Pickled Cherry Tomatoes

How to Make Pickled Cherry Tomatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

1. Sterilize the jars: Before starting, sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. This ensures that your pickles stay fresh and safe for storage.
2. Prick the tomatoes: Using a skewer or a fork, prick each cherry tomato a couple of times to allow the brine to penetrate the flesh and infuse the tomatoes with flavor. This also helps the tomatoes retain their texture when pickled.

Step 2: Make the Pickling Brine

1. Combine the vinegar and water: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of vinegar and 1/2 cup of water. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add sugar and salt: Stir in the sugar and salt until dissolved. This will create the brine that will pickle the tomatoes.
3. Add spices and herbs: Once the sugar and salt are dissolved, add garlic cloves, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, black peppercorns, fresh thyme, dill (if using), and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the spices to infuse the brine.
4. Taste the brine: Taste the brine and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you want it a little sweeter, add a bit more sugar. If you like it tangier, increase the amount of vinegar. You can also adjust the amount of heat by adding more red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Pack the Jars

1. Pack the tomatoes: Once the brine has simmered and is fragrant, remove it from the heat. While the brine is still hot, carefully pack your prepared cherry tomatoes into your sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top.
2. Pour in the brine: Pour the hot brine over the tomatoes in the jars, making sure the tomatoes are fully submerged. You can use a spoon or a small spatula to gently push them down to eliminate any air pockets.
3. Seal the jars: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to ensure they’re free of any brine or debris. Place the lids on tightly and screw on the rings.

Step 4: Let the Tomatoes Pickle

1. Cool and refrigerate: Allow the jars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate them. The tomatoes will need at least 24 hours to begin pickling, but they’ll taste even better after 2-3 days as the flavors continue to develop.
2. Storage: Pickled cherry tomatoes will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. The longer they sit in the brine, the more intense the flavor will become.

Serving Suggestions

Pickled cherry tomatoes can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are just a few ideas for serving them:

• Snack: Simply grab a few pickled cherry tomatoes straight from the jar for a tangy, flavorful snack that’s low in calories but big on taste.
• Salads: Toss them into salads for a burst of pickled flavor that pairs beautifully with leafy greens, cucumbers, and feta cheese.
• Sandwiches & Wraps: Add pickled cherry tomatoes to your sandwiches, wraps, or burgers for an extra pop of flavor and texture.
• Charcuterie Boards: These pickled tomatoes make a great addition to any cheese or charcuterie board, pairing wonderfully with soft cheeses, smoked meats, and crackers.
• Grilled Meats: Serve them as a tangy side dish to grilled meats like chicken, beef, or pork, where their acidity balances out the richness of the protein.

Tips for Perfect Pickled Cherry Tomatoes

• Use ripe, firm tomatoes: For the best results, use ripe but firm cherry tomatoes. Overripe tomatoes may become too mushy when pickled.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices and herbs to suit your personal taste. Add a little cinnamon, cloves, or coriander seeds for a unique twist, or use fresh basil or oregano for an Italian-inspired version.
• Make them spicy: For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a sliced jalapeño or two to the brine.
• Don’t skip the pricking step: Pricking the tomatoes before pickling is crucial as it allows the brine to penetrate the flesh, ensuring that the flavors really sink in.

Why You’ll Love Pickled Cherry Tomatoes

Pickled cherry tomatoes offer a unique combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, all packed into bite-sized morsels that are bursting with freshness. The vinegar and spices make them the perfect contrast to the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, and the crunchy texture of the skin adds a satisfying bite. Whether you’re preserving a summer harvest or simply looking for a delicious snack, this pickled cherry tomato recipe is sure to become a favorite.

The best part? This recipe is simple, quick, and easy to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or ingredients—just a few common pantry staples and some fresh tomatoes. Once pickled, these little beauties are ready to enjoy in a variety of dishes or on their own as a tangy treat.

Conclusion

Pickled cherry tomatoes are a versatile and flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire. They’re quick to make, last for weeks, and elevate any dish with their tangy, savory flavor. Whether you’re using them to jazz up your salads, serve as a snack, or pair with grilled meats, these pickled tomatoes will bring a burst of color and taste to any meal. So next time you find yourself with an abundance of cherry tomatoes, give this easy pickling recipe a try—you won’t regret it!