Roasted Tomatoes a Simple Guide to Sweet Savory Perfection

Recipe Introduction
Fancy learning how to roast tomatoes ? Honestly, who doesn't love them? Especially when they're all sweet and caramelised? This simple trick can transform your meals.
Quick Hook
Ever wondered why restaurant tomatoes taste so amazing? The secret is often roasting! My mum showed me this ages ago.
I want to share my simple guide, perfect for anyone who loves deeply flavorful tomato side dishes or roasted tomato recipes .
Roasting brings out this incredible sweetness that is just divine.
Brief Overview
Roasting tomatoes is an Italian kitchen staple. Think Mediterranean sunshine, bottled. It's super easy, taking about 45 minutes all in. You'll get about 4 servings, but, trust me, they disappear fast.
Main Benefits
The best part? Tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, especially lycopene! These simple roasted tomatoes make any meal feel special. This is my go-to for simple yet impressive tomato side dishes .
I reckon it would be just the ticket for a weekend brunch or a cosy pasta night. It is also an excellent base for preparing roasted tomatoes for sauce .
Roasting Roma tomatoes or cherry tomato recipes intensifies their flavour like you wouldn't believe. Plus, it's proper easy to throw together.
Ready to dive in and learn how to roast cherry tomatoes in oven ? Let's get started!
Ingredients & Equipment
Right then, let's talk about what you'll need. Don't stress, it's all pretty basic stuff. The key to how to roast tomatoes is really in the tomatoes themselves, and a few bits and bobs to make 'em sing.
I find that simple roasted tomatoes are the best.
Main Ingredients
- About 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of ripe tomatoes. I like Roma or cherry tomato recipes , but plum ones work too.
- 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Get the good stuff, you know? It makes a difference. Quality indicators are vibrant color and fruity scent.
- 2-3 cloves of minced garlic (about 1-2 tsp ). Fresh is always best.
- 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. I use a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil.
- ½ teaspoon of sea salt.
- ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
- Optional: 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. For drizzling, fancy pants. I love balsamic roasted tomatoes !
- Optional: Red pepper flakes to taste.
Seasoning Notes
The garlic and herbs are your best mates here. They boost the flavour like nobody's business. Feel free to sub the dried herbs for fresh ones.
Rosemary and thyme are brilliant. A touch of balsamic vinegar at the end gives it a sweet tang. It complements the roasted cherry tomatoes in oven so well.
Equipment Needed
You don't need a fancy kitchen to make how to roast tomatoes .
- A large baking sheet.
- Parchment paper. Makes clean-up a doddle.
- A chef's knife. To chop those tomatoes.
- A cutting board. Obviously.
- A small bowl. For mixing all those flavours.
- A garlic press. If you're feeling posh.
Honestly, oven-roasted tomatoes with herbs are just so versatile. You can use them in so many dishes. I often use roasted tomatoes for sauce .
You won't regret learning how to roast tomatoes ! They make the best tomato side dishes .
Cooking Method: How to Roast Tomatoes Like a Pro
Honestly, roasting tomatoes is a total game changer. It's so easy, but transforms them into something amazing. Think sweet, intense flavour, perfect for loads of dishes.
Seriously, you'll wonder why you didn't do this sooner! Let's dive into how to roast tomatoes the right way. I've been cooking since before I was out of my nappies and even I have messed this up, it's easier than you think to go wrong.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First things first: mise en place , as they say in fancy kitchens. Get all your ingredients ready. Wash about 1 kg (2.
2 lbs) of your favourite tomatoes. Roma tomatoes , cherry tomato recipes , or plum tomatoes work great. Peel and mince 2-3 cloves of garlic, and have your herbs, salt, and pepper ready.
For the love of all that is holy, use a good knife. A dull one is a nightmare.
Time saving tip : Chop everything before you even turn on the oven. It's so much easier to relax when the oven is on.
step-by-step: oven-roasted Tomatoes with Herbs
- Preheat your oven to 200° C ( 400° F) . Get that oven nice and toasty.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Trust me, makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cut larger tomatoes in half or quarters. Leave roast cherry tomatoes whole.
- Mix 3 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, 1 teaspoon Italian herbs, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a bowl.
- Arrange tomatoes cut-side up on the sheet and drizzle with the oil mix.
- Roast cherry tomatoes in oven for 30- 45 minutes . Look for softening and caramelization. If they're starting to burn, just drop the temp a bit.
- Let them cool slightly, then drizzle with 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional).
Pro Tips: From Good to Great
Don’t overcrowd the pan! The tomatoes will steam instead of roasting . We want nice caramelization and a flavour explosion not boiled tomatoes! Give them space to breathe.
I usually use two trays.
Common mistake: forgetting to check them. Keep an eye on those little guys. You want them soft and caramelized, not burnt to a crisp.
Roast tomatoes for sauce ? Absolutely! Make a big batch and freeze some for later. You can also store it in the fridge for about 5 days.
This is your new favourite weeknight roasted tomato recipes sauce.
And there you have it! Whether you are wanting a simple roasted tomatoes , or something more fancy, you now know how to roast tomatoes.
Get creative with your tomato side dishes !. I love them on bruschetta or as a topping for pizza. Seriously, give it a go!
Recipe Notes for Seriously Good Roasted Tomatoes
Right then, let’s talk nitty gritty. We're diving into all those little bits that can make your Roasted Tomatoes experience absolutely banging.
Serving Up Sunshine: Presentation and Pairings
How you plate things matters, you know? For a rustic vibe, pile your simple roasted tomatoes high on a wooden board.
Drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Garnish with fresh basil. Boom. Fancy it up? Serve them alongside grilled halloumi or some crusty bread.
Tomato side dishes are always a winner.
For drinks, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc works wonders. Or, keep it simple with a sparkling water and a slice of lemon. A San Pellegrino Limonata will also do the trick.
Storing Your Tomato Treasure
So, you've got leftovers. Ace! Keep those babies in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for up to 5 days.
Need them longer? Freeze them! Lay them out on a baking sheet first. Freeze until solid. Then, pop them into a freezer bag.
This prevents them from sticking together. To reheat, just chuck them straight into a pan or the oven. Sorted!
Playing Around: Swaps and Tweaks
Got dietary needs? No worries! This recipe is naturally vegan. For a gluten-free version, just make sure your balsamic vinegar (if using) is gluten-free.
How to roast tomatoes and adapt to any diet!
Feel like getting creative with the roast cherry tomatoes ? Swap out the Italian herbs for a pinch of smoked paprika.
Or, try roasting them with a sprig of rosemary for a proper herby kick. In autumn, use butternut squash. Then you can blend the Roasted Tomatoes for Sauce with it!
Nutrition Snippets
oven-roasted Tomatoes with Herbs aren't just tasty, they're good for you too. You know tomatoes are packed with Vitamin C, right? This recipe is about 120 calories per serving, mainly from the olive oil.
Healthy fats, people!
Listen, Roasted Roma Tomatoes are a great way to get your vitamins and antioxidants. They're also low in carbs and high in fibre. Honestly, you can't go wrong.
So, there you have it. All the deets to make how to roast tomatoes absolutely foolproof. Get in that kitchen.
Give it a go. And don’t forget to have a bit of fun with it! You can always find lots of Roasted Tomato Recipes on the net.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best type of tomato to use for roasting?
Roma, plum, or cherry tomatoes are usually the bee's knees for roasting because they have a good balance of sweetness and acidity, and they hold their shape well during the cooking process. But honestly, you can use just about any tomato you like! Just adjust the roasting time depending on the size.
How long does it really take to roast tomatoes properly?
Typically, it takes around 30-45 minutes at 200°C (400°F), but keep a close eye on them, especially towards the end! You're looking for them to be softened, slightly shrivelled, and starting to caramelize around the edges, giving them that lovely, concentrated flavour.
Every oven is different, so trust your instincts.
Can I freeze roasted tomatoes for later? I'm all about batch cooking, you see.
Absolutely! Once your roasted tomatoes have cooled completely, pop them in an airtight container or freezer bag, making sure to squeeze out any excess air. They'll happily keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Just thaw them out before using them in your pasta sauces, soups, or whatever culinary masterpiece you're whipping up. It's like having a little bit of summer on standby!
I'm not a fan of garlic. Can I still make this recipe for how to roast tomatoes?
Of course! Garlic isn't essential to the recipe. You can easily leave it out altogether, or if you still want a hint of that flavour, try using a pinch of garlic powder instead. Experiment and see what tickles your fancy; cooking should be fun, not a chore!
What's the best way to use roasted tomatoes? I'm looking for some inspiration!
Where do we even begin? Roasted tomatoes are incredibly versatile. Blitz them into a cracking pasta sauce, pile them onto bruschetta with some basil and balsamic glaze, or use them as a flavour packed pizza topping.
You can also serve them as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or toss them into salads for a burst of summery goodness. The possibilities are endless!
Is roasting tomatoes healthy? I'm trying to eat a bit better, y'know?
You betcha! Roasting tomatoes actually enhances their nutritional value. The heat helps to release lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to various health benefits. Plus, you're getting a good dose of vitamins and fibre from the tomatoes themselves. Just go easy on the oil and salt to keep it super healthy.
Roasted Tomatoes A Simple Guide To Sweet Savory

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 120 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 2g |