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Make these delicious roasted cherry tomatoes the star of the show on your summer dinner table. Sometimes simple is better.
I am never short of tomatoes in the summer and one of my favorite varieties are cherry tomatoes because they’re bite sized, sweet and so tasty. Finding new ways of cooking them is sometimes a challenge. I usually make them into a cherry tomato sauce to pour over pasta, but they are also great roasted with garlic straight from the oven, with a slice of bread to dip into the juices.
This quick and easy recipe ensures tasty, garlicky roasted tomatoes perfect for eating as they are, topping bruschetta, or simply eating with pasta.
Why This Recipe Works
- Using cherry tomatoes rather than larger varieties in a hot oven, creates a rich flavor in less time.
- Roasting the tomatoes with salt, pepper and herbs delivers a deep richness that can’t be beat.
- Using whole garlic cloves softens their edges and browns the bottom of the garlic without burning them.
Cherry Tomato Buying Guide
A ripe, juicy tomato is a thing of joy. They can be eaten raw in salads like Cobb salad, and Tomato, Avocado Salad or they can roasted create a a simple Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce, or Salsa Roja the cherry tomato is versatile and comes in many different varieties and colors such as grape tomatoes, Kumato, and Campari which often come on the vine.
When buying cherry tomatoes, look for ones that are free of blemishes or dark spots with a good weight for their size, and aromatic where the stem was attached. The fruit should be firm but soft. If you don’t plan to use them right away, choose firmer tomatoes and let them ripen throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes
- Tomatoes: I use fresh cherry tomatoes for this recipe, these can be replaced with grape tomatoes or baby plum tomatoes.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is my favorite for roasting vegetables, however, you can use canola oil or any other vegetable oil.
- Dried Herbs: This recipe calls for dried oregano, but you can add dried herbs of your choice like basil or thyme. Dried herbs are used as a convenience, fresh herbs work really well with this recipe too.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is best here, but in a pinch you can use pre peeled cloves or garlic powder in it’s place.
How To Make Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
- Cover the tomatoes in oil, herbs and seasoning.
- Add the garlic cloves and mix to coat.
- Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Step By Step Instructions
Place the tomatoes in a bowl and pour on the olive oil.
Sprinkle the dried herbs and spices over the tomatoes.
Add the garlic (whole). Toss the tomatoes until coated with the oil and herbs.
Pour the tomatoes onto an oven tray.
Spread the tomatoes in the pan. Place in the oven for around 20 to 25 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!
Uses For Roasted Tomatoes
Use Roasted tomatoes to top chicken or fish, enhance soups, serve as a side dish or serve on toasted bread, or mixed into pasta. You’re spoiled for choice with such a versatile, delicious dish!
Make ahead and Freezing Instructions
To make ahead, prepare as instructed and store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve reheat in the microwave until warmed through.
To freeze, allow to cool and add to a freezer-safe, airtight container. Freese for up to 3 months.
Tips & Variations
- Instead of using garlic cloves whole you can mince the garlic or even finely chop it, but be aware that it might char and burn and change the flavor of the tomatoes.
- You can add chunks of chopped onion to the roasted cherry tomatoes to add extra flavor.
- If you like things spicy add some flaked red pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
- Crumble some feta cheese or mozzarella over the cooked tomatoes and serve with ciabatta for a homemade bruschetta.
- Use these garlic roasted tomatoes to top pizza.
FAQs
What’s the difference between cherry and grape tomatoes?
The difference between cherry and grape tomatoes is the shape. A grape tomato grows into a longer more oval shape where as a cherry tomato is round like a cherry.
Can I use wrinkled cherry tomatoes?
You can use wrinkled cherry tomatoes but be aware they may have lost some of their taste.
Why do roasted tomatoes taste better?
Roasted tomatoes don’t necessarily taste better than raw, but roasted have a more intense flavor and have less liquid when eaten.
Other Great Recipes
If you are looking for more inspiring tomato recipes look no further, here are some of my personal favorites:
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Recipe
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes ((approx 24oz/680g))
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon dried oregano
- 6 cloves garlic (peeled)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped herbs (such as basil, thyme or parsley)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F/230°C.
- Add the cherry tomatoes to a bowl. Add the oil, oregano, garlic cloves, salt and pepper. Toss to coat and turn out onto a rimmed baking sheet.
- Roast until tomatoes are blistered and begin to burst, 20–25 minutes.
- Taste for seasoning and season with salt as needed. Top with fresh herbs before serving.
Tips
- Instead of using garlic cloves whole you can mince the garlic or even finely chop it, but be aware that it might char and burn and change the flavor of the tomatoes.
- You can add chunks of chopped onion to the roasted cherry tomatoes to add extra flavor.
- If you like things spicy add some flaked red pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
- Crumble some feta cheese or mozzarella over the cooked tomatoes and serve with ciabatta for a homemade bruschetta.
- Use these garlic roasted tomatoes to top pizza.
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