I can’t deny that fried tomatoes in olive oil are delicious. Once you try brown butter tomatoes, though, I think you will agree they are on a whole new level.
Try this easy recipe all alone, or served as a side to garlic chicken breast, fried chicken with cream sauce, or my favorite spatchcock chicken recipe!
Why I Love Brown Butter Tomatoes
Growing tomatoes is a deep passion of mine. I love experimenting and learning about new heirloom varieties, and it’s not uncommon to have an abundance of tomatoes coming on throughout the growing season.
I put up much of my harvest by canning tomato sauce or making roasted salsa. Still, there is nothing like a freshly harvested tomato for homemade bruschetta or a delicious tomato sandwich.
Imagine my delight when I came across this recipe from food52 and slightly modified it for another little-known way to make an already delicious fresh tomato a little “extra”!
What is Brown Butter?
Beurre noisette, a French name for brown butter, is butter melted down and toasted until brown. Once the sauce starts to brown, the butter will smell nutty.
Pro-Tip: When using a skillet over medium-high heat, the butter will burn, and the flavor profile will be ruined. Keep your heat at a lower setting, and be patient!
What do Brown Butter Tomatoes Taste Like?
Who doesn’t like tomatoes and butter? When you put them together, you can’t go wrong. Butter has a nutty smell and taste when browned, and some say this recipe tastes like buttered lobster.
You do have the option to add any additional herbs you’d like for a different flavor profile. The recipe in the video was just a simple and quick snack for Ben and me, nothing fancy!
Supplies Needed
Brown butter tomatoes require minimal equipment.
- Saucepan or Large Skillet – Depending on the size of the tomatoes, a saucepan or skillet will work. Learn why cast iron is my favorite cookware here.
- Knife – A quality sharp knife will cut through tomatoes like butter.
- Cutting Board – A cutting board will protect your countertop and contain tomato juices.
- Whisk – A wooden spoon also works well.
- Serving Bowl – A plate works too, but a bowl will help contain the butter better from running off the tomatoes.
Ingredients
All you need are these four ingredients, and you can make brown butter tomatoes.
- Grass-fed butter – Kerrygold or even my homemade butter is great to use. I do recommend using salted butter.
- Sea Salt – My go-to flaked sea salt is Maldon Sea Salt.
- Fresh Ground Pepper – Pepper adds a little more dimension of flavor.
- Vine Ripe Tomatoes – Any variety of tomatoes will work.
How to Make Brown Butter Tomatoes
- Slice fresh tomatoes about ¼ inch thick and place in a serving bowl.
- Place butter in the pan on medium heat.
- Let the butter melt down, stirring continually so the butter does not burn.
- Once the butter turns brown, remove the pan from the heat.
- Sprinkle the fresh tomatoes with a pinch of sea salt and pepper.
- Pour the hot butter over the tomatoes, and serve immediately.
More Tomato-Related Posts
- Starting Tomatoes and Other Plants from Seed
- How to Plant Tomatoes the Best Way
- How to Get Rid of Tomato Horn Worms
- Determinate vs. Indeterminate Tomato Plants
- Bruschetta – My Favorite Summer Treat
- Roasted Tomato Salsa
- 4 Ingredient Classic Tomato Sandwich
Simple Brown Butter Tomatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- pinch sea salt I prefer flaked sea salt
- pinch ground pepper optional
- 2 large tomatoes slicing tomatoes work best
Instructions
- Slice fresh tomatoes about ¼ inch thick and place in a serving bowl.
- Place butter in the pan on medium heat.
- Let the butter melt down, stirring continually so the butter does not burn.
- Once the butter turns brown, remove the pan from the heat.
- Sprinkle the fresh tomatoes with a pinch of sea salt and pepper.
- Pour the hot butter over the tomatoes, and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Large slicer tomatoes work best as they have a meatier texture.
- Grass-fed butter is usually salted, so adjust seasoning as needed.
- Adding pepper adds a depth of flavor that I enjoy, but it’s completely optional.
