Transform ordinary tomatoes into extraordinary culinary gems with these Roasted Tomatoes that concentrate all the bright, sun-kissed flavors of summer into intensely sweet, caramelized morsels that enhance virtually any dish they touch. These aren’t just heated tomatoes – they’re flavor powerhouses that emerge from the oven with concentrated sweetness, jammy texture, and incredible depth that can only be achieved through the slow caramelization process that high heat and time create together. Each perfectly roasted piece delivers layers of complexity: the natural sugars concentrate and caramelize while the acidic brightness mellows into rich, sweet notes enhanced by aromatic herbs and garlic that perfume every bite. Whether you’re looking to elevate simple pasta dishes, create an impressive appetizer spread, add gourmet touches to sandwiches and salads, or simply want to preserve the peak flavors of tomato season, these roasted beauties prove that sometimes the simplest techniques produce the most spectacular results.
Serving: 4-6 people as a side dish
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Roasted Tomatoes:
3 pounds mixed tomatoes (Roma, cherry, heirloom, or beefsteak)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried)
2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for less ripe tomatoes)
For Finishing:
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Cracked black pepper
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, which provides the perfect balance of heat for caramelizing the tomatoes without burning them or drying them out completely.
Prepare your tomatoes based on their type and size: cut large tomatoes like beefsteaks into thick wedges, halve Roma tomatoes lengthwise, and leave cherry tomatoes whole or halve them if very large. The goal is uniform pieces that will cook evenly.
If using very juicy tomatoes like beefsteaks, you can remove some seeds to prevent excess moisture, but don’t worry about being too thorough as some juice adds to the final flavor.
Arrange the prepared tomatoes cut-side up (when applicable) on a large, rimmed baking sheet, giving them space to roast properly without steaming each other.
Seasoning for Maximum Flavor
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over all the tomatoes, using your hands to toss and coat them thoroughly. Every piece should glisten with oil, which helps with caramelization and prevents sticking.
Scatter the thinly sliced garlic evenly among the tomatoes, tucking some pieces under the tomatoes to prevent burning while still infusing the entire pan with aromatic flavor.
Sprinkle the fresh thyme and oregano leaves over the tomatoes, distributing them evenly so every bite will have herbal complexity that complements the sweet, concentrated tomato flavors.
Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over everything, which adds depth and helps balance the sweetness that develops during roasting.
Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper, and add the sugar if your tomatoes aren’t fully ripe, as it helps develop the caramelization process.
The Roasting Process
Place the seasoned tomatoes in the preheated oven and roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size and variety of tomatoes you’re using.
The tomatoes are properly roasted when they’ve shrunk slightly, developed golden-brown edges, and have a jammy, concentrated appearance. Some pieces may have slight charring, which adds wonderful flavor.
Cherry tomatoes will be done on the shorter end of the time range, while larger pieces need the full hour to properly concentrate their flavors and achieve the desired texture.
Resist the urge to stir or move the tomatoes during roasting, as this can prevent proper caramelization and may cause them to break apart.
Final Touches and Finishing
Remove the roasted tomatoes from the oven when they’re beautifully caramelized and have developed deep, concentrated flavors but still hold their shape reasonably well.
Let them cool for 5-10 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh chopped basil and parsley, which add bright, fresh notes that perfectly complement the concentrated roasted flavors.
Finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt, which enhances all the flavors and adds a pleasant textural contrast to the soft, jammy tomatoes.
Drizzle with a small amount of your best extra virgin olive oil and add cracked black pepper just before serving for the ultimate finishing touches.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile roasted tomatoes can be served warm as a side dish, at room temperature as part of an antipasto platter, or incorporated into countless other dishes for added depth and flavor.
They’re incredible tossed with pasta, spread on crusty bread, layered in sandwiches, or used as a topping for pizza, grain bowls, and salads.
Tips for Perfect Roasted Tomatoes
Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes as roasting concentrates whatever flavors are already present, so starting with good tomatoes is essential for great results.
Don’t overcrowd the pan as this creates steam instead of the dry heat needed for proper caramelization and flavor concentration.
Use enough oil to coat all surfaces, as this prevents sticking and promotes even browning and caramelization throughout the roasting process.
Adjust timing by size with smaller tomatoes cooking faster than larger pieces, so check periodically and remove pieces as they finish if needed.
Don’t move them around during roasting, as this prevents the development of those beautiful caramelized surfaces that add so much flavor.
Season generously as tomatoes can handle substantial seasoning, and the flavors will concentrate and mellow during the long roasting process.
Use fresh herbs when possible, as they provide more vibrant flavor than dried, though dried herbs work fine as a substitute.
Save the pan juices as they’re incredibly flavorful and can be used to dress salads, finish pasta dishes, or add depth to sauces.
Storage and Uses
Store roasted tomatoes covered in the refrigerator for up to one week, and they actually improve in flavor after a day as the tastes have time to meld together.
Make-Ahead Benefits
These roasted tomatoes are excellent for meal prep and can be made several days ahead, making them perfect for busy schedules and entertaining preparation.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 5 servings):
- Calories: 125
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 485mg
- Potassium: 385mg
- Vitamin C: 25mg
- Lycopene: 8.5mg
These nutrient-dense roasted tomatoes provide excellent amounts of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that becomes more bioavailable through cooking and supports heart health and may reduce cancer risk. They’re also rich in vitamin C, potassium for heart health, and folate. The olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats that help with nutrient absorption. Despite the added oil, these remain a relatively low-calorie way to add intense flavor and nutrition to meals, while the concentrated tomato flavors mean a little goes a long way in terms of taste satisfaction.
