We’ve all had those moments. You start cooking, grab a can of fire-roasted tomatoes, and realize… it’s gone. Fire-roasted tomatoes add that smoky edge we can’t replicate easily, but substitutes can still deliver solid flavor. We’ve tried plenty of swaps when that can mysteriously disappeared from the shelf.
From pantry staples to fresh alternatives, there’s always a way to keep things moving. Some replacements add a similar punch, while others might tweak the vibe of the dish a bit. We’ve experimented enough to know which ones work well and which ones, well, better stay away.
No smoke? No problem. These substitutes will steer your dish in the right direction without missing that tangy, roasted kick.
6 Quick Substitutes for Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
Here are some easy, pantry-friendly swaps for fire-roasted tomatoes in a pinch.
1 – Canned Diced Tomatoes
For swapping fire-roasted tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes work well. They deliver that familiar tomato taste, minus the smoky touch. Use a one-to-one ratio to keep things simple.
We’ve added them to pasta sauces and chili without missing a beat. They mix easily in recipes and bring a nice balance of sweetness and acidity. If you want some extra depth, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika. For more tips on using tomato substitutes, check this guide for canned tomato replacements.
2 – Fresh Tomatoes
The best replacement for fire-roasted tomatoes is to use fresh tomatoes. This option still delivers that fresh, bright taste but with a few extra steps added in. You’ll need to roast them, which adds about 20 minutes of prep time.
To get more flavor from the oven, try adding a sheet of aluminum foil or parchment paper underneath the roasting pan to collect juices and intensify flavors. It will take a bit longer than opening a can, but it’s worth it for an even fresher tomato taste.
3 – Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Another choice for swapping fire-roasted tomatoes is sun-dried tomatoes. They add a bold, concentrated flavor that stands out in most dishes. Use one part sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped, for every part fire-roasted tomatoes.
We’ve thrown them into soups and sauces, and they bring a nice, rich touch. Since they lack liquid, you may need to add a bit of water or broth to maintain the recipe’s balance.
Sun-dried tomatoes are versatile and easy to adjust. For more ideas, check this guide on alternatives to sun-dried tomatoes.
4 – Tomato Paste with Smoked Paprika
While fire-roasted tomatoes are off the table, tomato paste with smoked paprika steps in well. It delivers a deep tomato flavor and a smoky kick that’s close to the real deal. Mix one tablespoon of tomato paste with a pinch of smoked paprika for every ½ cup of fire-roasted tomatoes needed.
We’ve used this combo in stews and sauces, and it blends in smoothly. It’s thick, so adding a splash of water or stock helps with consistency. This swap works for most recipes that need that smoky goodness. For more options, check this guide on tomato paste replacements.
5 – Crushed Tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes can step in when fire-roasted tomatoes aren’t available. They bring a smooth, mellow flavor but miss the smoky depth. Use a one-to-one ratio for an easy swap in recipes.
We’ve added crushed tomatoes to sauces and soups, and they do the job without overpowering the dish. They’re versatile and blend well with other ingredients. To mimic the smoky flavor, a small dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke can help. This substitution keeps things simple and works well in various dishes that need that tomato base.
6 – Tomato Sauce with Roasted Peppers
Final option in our swaps list is tomato sauce. It’s smooth, mild, and works well if you need something quick and simple. Use ¾ cup of tomato sauce for every 1 cup of fire-roasted tomatoes.
We’ve stirred it into pasta sauces and casseroles, and it blends in without overpowering other ingredients. Since tomato sauce lacks any smoky flavor, adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke helps bring the flavors closer.
This substitute is easy to adjust and versatile for a variety of recipes. If you’re curious about more options, check this guide on tomato sauce replacements.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.