Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

These Roasted Cherry Tomatoes are bursting with juicy cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant thyme, balsamic vinegar and caramelized to perfection. They’re the perfect way to use up juicy summer tomatoes and make the perfect healthy side dish, sandwich condiment or over pasta! Gluten-free, paleo, grain-free with vegan and Whole30 friendly.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Elevate Your Dishes with Bursting Flavors

Are you searching for a simple yet delightful recipe to take your dishes to the next level? These Roasted Cherry Tomatoes are a burst of sweet and savory goodness. Made with juicy cherry tomatoes along with the aroma of garlic and herbs, this will elevate your meals to new heights and will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Whether you want to enjoy these summery garden tomatoes as a standalone dish or use them to create a mouthwatering Tomato Pesto Sandwich, this recipe is sure to impress.

Recipe Ingredients

• High-Quality Ripe Cherry Tomatoes: The star of this recipe, these luscious tomatoes bring a natural sweetness and juicy texture, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
• Garlic: Sliced and roasted alongside the tomatoes, garlic infuses the dish with a rich, earthy aroma, enhancing its depth and complexity.
• Olive Oil: Generously drizzled over the tomatoes, olive oil helps to soften and roast them to perfection while adding a luxurious richness.
• Dried Oregano: With its Mediterranean flair, dried oregano complements the tomatoes and garlic, infusing the dish with a delightful herbal essence.
• Sea Salt or Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt is essential to bring out the natural flavors of the tomatoes and elevate the savory notes.
• Ground Black Pepper: Adding a hint of spice, black pepper harmonizes the flavors, creating a well-rounded taste profile.
• Fresh Thyme: The aromatic thyme sprigs add a touch of freshness and elevate the dish to a whole new level of flavor.
• Balsamic Vinegar: The final touch of balsamic vinegar adds a tangy twist that perfectly complements the roasted tomatoes and garlic.

For the optional sandwich:

• Italian-Style or French Baguette: A crusty and flavorful baguette serves as the perfect vessel for the sandwich, providing a satisfying crunch and a sturdy base. We like unbun, thornbury bakery, schar, bread srsly, awg bakery or california country gal for gluten-free / grain-free options.
• Pesto of Choice: The creamy and aromatic pesto adds a burst of flavor to the sandwich, enhancing the overall taste with its blend of herbs, nuts, and cheese. Use our homemade pesto recipe or your favorite brand.
• Baby Spinach: Fresh baby spinach leaves add a touch of green freshness, providing a nutritious and vibrant element to the sandwich.
• Burrata Ball or Fresh Mozzarella-Style Cheese: The creamy, luscious burrata or fresh mozzarella-style cheese brings a rich and indulgent texture, creating a luxurious mouthfeel. We like Miyokos Cashew Mozzarella for dairy-free.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Take a baking dish and arrange the high-quality ripe cherry tomatoes in a single layer.
3. Add the Garlic: Slice the small head of garlic in half horizontally and nestle the garlic heads cut side up among the cherry tomatoes in the baking dish.
4. Drizzle with Olive Oil: Generously drizzle the cherry tomatoes with olive oil until they are half-way submerged in the oil.
5. Season with Herbs and Spices: Season the tomatoes with dried oregano, sea salt or kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Gently toss the tomatoes to ensure they are evenly coated.
6. Add Fresh Thyme: Tuck 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme into the mixture to infuse the dish with a delightful herbal essence.
7. Roast the Tomatoes: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast the cherry tomatoes for 40-45 minutes, or until they are wilted but not fully bursted.
8. Prepare the Garlic: Once the tomatoes are ready, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes. Pick up the garlic head and gently squeeze the garlic cloves upward so they pop out of the peel. Add the roasted garlic cloves to the tomatoes and discard the skin.
9. Add Balsamic Vinegar: Drizzle 1/2 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar over the roasted tomatoes and garlic. Gently toss to coat, allowing the balsamic vinegar to infuse the dish with a tangy twist.
10. Serve and Enjoy: The Roasted Cherry Tomatoes are now ready to be served. Enjoy them as a side dish, in a sandwich, or however you prefer!

11. Optional – Tomato Pesto Sandwich:

    1. If you’d like to create a Tomato Pesto Sandwich, follow the additional instructions provided in the recipe.
    2. Cut the baguette in half vertically and drizzle both sides with olive oil before grilling or toasting until lightly golden.
    3. Spread pesto on both sides of the baguette, then layer on baby spinach and creamy burrata or your preferred cheese.
    4. Mash one of the roasted garlic cloves with some of the tomatoes and spread this mixture evenly onto the sandwich. Close it up, press gently, and cut into halves for a delightful treat.

Tips for Success:

• Use high-quality ripe cherry tomatoes to ensure the best taste and texture.
• Nestle the garlic heads cut side up among the tomatoes for even roasting and maximum flavor infusion.
• Allow the tomatoes to roast until wilted but not fully bursted to retain their shape and juiciness.

Storage and Freezer Instructions:

If you happen to have any leftovers (though they might disappear quickly!), store the Roasted Cherry Tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them by placing them in a freezer-safe container. When thawed, they’ll be a delightful addition to your future recipes.

Serving Suggestions:

There are numerous ways to enjoy these delectable Roasted Cherry Tomatoes:

1. As a Side Dish: Serve them alongside your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or fish, for a burst of freshness and flavor.
2. Tomato Pesto Sandwich: Create a mouthwatering sandwich using our optional Tomato Pesto Sandwich recipe below. It’s the perfect on-the-go meal or a lovely addition to a picnic.

Variations and Substitutions:

Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own:

• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as fresh mozzarella or feta, to suit your taste preferences.
• For a vegan version of the sandwich, use dairy-free cheese and pesto.
• Add fresh basil leaves or arugula to the sandwich for an extra burst of herbaceousness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Can I use other types of tomatoes for this recipe? A: Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are recommended for their sweetness and size, you can experiment with other varieties like grape tomatoes or small Roma tomatoes.

Q2: Can I make the dish in advance for a party or gathering? A: Absolutely! You can roast the cherry tomatoes ahead of time and reheat them in the oven just before serving. This way, you can save time and still delight your guests with a flavorful dish.

Q3: Are the roasted tomatoes suitable for pasta dishes or salads? A: Absolutely! The Roasted Cherry Tomatoes can be a delightful addition to pasta dishes, salads, bruschettas, and various other recipes. They add a burst of flavor and freshness to any meal.

Q4: Can I make the Tomato Pesto Sandwich without cheese for a vegan option? A: Yes, you can make the Tomato Pesto Sandwich vegan-friendly by using dairy-free cheese and pesto. You can also add avocado or other plant-based spreads for creaminess.

Q5: Can I use fresh thyme leaves instead of sprigs? A: Yes, you can use fresh thyme leaves instead of sprigs. Simply sprinkle the leaves over the tomatoes for the same wonderful flavor.

Q6: Can I customize the herbs and spices used in this recipe? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. Basil, rosemary, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can add exciting variations.

More delicious roasted vegetable recipes you will love:

Roasted Cauliflower

Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes

5 from 1 vote

Print

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

35 mins

Total Time

45 mins

 

These Roasted Cherry Tomatoes are bursting with juicy cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant thyme, balsamic vinegar and caramelized to perfection. They're the perfect way to use up juicy summer tomatoes and make the perfect healthy side dish, sandwich condiment or over pasta! Gluten-free, paleo, grain-free with vegan and Whole30 friendly.

Course: condiment, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: roasted cherry tomatoes, roasted tomatoes

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 96 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

• 1 lb high-quality ripe cherry tomatoes
• 1 small head garlic sliced in half horizontally
• ¼ cup olive oil plus more as needed
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Sea salt or kosher salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste
• 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Optional - For the Tomato Pesto Sandwich

• 1 small / medium Italian-style or French baguette , we like unbun, thornbury bakery, schar, bread srsly, awg bakery or california country gal for gluten-free / grain-free
• Pesto of choice
• Baby spinach
• 1 burrata ball or fresh mozzarella-style cheese or creamy soft cheese of choice dairy-free or regular - we like Miyokos cashew mozzarella for dairy-free.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F. In a baking dish, arrange the cherry tomatoes in a single layer. Push a few tomatoes aside and nestle the garlic heads cut side up, one near the top of the baking dish and the other one near the bottom. Drizzle the tomatoes generously with olive oil until they are half-way submerged. Season with oregano, salt, black pepper and gently toss to coat. Tuck the thyme sprigs into the mixture. Roast for 40-45 minutes or until the tomatoes are wilted but not all have fully bursted.
2. Once the tomatoes are ready, allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Pick up the garlic head and gently squeeze the garlic cloves upward so they pop out of the peel, then add them to the roasted tomatoes and discard the skin. Add balsamic vinegar and gently toss to coat.

Optional - For the Tomato Pesto Sandwich

1. Assemble the sandwich by cutting the baguette in half vertically. Drizzle both sides with 1 1/2 - 2 tablespoons of avocado oil or olive oil. Grill or toast your bread until lightly golden.
2. Spread both sides with some pesto. Top the bottom half with spinach then top with burrata / creamy cheese, cutting the cheese down the middle, tearing to fit and spreading over evenly.
3. Use a fork to mash down one of the roasted garlic cloves then mix it with some of the roasted tomatoes. Add / spread that roasted tomato / mashed garlic mixture evenly to the sandwich. Close the sandwich with the top slice, then press down gently. Cut the sandwich into halves and enjoy.

Recipe Notes

Nutritional value is for roasted tomatoes minus the sandwich.

Nutrition Facts

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 96 Calories from Fat 81

% Daily Value*

Fat 9g14%

Carbohydrates 4g1%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 1g2%

Iron 1mg6%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.