Easy Brown Butter Tomatoes Recipe

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. 

Various heirloom tomatoes.

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”!

I have two videos sharing this recipe, for the original video where I cook brown butter tomatoes for Ben and me, scroll down to the recipe card below.

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!

Sliced heirloom tomatoes with salt and pepper and oil.

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

  1. Slice fresh tomatoes about ¼ inch thick and place in a serving bowl.
  2. Place butter in the pan on medium heat.
  3. Let the butter melt down, stirring continually so the butter does not burn.
  4. Once the butter turns brown, remove the pan from the heat.
  5. Sprinkle the fresh tomatoes with a pinch of sea salt and pepper. 
  6. Pour the hot butter over the tomatoes, and serve immediately.

A woman and son enjoying a meal at a table.

Sliced heirloom tomatoes with salt and pepper and oil.

Simple Brown Butter Tomatoes Recipe

Rich, nutty flavor over plump juicy tomatoes… once you try these brown butter tomatoes, you won't know where this recipe has been all your life!
4.75 from 8 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Brown Butter Tomato, Easy Tomato Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 234kcal

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tomato | Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 189mg | Potassium: 438mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2216IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg
I want to share this beautiful life with others and teach them the lessons we've learned along the way. Welcome to Roots and Refuge, friend. I am so glad you're here.

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