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Garlic Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: The Ultimate Guide to Flavorful Bites

Sweet and savory garlic roasted cherry tomatoes, bursting with flavor. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or topping for pasta, pizza, or bruschetta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes, preferably a mix of colors
  • 68 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
  • Crusty bread, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prep Tomatoes: Wash and thoroughly dry the cherry tomatoes.
  3. Mince Garlic: Mince the garlic finely.
  4. Combine: In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  5. Season: Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Toss: Toss everything together until the tomatoes are well coated.
  7. Spread: Spread the tomato mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet (use two if needed to avoid overcrowding).
  8. Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and blistered, and the garlic is fragrant.
  9. Stir: Halfway through the roasting time, gently stir the tomatoes to ensure even cooking.
  10. Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the tomatoes cool slightly.
  11. Serve: Transfer the roasted cherry tomatoes to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

  • Use a variety of cherry tomato colors for a more visually appealing dish.
  • Add other vegetables to the roasting pan, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or onions.
  • For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute red wine vinegar or lemon juice.
  • Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of roasting for a cheesy twist.
  • Roast the tomatoes with a sprig of rosemary or thyme for an herbaceous flavor.
  • Use different types of garlic, such as roasted garlic or black garlic, for a unique flavor profile.
  • If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but use half the amount.
  • For a sweeter dish, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup before roasting.
  • Serve the roasted cherry tomatoes as a topping for bruschetta or crostini.
  • Store leftover roasted cherry tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To make ahead, you can prepare the tomato mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before roasting.
  • If you want to intensify the flavor even more, you can slow-roast the tomatoes at a lower temperature (275°F or 135°C) for a longer period of time (1-2 hours).
  • Don’t discard the juices from the roasting pan! They’re full of flavor and can be used to make a delicious sauce for pasta or vegetables.
  • Experiment with different types of tomatoes, such as grape tomatoes or Roma tomatoes.