Irresistibly Flavorful Oven Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Garlic & Herbs
There’s nothing quite like the vibrant burst of flavor from perfectly roasted cherry tomatoes. When you encounter these beautiful gems on the vine, glistening with promise, it’s an undeniable call to transform them into something truly spectacular. This recipe for Roasted Cherry Tomatoes turns simple ingredients into intensely flavorful “flavor bombs” that are incredibly versatile and utterly delicious. They’re not only visually appealing but also pack an incredible punch of concentrated sweetness and tang, elevated by aromatic garlic and fresh herbs.
These savory roasted cherry tomatoes are a culinary delight that can elevate a multitude of dishes. Whether you toss them into a vibrant pasta salad, spread them generously over crispy toast for a gourmet snack, or use them as a bright, flavorful topping for fresh green salads, their concentrated taste shines through. The simple act of roasting intensifies their natural sugars and acidity, creating a depth of flavor that works harmoniously in almost any context, making them a must-have in your kitchen repertoire.
Use the JUMP TO RECIPE button at the top of the post, or scroll to the bottom of the post to see the full recipe card with ingredient measurements and instructions.
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Tomato Recipe
This roasted cherry tomato recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking to add incredible flavor to their meals with minimal effort. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when treated right, can yield extraordinary results. The beauty of these tomatoes lies in their simplicity and the transformation they undergo in the oven. The high heat coaxes out their natural sweetness, caramelizing the skins and concentrating their juices into intensely flavorful pockets that burst in your mouth.
Beyond their amazing taste, these tomatoes are incredibly versatile. They can be a vibrant side dish, a delectable appetizer, or a crucial component in more complex meals. Plus, they’re healthy, packed with antioxidants and vitamins, especially when combined with quality olive oil. It’s a fantastic way to utilize fresh produce, especially during peak tomato season, but honestly, even off-season cherry tomatoes benefit immensely from this roasting process, developing a sweetness they might otherwise lack.
Ingredients for Perfect Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
The magic of this recipe lies in its minimalist approach, requiring just a few high-quality ingredients to create something truly exceptional. Because the list is short, it’s crucial to select the best possible components. Opt for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil; its fruity notes will complement the tomatoes beautifully. And of course, fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes are key. While you can technically roast any tomato variety, smaller ones like cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal because their size allows their flavors to concentrate more intensely and quickly during the roasting process, leading to those delightful “flavor bombs.”
When roasted, these small tomatoes transform into awesome little flavor bombs. When left whole, they delightfully pop in your mouth, releasing a burst of sweet and tangy juices. Combined with just a hint of garlic and a sprinkle of salt, the resulting flavor profile is perfectly simple yet deeply satisfying. The fresh herbs, rosemary and thyme, infuse the tomatoes with an earthy, aromatic quality that elevates the entire dish, making it irresistible.
Choosing the Best Tomatoes and Herbs
- Cherry Tomatoes: Look for firm, brightly colored cherry tomatoes. On-the-vine varieties offer a fantastic presentation and often boast superior freshness. Their small size is perfect for quick roasting, allowing their natural sugars to caramelize and intensify without overcooking.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential. Smashing them gently before roasting releases their pungent oils and allows them to mellow into a sweet, creamy texture in the oven.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil is not just a cooking fat here; it’s a flavor enhancer. It coats the tomatoes, aids in caramelization, and adds a rich, peppery note that ties all the flavors together.
- Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme are classic companions to tomatoes, lending an earthy, piney fragrance. Ensure your sprigs are fresh and vibrant for the best aroma and flavor infusion.
- Salt & Pepper: Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper are crucial for seasoning. Kosher salt provides a clean, even seasoning, while fresh black pepper adds a subtle spice and aroma.
Method: How to Roast Cherry Tomatoes to Perfection
Roasting cherry tomatoes is a straightforward process, but a few key steps ensure maximum flavor and ideal texture. If you’re using tomatoes still on the vine, you might find a few have already detached. For these, I recommend cutting them in half to maximize their surface area for seasoning and caramelization. While you’re at it, gently smash your garlic cloves. This simple action helps release their intense flavor, which will mellow beautifully as they roast alongside the tomatoes. Once prepped, combine your cut tomatoes and smashed garlic in a bowl, then drizzle generously with good quality olive oil, season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, and add your chosen fresh herbs. Toss everything together to ensure an even coating. Finally, arrange the tomatoes on your baking sheet, placing the tomatoes still on the vine on top for a visually appealing presentation, perhaps with a final splash of oil and a sprinkle of seasoning.
Once your ingredients are prepped and seasoned on the baking pan, place it into a preheated oven. The goal is to roast them until the tomatoes begin to soften, their skins start to shrivel, and some of them burst open. This transformation is your cue that the intense, fantastic flavors within those tomatoes have been concentrated and deepened, resulting in a sweet, tangy, and savory delight that will be a total joy to eat. The garlic will soften and become sweet, and the herbs will release their fragrant oils, all contributing to an irresistible aroma filling your kitchen.
Once roasted to perfection, these flavorful cherry tomatoes are ready to transform your meals. You can serve them directly off the vine for an elegant presentation, providing an interactive and delicious experience. They’re incredible when tossed into a fresh pasta salad, where their juices mingle with the pasta and other ingredients. Use them to top a vibrant green salad, adding warmth, color, and an explosion of taste. Or, simply use them to fancy up your morning toast, bruschetta, or even as a gourmet pizza topping. The possibilities are endless for these versatile, savory, and sweet roasted delights!
Notes & Tips for the Best Roasted Tomatoes
Achieving perfectly roasted cherry tomatoes is simple, but a few considerations can elevate your results. If you prefer, you can certainly slice all the tomatoes in half and remove them from their stems before roasting. This can help them cook more evenly and absorb more seasoning. However, I often choose to roast them on the stem for a more dramatic and rustic presentation. It allows guests to pluck them off individually, adding a charming, interactive element to the meal. For those that naturally fall off the vine, I usually cut them in half, while leaving the majority of the vine-attached tomatoes intact.
When preparing your tomatoes, if you choose to remove them all from the stems and slice them, simply toss them all together in a large bowl with your olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs. This ensures every piece is thoroughly coated. Similarly, for the herbs, you can strip the leaves from the rosemary and thyme sprigs and finely chop them, then mix them directly with the tomatoes and seasoning. This method distributes the herb flavor more evenly throughout the dish.
If you plan on reserving a batch of these delicious roasted cherry tomatoes for later enjoyment, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They typically keep well for 3-5 days. To best enjoy them after refrigeration, warm them gently in the oven or microwave, or simply allow them to come to room temperature before serving. Their flavors are best appreciated when not ice cold.
Pro Tips for Flavor and Texture
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For optimal roasting and caramelization, ensure your tomatoes are in a single layer with a little space between them. Overcrowding will steam them instead of roasting, resulting in a less intense flavor and softer texture.
- High Heat is Key: Roasting at 400°F (200°C) is ideal for achieving that perfect balance of softened interiors and slightly caramelized skins.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste a roasted tomato before serving and adjust seasoning if needed. A little extra salt can sometimes make the flavors pop even more.
- Use the Juices: The pan juices left behind after roasting are incredibly flavorful. Don’t discard them! They’re perfect for drizzling over pasta, toast, or incorporating into sauces.
Substitutions & Variations
This roasted cherry tomato recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing for various substitutions to suit your pantry or preference. While I prefer cherry tomatoes, especially when found on the vine for their beautiful presentation, you can certainly experiment with other varieties. Grape tomatoes work equally well and offer a similar flavor concentration. If you opt for larger tomatoes like Roma, heirloom, or beefsteak, it’s best to cut them into wedges or dice them into bite-sized pieces before roasting. This ensures they cook thoroughly and develop that desired concentrated flavor.
When it comes to garlic, smashed cloves are my personal preference; I love being able to pick out a large, tender piece and savor its mellow sweetness. However, feel free to dice, slice, or mince the garlic for a more integrated flavor. If you’re out of garlic or simply want to try something different, sliced onions or shallots can be a fantastic aromatic substitute. You could even add them to the tray alongside the tomatoes for extra depth of flavor. For a truly garlicky experience, consider adding a whole head of garlic, sliced horizontally, to roast alongside the tomatoes – its cloves will become wonderfully spreadable.
If fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme aren’t available, don’t worry! You can still achieve a delicious result. When tossing everything with olive oil, sprinkle in a teaspoon or two of dried herbs de Provence, dried oregano, or even a mixed Italian seasoning blend. Remember that dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh, so use them sparingly and taste as you go. You could also introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or a dash of balsamic glaze after roasting for added sweetness and acidity.
More Tasty Tomato-y Recipes
If you’re a fan of the rich, diverse flavors that tomatoes bring to the table, explore these other delicious recipes:
- Confit Tomatoes: Slow-cooked tomatoes steeped in olive oil, herbs, and garlic for an incredibly rich and tender result.
- Tomato Feta Salad: A refreshing and vibrant salad combining juicy tomatoes with salty feta cheese and fresh herbs.
- Roasted Tomato Tart: A savory tart featuring sweet roasted tomatoes baked into a flaky pastry crust.
- Perfect Bloody Mary: The ultimate savory cocktail, often built on a robust tomato base.
- Spaghetti Soup: A comforting and hearty soup with a rich tomato broth and spaghetti.
- Traditional Greek Salad: A classic Mediterranean salad featuring fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta.
- Baked Feta Pasta with Chicken: A viral sensation where feta and tomatoes bake into a creamy sauce for pasta.
- Puff Pastry Tomato Tarts: Quick and elegant tartlets featuring sliced tomatoes on a crisp puff pastry base.
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📖 Recipe
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
5 minutes
30 minutes
35 minutes
These Roasted Cherry Tomatoes are an absolute delight, especially when you find them fresh on the vine. They are incredibly beautiful and bursting with flavor, making them a perfect addition to any meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound Cherry Tomatoes, preferably on the vine for best presentation
- 6-8 Garlic cloves, gently smashed
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil, high quality is recommended
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt, such as Morton’s
- ¼ teaspoon Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
- 3-4 Rosemary Sprigs, whole
- 8-10 Thyme Sprigs, whole
Instructions
Notes
Additional Notes & Tips
For a different approach, you can slice all the tomatoes in half and remove them from their stems before seasoning. While I love roasting them on the stem for a dramatic presentation, leaving everyone to pick them off, cutting them ensures maximum flavor absorption. I typically cut any fallen tomatoes in half but keep the vine-attached ones intact. If opting to cut all, toss them in a bowl with seasoning before spreading on the pan. You can also strip and chop fresh herbs to mix directly with the tomatoes for an even distribution of flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days and gently warm or allow to reach room temperature for best enjoyment.
Substitutions & Variations
While cherry tomatoes, especially on the vine, offer a beautiful presentation and ideal flavor concentration, grape tomatoes are an excellent alternative. For larger tomato varieties, simply cut them into wedges or dice them before roasting. Smashed garlic is my preference for its mellow, sweet chunks, but diced, sliced, or minced garlic works well too. Onions or shallots can also be roasted alongside for a different aromatic twist. If fresh herbs are unavailable, substitute with 1-2 teaspoons of dried Herbes de Provence or Italian seasoning, adjusting to your taste.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 33Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 82mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 1g
This is an estimated caloric value, actual numbers may differ based on the ingredients used.
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