Roasted Tomatoes are a juicy and flavorful side dish with a deliciously charred, caramelized exterior. Made with simple seasonings, fresh aromatics, and herbs, and roasted at high heat, they deliver bold, intensified flavors. Perfect as a side or added to salads, soups, sandwiches, sauces, and pasta dishes for lunch or 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℉ (230℃) 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!
Serving
These versatile Roasted Tomatoes elevate omelets, bruschetta, quinoa bowls, pasta sauces, soups, and more with their burst of flavor. You can also explore additional pairing ideas in our "How to Use" section below.
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. Cherry or grape tomatoes are also excellent choices for their natural sweetness and quick roasting time.
Slicing Consistency: Cut the tomatoes into uniform slices or halves for even cooking. Consistent sizing ensures that all pieces roast at the same rate, preventing uneven cooking. For cherry tomatoes, halving them works best.
Olive Oil Coating: Evenly drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes. This helps prevent sticking, adds richness, and promotes caramelization. Using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil can make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Single-layer Arrangement: Place tomatoes in a single layer on the baking tray to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of roasting. Line the tray with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. If necessary, use multiple trays or bake in batches to ensure even roasting.
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 keep them from drying out during roasting. This step ensures every bit of seasoning is used to enhance the tomatoes.
Oven Temperature and Timing: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Roast the tomatoes until they reach your preferred level of tenderness and caramelization, usually 20-30 minutes for larger tomatoes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can make them too mushy. Adjust the time based on the size and variety of tomatoes.
Roasting Cherry Tomatoes: Halve the cherry tomatoes and season as per the recipe. 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.
Experiment and Adjust: Don’t hesitate to try different seasonings, herbs, or spices. For a Mediterranean twist, use oregano and thyme. For a more robust flavor, add minced garlic and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Adjust cooking times and temperatures to achieve your desired caramelization and taste.