This Hot Honey Tomato Jam is a subtly sweet-spicy, tomato forward, jammy condiment you’ll want to put on absolutely everything.
Made with juicy cherry tomatoes, bold hot honey, and just a touch of sugar, this small batch condiment cooks down into a glossy, thick, caramelized jam that’s perfect for cheese boards, sandwiches, eggs, roasted meats, and more.
It comes together in under 30 minutes, requires zero special equipment, and stores beautifully in the fridge. Whether you’re topping your favorite crostini or looking for a new homemade edible gift, this hot honey tomato jam delivers the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and deep tomato flavor.
Why you’ll love this recipe!
What ingredients do I need?
- Cherry Tomatoes: Their natural sweetness concentrates beautifully when simmered.
- Hot Honey: Adds heat and floral sweetness that pairs perfectly with tomatoes.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar (optional): Helps achieve a thicker, sweeter, more spreadable jam if desired.
Recipe Variations
- Smoky Version: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
- Herbed Jam: Stir in fresh thyme or basil after cooking.
- Citrus Twist: Add 1–2 tsp lemon zest at the end for brightness.
- Extra Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Roasted Tomato Jam: Roast tomatoes first for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
Pro Tips
- Cover early and then uncover later. Steaming the tomatoes first helps them burst evenly.
- Cook low and slow. Keep the heat on medium-low to prevent scorching or burning the sugars.
- Taste the flavor as you go and then add more sugar only if you want extra sweetness—your tomatoes may already be sweet enough.
- Jam thickens even more as it cools. Pull it from the heat when it’s slightly looser than your final desired texture.
Serving Ideas
- Spoon over baked brie, whipped ricotta, or goat cheese
- Spread on breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast, or bagels
- Serve with charcuterie boards
- Glaze for chicken, pork chops, or salmon
- Stir into pasta, grain bowls, or roasted veggies
- Use as a topping for smash burgers or grilled cheese
Can I Substitute?
Yes! Like always though, any substitutions made to the recipe can result in a change in texture and/or flavor.
- Vegan: Substitute hot honey with hot agave or hot maple syrup.
- Lower Sugar: Omit the granulated sugar entirely.
- Milder Option: Use regular honey instead of the hot honey.
- No Cherry Tomatoes available: Substitute grape tomatoes or chopped Roma tomatoes.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store in the refrigerator up to 1 week in an airtight container.
- For freezer storage, freeze in small jars or containers for up to 3 months.
- To use from frozen: thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
But, I Still Have A Few Questions…
How thick should the tomato jam be?
It should be glossy and spoonable, thick enough to hold shape on a cracker but still spread easily. It will thicken further as it cools.
Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?
Yes! You can swap it 1:1 and add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you still want mild heat.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes. Use a larger pot and allow extra simmer time to reduce properly.
Is this safe for canning?
This is a small-batch refrigerator jam and is not formulated for shelf-stable canning.
Why add sugar if there’s already honey?
Sugar helps create a thicker, stickier, more “jammy” texture and balances tomatoes that are more acidic.
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Make sure to tag @thehomechefmomma on Instagram or Facebook, and leave a review or comment if you make these. I always get so excited to see your creations, variations of the recipe, and feedback! Just remember to be kind in your comments, there is still a person behind this screen! 🙂
Hot Honey Tomato Jam
Ingredients
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup hot honey
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar optional, to taste
Instructions
- Add the cherry tomatoes, hot honey, and a pinch of salt to a medium pot. Stir to coat the tomatoes evenly.
- Heat over medium-low, cover, and cook for 7–8 minutes until the tomatoes are softened and blistered.
- Uncover and mash the tomatoes gently with the back of a fork or spatula to break them down.
- Continue cooking on medium-low, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Taste the jam: if you prefer it sweeter and a more jammy texture, add the granulated sugar and stir to dissolve.
- Simmer, stirring often, until the mixture thickens into a jammy consistency, about 15–20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to a clean, fridge-safe container.
- Let cool completely, then cover and refrigerate.
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Nutritional Content Disclaimer
I choose not to include nutritional information with my recipes, as these values can be calculated from the ingredients provided. With my background as a pediatric nurse practitioner and my own family experience with disordered eating, I understand how focusing on numbers can affect our relationship with food. My philosophy is that all foods have a place—sweet, savory, nourishing, or indulgent. I aim to share recipes that support a healthy, joyful approach to eating. My hope is that this space also encourages a balanced, healthy relationship with food for you and your family too.