Easy Sweet and Spicy Homemade Cherry Tomato Jam

This easy and savory cherry tomato jam recipe is a great way to use up summer tomatoes! With fresh thyme, red pepper flakes and jammy tomatoes, this is the perfect spread for sandwiches, cheese trays and more!

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An easy and delicious Cherry Tomato Jam recipe

This super tasty Cherry Tomato Jam may be my favorite way to use up fresh tomatoes from the garden or store! This savory jam is the perfect recipe for the unofficial end of summer (aka the end of fresh tomato season), and keeps in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks!

This easy and versatile jam gets its delicious sweet and spicy flavor from fresh cherry tomatoes, fresh thyme, red pepper flakes, and a touch of brown sugar and vinegar! Cooking the jam down brings out the natural sweetness and flavor of the tomatoes, for the perfect addition the next time you make a  charcuterie board or sandwich! 

Ingredients

An easy recipe that makes a great charcuterie board addition or sandwich spread, this easy, fresh Tomato Jam comes together easily, with just a few simple ingredients. Here's what you'll need to make it:

• Olive oil.
• A small onion, diced.
• Fresh garlic cloves. You'll mince these so they blend easily into the finished jam.
• Smoked paprika. You can find this in the spice aisle in most grocery stores. It adds a great depth of flavor and smokiness to the jam! 
• Crushed red pepper flakes, for a bit of heat and spicy flavor.
• Fresh cherry tomatoes. No chopping required! Cook them cleaned and whole.
• Apple cider vinegar (preferably organic). This adds a nice acidic balance to the jam.
• Dark brown sugar, to add depth, richness and sweetness.
• Fresh thyme, for an herbaceous savory quality.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

How to make the Cherry Tomato Jam

This savory tomato jam is super easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients! Here's how to make this Cherry Tomato Jam recipe:

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and sauté, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes, until softened. 
2. Add the garlic and spices, stir, and cook for 30 seconds. 
3. Add remaining ingredients, and bring to a boil over high heat. 
4. Once boiling, reduce to low heat, and cook, stirring occasionally for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally so the jam does not stick to the bottom of the pan.  
5. Once the jam is thickened and jammy, remove the thyme sprigs and discard. 
6. Allow to cool, then store in airtight glass jar(s) in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks! (for full ingredients list and instructions, see recipe card below).

Substitutions and Additions

This Savory Cherry Tomato Jam recipe is easily adaptable to work with your personal preferences, as well as with what you have on hand in your refrigerator and pantry. Here are some great swaps and additions you can use to make this jam recipe your own!

• No cherry tomatoes? Use grape tomatoes, Roma tomatoes or plum tomatoes cut into small pieces!
• If you don't have dark brown sugar, you can use equal parts light brown sugar, white sugar or honey. If you like things more on the sweet side, you could also use pure maple syrup.
• Try balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar in place of the apple cider vinegar. You could try fresh squeezed lemon juice as well!
• In place of the thyme, you could try other fresh herbs, such as rosemary or basil.
• Swap the red pepper flakes for a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• If you like a smoother consistency, try using a food processor to pulse the finished jam until smooth once it cools.
• Add finely diced sweet bell pepper along with the onions for an extra flavor boost, or to use up garden peppers!
• Use regular paprika or chili powder in place of the smoked paprika.
• Try avocado oil instead of olive oil.

Storing

To store the Cherry Tomato Jam, allow to cool completely, then store in airtight containers or glass mason jars (my preference) in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks!

What to serve with the Cherry Tomato Jam

This homemade jam is a great versatile way to use up those garden cherry tomatoes! Here are some great ways to serve it.

• Use the jam as a sandwich spread for paninis, turkey sandwiches, or even gourmet burgers!
• Add a dollop to some baked mac and cheese!
• Use the jam as you would fig jam for a gourmet grilled cheese!
• Add a spoonful or two to tomato sauce to brighten up the flavor.
• Serve with crostini and fresh mozzarella or burrata cheese for a tasty appetizer!
• Add to a charcuterie board spread! It pairs perfectly on your favorite crackers with some creamy goat cheese.

More great recipes!

If you love this easy Cherry Tomato Jam recipe, you'll love these quick and easy recipes, too!

• Easy Creamy Fresh Dill Sauce
• Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette
• Horseradish Pimento Cheese Spread
• Roasted Stuffed Roma Tomatoes

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