Roasted Tomatoes are a succulent and juicy side with a charred, caramelized exterior. Prepared with simple seasonings, aromatics, and herbs, and roasted in a high-heat oven, they offer intensified flavors. Ideal as a side or in salads, soups, sandwiches, sauces, and pasta dishes for lunch and dinner.
Start by giving the tomatoes a good wash and gently pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Then, slice them in half and place them in a large bowl.
Season the tomatoes with olive oil, black pepper, salt, crushed garlic, thyme, basil, and parsley leaves. Mix everything well, making sure the tomatoes are nicely coated.
Arrange the seasoned tomatoes in a single layer on a baking tray lined with aluminum foil. Don't forget to drizzle any leftover oil and herbs over them – we want all that flavor!
Preheat your oven to 450℉ and pop the baking tray with the tomatoes inside. Let them roast for about 30 to 35 minutes or until they reach your preferred level of tenderness and caramelization.
Once they're done, take them out of the oven, and voilà! Your Roasted Tomatoes are ready to be savored. Enjoy!
To serve
These versatile Roasted Tomatoes elevate omelets, bruschetta, quinoa bowls, pasta sauces, soups, and more with their burst of flavor. Get creative and enjoy!
Notes
Here are some essential tips to perfect your Oven Roasted Tomatoes:
Tomato Selection: Opt for ripe, firm tomatoes. Plum or Roma varieties are great due to their meaty texture and low water content, ideal for roasting. However, feel free to experiment with other types.
Slicing Consistency: Cut the tomatoes into uniform slices or halves for even cooking. This prevents some from being over or undercooked.
Proper Seasoning: Generously season with pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices to enhance the flavor.
Olive Oil Coating: Evenly drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes. This prevents sticking and adds richness.
Single-layer Arrangement: Place tomatoes in a single layer on the baking tray to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of roasting. Use multiple trays or bake in batches if necessary.
Drizzling Leftover Oil and Herbs: Pour any remaining oil and herbs from the bowl over the tomatoes on the tray for extra flavor and to prevent drying out.
Oven Temperature and Timing: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Roast until they reach your preferred level of tenderness and caramelization, but be careful to avoid overcooking.
Experiment and Adjust: Don't hesitate to try different seasonings, herbs, or spices. Adjust cooking times and temperatures based on your taste and desired caramelization.
Roasting Cherry Tomatoes: Halve the cherry tomatoes and follow the recipe's seasoning. Due to their smaller size, they roast quickly, typically in 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to reach your desired level of tenderness and caramelization.