30 Brilliant Fresh Tomato Recipes for Using Your Garden Bounty (2024)

Tomato recipes are plentiful anywhere you look, especially in the late summer and early fall when gardens are overflowing with tomatoes. If you have as many as I do, you’re probably trying to come up with some great ways to use them all.

Other than giving them away to anyone you meet, you can incorporate tomatoes into a lot of recipes. Their delightful juiciness and tart flavor are outstanding with a ton of other ingredients. That means you can use tomatoes in a huge number of ways, each more delicious than the last.

So, if you’re looking for out of this world tomato recipes, you are in the right place. This collection brings some of the most mouthwatering choices to your table, putting a smile on everyone’s face. And that’s something you can feel good about.

1. Parmesan Tomato Zucchini Bake

Tomatoes and zucchini go hand in hand, and you’ll see that for yourself with every bite of this casserole. The zucchini gets delightfully soft, and the tomatoes burst with flavor. And it’s all rounded out deliciously with the Parmesan cheese and salt and pepper.

This Zucchini and Tomato Bake is one of my favorite ways to use up some of what’s ripe in my garden, and it’s so easy to make that you’ll rely on it all the time. Serve some rice on the side and dinner is done!

2. Caprese Garlic Bread

This Caprese Garlic Bread is one of my favorite tomato recipes, and it works so well served with fettuccine Alfredo. The tomatoes stand out on their own, but they are enhanced by drizzling them with balsamic vinegar and sprinkling the whole thing with fresh basil.

Serve this with a salad on the side, and you might not even need the noodles. It’s filling and delicious and is something I usually make a double batch of because everyone loves it so much.

3. Cheesy Tomato Biscuit Casserole

Doesn’t this look delicious? It’s an ideal meal because you can serve it for breakfast with eggs or for lunch and dinner with a tossed veggie salad. The biscuits have a mild enough flavor to let the tomatoes take center stage, and you’re going to be so grateful for that.

This Cheesy Tomato Biscuit Casserole is super simple to prepare and is a real crowd pleaser, which easily makes it one of my favorite tomato recipes. In fact, this one is on constant rotation when the summer tomatoes start to ripen.

4. Tomato Chickpea Salad

As side dishes go, Tomato Chickpea Salad is as good as it gets. The slightly nutty flavor of the chickpeas pairs deliciously with the fresh tomatoes, and the herbs and dressing bring it all together with the fresh summery flavor that you wait all year for.

My favorite way to serve this is alongside grilled chicken or salmon, but toss it with some mixed greens and grilled shrimp, and you have a light dinner that is best enjoyed on the patio. Yum!

5. Mediterranean Fresh Herbs and Tomato Salad

Love the flavors of the Mediterranean? I do too, which is why this Fresh Tomato Salad is one of my top favorite things to eat in the summer. It works well with just about any kind of tomato so feel free to use the ones that you have in the garden.

The cheese adds a nice touch of saltiness, and the herbs give the tomatoes and onions just that right dose of fresh flavor. Sprinkled with salt and pepper, this dish simply couldn’t be any better.

6. Tomato Cobbler

If you though cobbler was only for fruit and only for dessert, you are going to be shocked to taste this Tomato Cobbler. The tomatoes bubble up in the sauce and let out all their great flavor. Topped with hearty biscuits, you have a meal that proves how tasty tomatoes can be.

This is one of my favorite tomato recipes because it’s so easy to make and it’s a fun way to impress dinner guests with a meal they’ve never had before. I promise you’ll get loads of compliments when you put this on the dinner table tonight.

7. Fried Green Tomato BLT Sandwiches

I didn’t think there was anything better than fried green tomatoes dipped in ranch dressing until I found this recipe. Using the fried green tomatoes instead of bread is a genius idea that I’ve made time and time again in my kitchen. And of course, nothing is bad when there’s bacon in it.

I love these Fried Green Tomato and Bacon Sandwiches for their taste, but also because they make something really fun and different for a backyard picnic. The bacon perfectly complements the tomatoes, and I think I want one of these right now.

8. Heirloom Tomato Galette with Honeyed Goat Cheese, Caramelized Shallots, and Fresh Thyme

Don’t let the long name of this recipe scare you away. It’s really easy to make and is a neat way to use up large tomatoes from your garden. The crispy dough is the perfect backdrop for the tart and juicy tomatoes and serving this will always make you happy.

This Tomato Galette is also loaded with goat cheese, an ingredient that pairs perfectly with tomatoes and the thyme adds just that little something extra that will have everyone asking you to share your recipe.

9. Garden Fresh Tomato Soup

Craving something warm and hearty? This garden-freshTomato Soup is just what you’ve been looking for. It’s super easy to make, and you’ll be amazed at the difference in flavor when you use tomatoes fresh from your garden to make the soup.

And of course, you can’t eat it without a crispy, gooey grilled cheese sandwich on the side. My family likes to sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on our tomato soup. Give it a try – I think you’ll love it.

10. Fresh Tomato Hummus

If you love hummus, you are going to adore this riff on the old classic. This Tomato Hummus has a wonderfully refreshing flavor that takes things to a whole new level when you serve Mediterranean cuisine.

This hummus tastes excellent on crusty bread or pita pockets, but you can also slather it on sandwiches or burgers to give them an unexpected, but tasty twist. It’s also great with sliced fresh vegetables, so feel free to try it in many ways to find what you love best.

11. Tomato Pie

Tomato Pie is one of the easiest tomato recipes you’ll ever find. It comes together in one pan and goes from the oven straight to thetable without much effort. The basil adds a hint of flavor that you aren’t going to get enough of.

I serve this with salad or fresh fruit, and it makes a tasty option for any meal of the day. The leftovers are super good so be sure to make some extra portions for your lunch tomorrow.

12. Tomato Ricotta Phyllo Tart

Working with phyllo dough is easier than you might think, but gives a gourmet flair to your meal. I love how this Tomato Tart starts with a thick layer of ricotta cheese, which is one of my favorite ingredients to pair with tomatoes. The herbs on top are mouthwatering.

As meals go, this tasty tart stands alone and is somewhat filling, but if you’re looking for something a bit heartier, it pairs well with grilled shrimp or salmon. The cold leftovers send me back to the fridge for just one more serving.

13. Pico de Gallo

If you can chop, you can make Pico de Gallo. This chunky salsa is a blend of fresh tomatoes, onion, and jalapenos. You can toss in cilantro, salt, and pepper too if the mood strikes. Just like salsa, everyone has their own version. I like lime in mine.

Sprinkle this pico de gallo on tacos, burritos, enchiladas, nachos, salads, sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs or baked potatoes. The spice of the jalapeno perfectly balances the fresh burst of flavor from the tomatoes. You can also scoop this up with corn chips as an appetizer.

14. Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic Reduction

There is nothing I love more than mozzarella cheese, so I always jump at the chance to eat some. It pairs so well with tomatoes, balsamic and fresh basil too. If you ask me, this is the perfect lunch and is something I could eat pretty much every single day.

The balsamic reduction is easy to make and takes this Tomato Mozzarella Salad to a whole new level. This salad deserves a top spot on your rotation of fresh tomato recipes.

15. Eggplant Tomato Pie

Eggplant is ripening and is ready to eat just about the same time that tomatoes are ready for harvest. That’s why I love this Eggplant Tomato Pie. It lets me use up some fresh ingredients and serve a meal that’s a little different than the same old things.

Because the eggplant is pretty mild in flavor, it lets the tomatoes and cheese take center stage, something you’ll taste with every bite you take. A salad on the side and dinner is served.

16. Tomato Fritters

While I was researching tomato recipes, I came across a ton of salad recipes, but let’s be honest. Salad gets old pretty quickly if you overeatit. Which is why I was so excited to find this recipe that makes such good use of my garden’s tomatoes.

Mixed with feta cheese and dill, these Tomato Fritters allow you to get a burst of fresh garden flavor with every bite, but in a way you’ve never experienced it before. I love these and I know you will too.

17. Fresh Tomato Marinara Sauce

If you only ever use jarred sauce, it’s time for you to learn how to make Fresh Tomato Marinara Sauce. I was the same – I always just grabbed a jar of Ragu at the grocery store. Let me tell you, I was missing out and you are too. This fresh version is so much more flavorful.

Spend a bit of time making a couple of batches to stick in the freezer. That way you can pull it out for pasta, pizza or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. Easy, right?

18. Heirloom Tomato Beet Salad

While we’re on the topic of the summer harvest, let’s talk about beets. They have a nice earthy taste that was made for tomatoes. This easy Tomato and Beet Salad is impressive to look at and even better to eat. The barley on top gives it bite and heft so it can be a meal all by itself.

If you want to make it part of a lunch or dinner meal, serve this with shrimp skewers or a nice juicy steak. It’s great cold, or at room temperature so it’s also lovely as leftovers… if it isn’t all gobbled right up.

19. Goat Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes

You’ve probably had stuffed peppers, but have you had Stuffed Tomatoes? These are filled to the brim with creamy goat cheese and topped with breadcrumbs and thyme. Once baked, they’re soft and juicy and so delicious you’ll want to eat until they’re gone.

If you’re searching out unique tomato recipes that you haven’t served before, I think you’ll find just what you want with this one. It’s impressive, but simple and is a fun way to use the many hues of tomatoes bursting from your garden.

20. Simple Tomato Salad

It says simple right in the title, and that’s how you know this is going to be one of your favorite tomato recipes. The herbs and seasonings are lovely, but the tomatoes get to be the star of the show. And when they come straight from your garden, that’swhat you want.

I like to serve this alongside sandwiches at lunchtime, but it’s also a tasty side to offer at dinner with burgers or hot dogs. If you prefer to grow large tomatoes, they can still be used in this Simple Tomato Salad; just cut them into smaller chunks.

21. Scalloped Tomatoes

I love scalloped potatoes so I knew I would also love Scalloped Tomatoes. I wasn’t wrong. These are delightful! The topping gets crunchy and crispy, and the cheese and herbs meld well with the tomatoes.

This is the perfect side dish for serving with grilled chicken or steak. It’s a fun and different way to use up your garden’s tomatoes and has a presentation that will make everyone around the table happy.

22. Three Cheese Baked Tomatoes

If one cheese is good, imagine how great three will be. We call these tomato nachos at my house, and they’re so easy and are a lovely side dish for tacos, burritos or enchiladas. The cheese gets so gooey on top that you won’t be able to stop eating.

Three Cheese Baked Tomatoes have quickly become one of my family’s favorite tomato recipes. I often find that I’m out of tomatoes because they’ve all been used to make these cheesy delights as an after-school snack.

23. Marinated Cherry Tomatoes

Don’t these Marinated Cherry Tomatoes look delicious? They’re super easy to make because they make use of bottled Italian salad dressing. The longer they sit, the tastier they get. You can store them in the refrigerator for several days so feel free to make a double batch.

When you pour these over a tossed salad, you don’t even need any dressing. They’re also out of this world on a burger or hot dog. No matter how you eat them, you’re going to enjoy them, I promise!

24. Tomato Cracker Salad

My kids have no problem eating crackers, so this is a fun and different way to get them to eat more vegetables at the same time. The tomatoes are coated in salt, pepper, and mayonnaise, so you know they’re going to taste wonderful.

I like to spoon this mixture over mixed greens like a salad, but it’s marvelous on its own too. Make sure to use lots of pepper because it offers the nice bite you’re looking for in this Tomato Cracker Salad.

25. Grilled Tomatoes

Tomatoes were made to be cooked. Yes, they’re yummy raw, right off the plant, but when you cook them, their fresh taste is released. Grilled Tomatoes are super easy – toss them on the barbecue with chicken, steak or fish and turn them to create a lovely char on both sides.

Season the tomatoes with salt and pepper and fresh basil just before serving, and you have a side dish unlike any other. This works best for large, firm tomatoes so save the little ones for something else.

26. Fresh Corn and Tomato Fettuccine

If you have corn and tomatoes coming out your ears, this is the ideal recipe to make with them. It’s basic and straightforward, but sometimes that’s what you crave for dinner anyway, right? The noodles make the entire dish heartier and more filling.

My favorite thing about this Corn and Tomato Fettuccine is the cheese on top. Some freshly cracked black pepper and sea salt take things to the next level.

27. Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Pizza

This Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Pizzais a mouthwatering riff on the sandwich of the same name. As you probably know, everything is better with bacon, and this dish proves it.

As tomato recipes go, this one is a knockout and makes a tasty dinner or lunch. Heck, you can even have the leftovers for breakfast if you want. Just crack an egg on top, and you’re good to go.

28. Artichoke Tomato Salad

Artichokes are easy to find in a jar any time of the year, which makes this a great choice in the summertime when the tomatoes are ripe, but you can also make it in the winter. Just buy tomatoes at the store instead of getting them from your garden.

I love the addition of olives to this Artichoke Tomato Salad because they lend it a nice touch of saltiness and the color makes for an impressive presentation. This is an ideal choice for a potluck because it’s a crowd pleaser and it travels well.

29. Tiered Tomato Soup

This Tiered Tomato Soup makes excellent use of the tomatoes in your garden, but the addition of avocado jazzes things up. The diced cucumbers and shallots on top add some nice crunch and taste to the soup.

Serve this in clear glass containers for presentation purposes. It’s a great cold soup that is ideal for hot summer nights, but if you’re anything like me, you’ll crave it all the time.

30. Okra and Tomatoes

My kids love when I grow okra in the garden because it’s good in so many ways. Whether you cook it in a gumbo or jambalaya recipe or you pickle it, there’s no denying that okra is delicious. And it gets even better with tomatoes.

This Okra and Tomatoes recipe also uses garlic, onions, and bacon to add flavor and a depth that is so perfect. Eat this every day as a side dish or spoon it over rolls like sloppy joes. Tasty!

Conclusion

It can sometimes be a hassle to figure out what to do with everything that comes out of the garden, but I think these tomato recipes should help. With so many dishes to choose from, you might even want to hang onto your tomatoes instead of giving them all away.

With fall just around the corner, it’s also a good time to start canning, and tomatoes are ripe for this purpose. Use them to make pasta sauce to use all winter long.