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Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Featured in Kitchen Basics & Cooking Fundamentals.

Discover the simplicity of making Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, a versatile Italian side dish that transforms ordinary cherry tomatoes into something extraordinary. This recipe combines fresh tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then roasts them until they're perfectly tender and slightly charred. The roasting process intensifies their natural sweetness while adding a deep, rich flavor. Ready in just 40 minutes, these roasted tomatoes can elevate various dishes - from pasta and salads to bruschetta. They can be made ahead and stored for later use, making them perfect for meal prep. The recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and requires minimal effort for maximum flavor impact.
Comfort Cravings Recipes
Updated on Sun, 16 Feb 2025 14:18:55 GMT
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This simple yet transformative cooking method elevates humble cherry tomatoes into something extraordinary. Through careful temperature control and seasoning, we create tender, intensely flavored tomatoes that enhance countless dishes.

Essential Components

Temperature Control

  • Proper preheating
  • Consistent heat
  • Even distribution
  • Careful monitoring
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Caramelized Roasted Cherry Tomatoes | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

Quality Ingredients

  • Fresh cherry tomatoes
  • Premium olive oil
  • Fresh garlic
  • Aromatic herbs
  • Sea salt

Perfect Preparation Process

Tomato Selection

  • Choose firm, ripe specimens
  • Uniform size for even cooking
  • Check for blemishes
  • Pat completely dry

Seasoning Balance

  • Liberal olive oil coating
  • Even salt distribution
  • Herb incorporation
  • Light sugar touch

Roasting Technique

  • Single layer arrangement
  • Space between tomatoes
  • Proper pan selection
  • Temperature monitoring

Key Success Factors

  • Don't overcrowd pan
  • Maintain consistent temperature
  • Watch for proper caramelization
  • Allow proper resting time

Advanced Tips and Variations

Temperature Management

  • Preheat oven thoroughly
  • Use middle rack position
  • Monitor for hot spots
  • Adjust timing as needed

Pan Selection Guide

Best Options:

  • Heavy rimmed baking sheets
  • Ceramic dishes
  • Glass baking dishes
  • Enameled cookware

Avoid:

  • Reactive metal pans
  • Dark-colored pans
  • Thin baking sheets
  • Non-stick surfaces

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Uneven Cooking:

  • Rotate pan halfway
  • Check oven temperature
  • Ensure proper spacing
  • Sort by size

Too Much Liquid:

  • Use less oil
  • Increase heat slightly
  • Allow more spacing
  • Pat tomatoes dry first
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Garlic Herb Roasted Cherry Tomatoes | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

Seasonal Adaptations

Summer Tomatoes:

  • Reduce cooking time
  • Less sugar needed
  • Minimal seasoning
  • Higher heat possible

Winter Tomatoes:

  • Longer roasting time
  • Additional seasoning
  • More sugar balance
  • Lower temperature

Creative Variations

Mediterranean Style:

  • Add oregano
  • Include thyme
  • Finish with olives
  • Drizzle balsamic

Herb-Forward:

  • Fresh rosemary
  • Fresh thyme
  • Bay leaves
  • Sage leaves

Storage Solutions

Short Term:

  • Cool completely
  • Airtight container
  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Include roasting oils

Long Term:

  • Freeze in portions
  • Remove air
  • Label clearly
  • Use within 3 months

Final Chef Notes

The key to perfect roasted tomatoes lies in understanding how heat transforms their natural sugars and acids. When done correctly, they become versatile ingredients that can elevate any dish from simple to sublime.

Remember, patience during the roasting process yields the best results, allowing the tomatoes to develop their full potential while maintaining their integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do I need to pierce the small tomatoes?
Piercing prevents the tomatoes from bursting during roasting by allowing steam to escape as they cook.
→ What type of pan should I use for roasting?
Use a non-reactive pan made of ceramic, stainless steel, glass, or enamel to prevent any metallic taste from affecting the tomatoes.
→ Can I make these tomatoes ahead of time?
Yes, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.
→ Why add sugar to the tomatoes?
A small amount of sugar helps balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes and enhances their flavor when roasted.
→ How should I serve roasted cherry tomatoes?
Serve them at room temperature as a side dish, with pasta, on salads, bruschetta, or alongside fresh mozzarella and crusty bread.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Transform fresh cherry tomatoes into a delicious side dish with this simple roasting method. Perfect for pasta, salads, or as a standalone dish.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Cooking 101

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 500 gm (18 oz) cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
02 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
03 3 tablespoon (60 ml) olive oil

→ Herbs and Seasonings

04 2 tablespoon fresh basil leaves
05 ½ teaspoon dried oregano
06 1 teaspoon sugar
07 sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 180 Degrees C (355 F).

Step 02

Wash the tomatoes and thoroughly dry them. Cut any large tomatoes in half. Smaller tomatoes can be left whole, but pierce them with a sharp knife to stop them from bursting.

Step 03

Toss the tomatoes with the olive oil in a non-reactive pan. Spread them out into one layer and sprinkle with the minced garlic, basil leaves, dried oregano, sugar, salt and pepper.

Step 04

Roast for 30-40 minutes, until the tomatoes are collapsing and slightly charred.

Step 05

If not serving immediately, cool the tomatoes, place into an airtight container and refrigerate. Serve with additional fresh basil leaves when ready.

Notes

  1. Use a non-reactive pan (ceramic, stainless steel, glass or enamelled)
  2. Bring to room temperature before serving
  3. Can be stored in the fridge for up to three days
  4. Can be frozen for up to three months

Tools You'll Need

  • Non-reactive baking pan
  • Sharp knife
  • Airtight container for storage

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 123
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 6 g
  • Protein: 1 g