25 Ways to Use Excess Tomatoes from the Garden
Table of Contents
Introduction
It’s the end of summer, and your garden is overflowing with juicy, ripe tomatoes. While it’s a rewarding sight, the abundance can feel overwhelming. If you’re staring at a counter full of tomatoes and wondering what to do with them, you’re not alone. Luckily, tomatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients out there. Whether you prefer fresh, roasted, canned, or frozen preparations, there are countless ways to make the most of your tomato bounty.
In this guide, we’re sharing 25 creative, delicious, and practical ways to use excess tomatoes from your garden. From sauces and soups to snacks, salsas, and even skincare, get ready to make sure no tomato goes to waste!
Ingredients List (General Supplies You May Need)
While these aren’t ingredients for a single recipe, here are some commonly used pantry staples and kitchen tools to help you with the 25 tomato uses:
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Onion
- Basil
- Oregano
- Salt & pepper
- Sugar (for canning)
- Lemon juice or vinegar
- Mason jars (for storage)
- Blender or food processor
- Baking sheets
- Freezer-safe containers or bags
Step-by-Step: 25 Ways to Use Excess Garden Tomatoes
1. Make Classic Tomato Sauce
Simmer peeled tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, onions, basil, and salt until thickened. Freeze or can for year-round use.
2. Can Them for Winter
Preserve tomatoes in jars using a water bath or pressure canner. Add lemon juice to ensure proper acidity.
3. Roast and Freeze
Roasting tomatoes intensifies their sweetness. Simply slice, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and roast at 400°F until caramelized. Freeze for future use in pastas and soups.
4. Sun-Dry or Oven-Dry Tomatoes
Slice tomatoes, remove seeds, and dehydrate in a low oven (200°F) or dehydrator. Store in oil or airtight containers.
5. Make Fresh Salsa
Dice tomatoes with onions, jalapeños, lime juice, and cilantro. Enjoy with chips or as a taco topper.
6. Prepare Tomato Soup
Simmer tomatoes with garlic and onion, then blend until creamy. Add cream or coconut milk for richness.
7. Whip Up Bruschetta Topping
Combine chopped tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and basil. Serve on toasted baguette slices.
8. Blend a Tomato Smoothie
Tomatoes are surprisingly refreshing in savory smoothies with cucumber, celery, and lemon.
9. Make Tomato Jam
Cook tomatoes with sugar, lemon juice, ginger, and spices until jammy. Great on toast or as a cheese board addition.
10. Freeze Whole Tomatoes
Simply wash, dry, and place whole tomatoes in freezer bags. Use in soups and stews later.
11. Create a Spicy Tomato Chutney
Cook down tomatoes with spices, vinegar, sugar, and onions for a zesty condiment.
12. Prepare Marinara Sauce
Simmer tomatoes with garlic, oregano, and basil for a rich Italian-style pasta sauce.
13. Make Tomato Juice
Blend tomatoes and strain to make a refreshing juice or Bloody Mary base.
14. Stuff Tomatoes
Hollow out tomatoes and fill with a mix of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs. Bake until tender.
15. Use in Gazpacho
This chilled Spanish soup blends tomatoes with cucumbers, peppers, onions, and vinegar. Perfect for hot days!
16. Bake Tomato Pie
A Southern classic—layer tomatoes with cheese and a creamy filling in a flaky crust.
17. Make Shakshuka
Simmer tomatoes with garlic, spices, and eggs poached directly in the sauce.
18. Create Pizza Sauce
Thicker than marinara, this sauce includes tomato paste and Italian seasoning. Perfect for homemade pizza.
19. Add to Curries or Stews
Tomatoes add depth and acidity to many curries and stews. Freeze diced tomatoes in small portions for easy use.
20. Ferment Tomatoes
Create probiotic-rich fermented tomatoes by letting them sit with salt and water at room temperature for a few days.
21. Grill Tomato Skewers
Thread cherry or grape tomatoes on skewers, season, and grill. A great BBQ side!
22. Make Tomato Pesto
Blend sun-dried tomatoes with nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil for a bold pasta or sandwich spread.
23. Infuse Olive Oil
Slowly warm tomatoes and herbs in olive oil, then strain and bottle. Great for drizzling on bread and salads.
24. Use as a Skincare Mask
Tomatoes contain lycopene and vitamin C. Puree and apply as a brightening face mask (patch test first!).
25. Gift Them!
Neighbors, coworkers, and friends will appreciate a bag of fresh garden tomatoes or a homemade tomato-based product.
Nutritional Information (per 1 medium tomato)
- Calories: 22
- Carbohydrates: 4.8g
- Sugars: 3.2g
- Protein: 1.1g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Vitamin C: 28% DV
- Potassium: 292mg
- Lycopene: 3,000–7,000 mcg
Tomatoes are low in calories and high in antioxidants, especially lycopene, which has been linked to heart health and reduced cancer risk.
Pro Tips
- Blanch and Peel Easily: Score an “X” on the bottom of tomatoes and drop them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then ice water. The skins slip right off.
- Use Overripe Tomatoes for Sauces: They’re perfect for cooking and reduce food waste.
- Don’t Refrigerate Fresh Tomatoes: Cold temperatures dull their flavor.
- Freeze in Small Portions: Freeze diced or pureed tomatoes in muffin tins or ice cube trays for easy portioning.
Variations
- Green Tomatoes: Use underripe tomatoes for fried green tomatoes, chutney, or pickling.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Ideal for quick roasting, salads, or pasta tosses.
- Heirloom Tomatoes: Best enjoyed raw to savor their unique flavors.
- Tomato Blend Sauce: Combine multiple types for a rich, layered flavor in sauces or soups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze tomatoes without blanching them?
Yes! Just wash and dry them, then freeze whole. The skins will peel off easily after thawing.
How long do canned tomatoes last?
Home-canned tomatoes can last up to 12–18 months when stored in a cool, dark place.
What are the best tomato varieties for sauce?
Roma, San Marzano, and Amish Paste tomatoes have low moisture and fewer seeds, making them ideal for sauces.
Can I dehydrate tomatoes without a dehydrator?
Yes, use your oven at its lowest setting (about 200°F) with the door slightly open.
Is it safe to water bath can all tomatoes?
Due to acidity concerns, always add lemon juice or citric acid to ensure safety when water bath canning.
Conclusion
Tomatoes are truly the garden gift that keeps on giving. With so many ways to use them—from preserving and cooking to skincare and gifting—there’s no reason to let any of your harvest go to waste. Whether you’re stocking your pantry for winter or preparing a fresh summer dish, these 25 ideas will help you savor the flavor of tomatoes long after the season ends.
So roll up your sleeves, grab a few baskets, and start turning that tomato mountain into something delicious!
