Description
Garlic Roasted Cherry Tomatoes are a flavorful and versatile dish that elevates simple cherry tomatoes with the rich aroma of roasted garlic and fresh herbs. Perfect as a side, topping, or sauce base, this easy recipe enhances meals with vibrant color and natural sweetness, ideal for any season and all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomatoes and Aromatics
- 2 cups ripe cherry tomatoes, rinsed and dried
- 4–6 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped
Seasonings and Herbs
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Optional Additions
- Balsamic vinegar, for drizzling before roasting
- Feta or parmesan cheese, for sprinkling after roasting
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly to remove any excess moisture. Peel and roughly chop the garlic cloves. Rinse your fresh herbs and remove the leaves from the stems.
- Toss with Olive Oil and Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, chopped garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of rosemary or thyme leaves. Toss gently to coat each tomato evenly, ensuring the flavors are well distributed for roasting.
- Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread the tomato mixture out evenly and space the tomatoes so they roast rather than steam. This allows the natural sweetness to intensify.
- Roast in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast the tomatoes for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are blistered and slightly caramelized, and the garlic is golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the tomatoes to cool for a few minutes. Serve them as a side dish, topping for pasta, salad ingredient, or enjoy them straight from the oven.
Notes
- Choose uniformly sized cherry tomatoes to ensure even cooking.
- Dry tomatoes thoroughly after rinsing to prevent sogginess during roasting.
- Use fresh garlic cloves for the best aroma and flavor.
- Check the tomatoes near the end of roasting to avoid overcooked or bitter garlic.
- Roast at a high temperature to caramelize the tomatoes and enhance sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: garlic roasted cherry tomatoes, roasted tomatoes, garlic side dish, healthy tomato recipe, easy vegetable side, gluten free, vegan, appetizer