It’s important to have a few dishes in your entertaining arsenal that you can rely on, and you should have no trouble keeping juicy tomatoes on hand for last-minute grilling.

Follow these steps for perfect grilled tomatoes:

1. Generously sprinkle a large plate or baking sheet with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.

2. Place 1/2-inch-thick tomato slices on the sheet, then salt and pepper the top of each slice. Let the tomatoes sit for 15-20 minutes.

3. Oil your grill with vegetable or grapeseed oil, then cook the tomato slices over hot coals for 30-60 seconds on each side, or until the outsides are slightly seared.

4. Sprinkle balsamic vinegar and olive oil over the tomatoes and serve.