Cherry Tomato Jam for Beginners
This easy cherry tomato jam recipe for beginners transforms fresh garden tomatoes into a sweet, savory spread with just a handful of pantry ingredients. No special equipment or pectin required—simply simmer cherry tomatoes with sugar, vinegar, and spices until thick and jammy. Perfect for toast, cheese boards, sandwiches, or gifting in pretty jars.
Servings 5 jars
Cost $0
Equipment
- 1 Wide shallow pan
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 5 Mini Ball jars
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lbs cherry tomatoes a mix of red and yellow makes gorgeous jam
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar or swap ½ cup with honey or brown sugar for depth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or balsamic for a richer flavor
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper adjust to taste
Optional add-ins:
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes for gentle heat
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger for zing
- A sprig of rosemary or basil for an herby finish
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for a sweet gourmet note
Instructions
- Prep – Wash and halve cherry tomatoes.
- Macerate – Toss with sugar, vinegar, and lemon juice; let sit 30 mins (or overnight).
- Cook – Transfer to a wide pan, bring to a boil, then simmer. Mash tomatoes as they soften.
- Season – Stir in salt, pepper, and any flavor add-ins.
- Finish – Cook 40–50 mins until thick and jammy.
- Store – Spoon into jars and refrigerate up to 2–3 weeks.