking process. This method also allows just enough smoke to enter to provide that smoky flavor. You can also opt to poke holes in the foil packet with a fork to allow the smoke to penetrate the tomatoes.
    • Place the foil pouch containing the tomatoes in the smoker and smoke for 1 hour.
    • After they are done smoking, open the aluminum pouch and pour the tomatoes into a bowl. 
    • Top with additional fresh sliced basil and goat cheese crumbles. Add a bit of fresh ground pepper and you are ready to eat!

    Notes

    • Use light flavored wood chips or chunks such as apple, cherry, oak, or pecan.
    • Make sure to let your smoker preheat fully before starting to cook to ensure as much smoke flavor is captured
    • Try adding Liquid Smoke to the water pan for additional smoky flavor.
    • Using a flavored olive oil and balsamic vinegar really brings out the flavors in your food, but it's fine to use unflavored.

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    Nutrition

    Calories: 122kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 65mg | Potassium: 242mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 706IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @RecipesWorthRep or tag #RecipesWorthRepeating!
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    578 shares

    About Amanda Mason

    Hi! I'm Amanda, the founder and creator behind Recipes Worth Repeating! Simply put, I focus on creating delicious recipes for everyone. I offer variety. I offer convenience. I offer yumminess! And that's why people keep coming back. The recipes I create are absolutely worth repeating.

    Founded in 2012, Recipes Worth Repeating grew from people routinely asking me to email them the recipe for my latest dish. Recipe development comes naturally to me and I find cooking relaxing. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, I developed a passion for cooking at an early age and I love to showcase a variety of recipes on my blog.Creating delicious new recipes, still photography, and video for Recipes Worth Repeating is the driving force behind what engages my readers to keep coming back for more recipes they will love.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 10 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    1. Julie Tracy

      October 02, 2019 at 2:53 pm

      Question... Why would you deal your packet versus leave open and get more smoke flavor imparted. Seems like sealing it sort of defeats the purpose.

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        October 04, 2019 at 7:27 am

        Hi Julie - you can open up the foil packet, yes but the tomatoes tend to shrivel up and dry out. When they are enclosed in the foil packet, the tomatoes are still plump and full of juice and still have the smoky flavor. The holes in the packet let more of the smoke in while keeping the tomatoes from drying out.

        Reply
    2. Chris

      August 17, 2019 at 11:53 am

      5 stars
      Just made this, added chives and minced garlic. Really nice, level of acidity is great if you're using it as a side to a rich main dish!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        August 17, 2019 at 4:10 pm

        Hi Chris! I'm so glad you loved the smoked tomatoes!!! Yes I agree - this side goes amazingly well with a rich main recipe!!

        Reply
    3. Julie

      April 23, 2018 at 6:59 am

      This sounds SO GOOD. I LOVE smoked everything - if only city living afforded the space necessary to own a smoker. Sigh. Maybe in my next life!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        April 24, 2018 at 6:40 am

        Oh bummer! Hopefully one day you'll get an opportunity to make these!!

        Reply
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