Homemade Tomato Jam Recipe: Sweet & Savory Preserving Guide

Tomato jam is a bright, chunky condiment that livens up grilled bratwursts, Italian sausage, or a simple burger — think of it as an irresistible homemade ketchup.

Burgers and brats are my go-to easy summer dinners: they’re quick, crowd-pleasing, and often taste even better the next day. This Tomato Jam Recipe is a simple way to upgrade those classics. It’s slightly sweet, herb-forward, and pairs especially well with spicy sausages.

Ingredients for tomato jam

• Roma tomatoes (or tomatoes on the vine) — cored and chopped into about ¾-inch pieces.
• Fresh thyme — finely chopped for a bright herb note.
• Granulated sugar — balances the acidity and helps the jam thicken.
• Apple cider vinegar — adds brightness; white or wine vinegars are fine substitutes.
• Sea salt — to taste, helps round the flavors.

How to make easy tomato jam

Combine the chopped tomatoes, sugar, apple cider vinegar, fresh thyme, and sea salt in a heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the mixture becomes thick and jam-like, about 40–50 minutes. The jam should be thick overall but may be slightly loose in spots — it will firm up more as it cools.

Allow the jam to cool, then transfer to a jar and refrigerate. Properly stored, tomato jam will keep in the refrigerator for about 7–14 days.

Ways to use tomato jam

Tomato jam is versatile — try it in any of these ways:

• Topped on bratwursts or spicy Italian sausage.
• Spoon it onto hamburgers in place of or alongside ketchup.
• Add a layer to grilled cheese for a sweet-savory twist.
• Serve it with grilled chicken or fish as a condiment.

I served the jam on spicy grilled bratwursts; the light sweetness balances the sausage’s heat perfectly. It’s equally good with mild Italian sausage or plain grilled burgers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze tomato jam?

Yes. Freeze tomato jam for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving.

In the refrigerator, the jam will stay good for about 7–14 days.

Side dish ideas

For relaxed family meals I’m a little guilty — frozen tater tots are my easy side, and air fryer tots get Crispy in under 15 minutes without heating the oven. For a cookout with guests, classic potato salads are always a hit, or choose a sweeter option like an apple-based salad to round out the menu.

Have you tried this recipe? Please leave a rating and a comment below!

📖 Recipe

Tomato Jam Recipe

A sweet and savory jam that brightens burgers, bratwursts, and grilled meats — especially good with spicy sausage.

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 50 mins

Total Time 1 hr

Course Entree

Cuisine American

Servings 5 servings

Calories 42 kcal

Ingredients

• 2 lbs roma tomatoes, cored and chopped into ¾-inch pieces (about 6 large or 8 medium)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

• Combine tomatoes, sugar, apple cider vinegar, thyme, and sea salt in a saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the mixture is thick, about 40–50 minutes. Set aside to cool; it will continue to thicken as it cools.
• Serve the tomato jam on bratwursts, Italian sausage, burgers, or use as a condiment with grilled meats and sandwiches.

Notes

This recipe yields enough jam for about 8–10 servings. Refrigerate for 7–14 days.

Nutrition information applies to the jam only. If you don’t have roma tomatoes, use tomatoes on the vine. White vinegar can substitute for apple cider vinegar if preferred.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/4 cup jam
Calories: 42 kcal
Carbohydrates: 10 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 0 g
Sodium: 98 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 10 g

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