Can I use different types of tomatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are ideal for their sweetness and quick cooking time, you can use plum tomatoes (halved), grape tomatoes, or even regular tomatoes cut into chunks. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly - larger pieces will need longer to roast.

My tomatoes are releasing a lot of juice during roasting. Is this normal?

Yes, this is completely normal and actually wonderful! Those juices are concentrated tomato flavor. You can either let them evaporate by roasting a bit longer, or save the delicious liquid to add to soups, sauces, or drizzle over the finished dish.

Is it necessary to add sugar to the tomatoes?

While not absolutely essential, that small amount of sugar helps enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and promotes better caramelization. If your tomatoes are very ripe and sweet, or if you prefer a less sweet result, you can reduce or omit it.

Can I make these roasted tomatoes in advance for a dinner party?

Definitely! These tomatoes actually develop more flavor as they sit. Make them up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature or gently rewarm before serving for the best flavor.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Name: Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Tomatoes; 2 pounds plum tomatoes or cherry tomatoes; For Seasoning; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt

This simple yet transformative Roasted Cherry Tomatoes recipe will elevate your cooking game instantly. Sweet cherry tomatoes caramelized to perfection with garlic and olive oil create an incredibly versatile dish that intensifies the natural flavors of tomatoes while bringing out their natural sweetness. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a stunning side dish or ingredient that will add depth to countless meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor Transformation: The roasting process concentrates the natural sweetness of tomatoes while adding a delicious caramelized edge that’s impossible to achieve any other way.
Ridiculously Simple: With just 5 ingredients and minimal hands-on time, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort.
Versatility Champion: These roasted tomatoes can elevate almost any dish – from pasta to bruschetta to salads to eggs. Make a batch and use it throughout the week!
Minimal Cleanup: Everything roasts on a single sheet pan, meaning less time cleaning and more time enjoying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cherry Tomatoes: The star of the show! Their natural sweetness intensifies beautifully when roasted. You can also use plum tomatoes if you prefer, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the tomatoes caramelize. Use a good quality oil since its flavor will shine through.
Garlic: Provides an aromatic depth that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes perfectly. Fresh is best here!
Sugar: Just a touch enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and helps them caramelize beautifully.
Salt: Brings all the flavors together and intensifies the tomato taste. Don’t skip this!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Herb Infused

Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil leaves during the last 5 minutes of roasting for a fragrant twist. Dried herbs work too – just add them at the beginning.

Balsamic Glaze

Drizzle tomatoes with a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar before roasting for a tangy-sweet flavor profile that’s absolutely divine.

Spicy Kick

Sprinkle red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne before roasting for tomatoes with a bit of heat.

Mediterranean Style

Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese as soon as the tomatoes come out of the oven, along with some oregano for a Greek-inspired variation.

How to Make Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F. If using cherry tomatoes, leave them whole (their skins will burst beautifully in the oven). For plum tomatoes, slice them in half lengthwise to expose more surface area for caramelization.

Step 2: Season

Spread tomatoes on an ungreased baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with minced garlic, sugar, and salt. Toss everything gently with your hands to ensure even coating. Make sure to spread them back into a single layer – this ensures proper caramelization.

Step 3: Roast

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast until the tomatoes are softened and beginning to caramelize. Cherry tomatoes will take about 15-20 minutes, while plum tomatoes need 35-40 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’ve collapsed slightly and developed some browning around the edges.

Step 4: Serve or Store

Use immediately or allow to cool before storing. The flavor actually improves after a few hours as everything melds together.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give those tomatoes space! Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than roasting, and you’ll miss out on that wonderful caramelization.
Look for the Wrinkle: Perfect roasted tomatoes will have slightly wrinkled skins and some caramelized edges – this is where the flavor magic happens!
Save the Juices: Don’t discard the flavorful liquid that collects on the pan – it’s pure gold! Drizzle it over the finished dish or save it for another use.
Quality Matters: Since this recipe has so few ingredients, using the best quality tomatoes you can find will make a significant difference in the final result.

How to Serve

These versatile roasted tomatoes can enhance so many dishes:

As a Side Dish

Serve them warm alongside grilled meats, fish, or as part of an antipasto platter.

Pasta Enhancer

Toss with pasta, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of parmesan for an instant sauce that’s bursting with flavor.

Bruschetta Base

Pile onto toasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with fresh basil for an elevated bruschetta.

Grain Bowl Topper

Add to quinoa or farro bowls with other roasted vegetables for a nutritious meal.

Breakfast Upgrade

Serve alongside eggs or incorporate into an omelet for a flavor-packed start to your day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store roasted tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavor actually improves after a day as the garlic and olive oil continue to infuse.

Freezing

These roast beautifully! Freeze in small portions in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for up to 3 months. They’re perfect for adding to soups, stews, and sauces throughout winter when good tomatoes are hard to find.

Preserving in Oil

For longer storage, pack cooled roasted tomatoes in a sterilized jar and cover completely with olive oil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The oil will become infused with flavor and can be used in dressings and for sautéing.

FAQs

Can I use different types of tomatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are ideal for their sweetness and quick cooking time, you can use plum tomatoes (halved), grape tomatoes, or even regular tomatoes cut into chunks. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly – larger pieces will need longer to roast.
My tomatoes are releasing a lot of juice during roasting. Is this normal?

Yes, this is completely normal and actually wonderful! Those juices are concentrated tomato flavor. You can either let them evaporate by roasting a bit longer, or save the delicious liquid to add to soups, sauces, or drizzle over the finished dish.
Is it necessary to add sugar to the tomatoes?

While not absolutely essential, that small amount of sugar helps enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and promotes better caramelization. If your tomatoes are very ripe and sweet, or if you prefer a less sweet result, you can reduce or omit it.
Can I make these roasted tomatoes in advance for a dinner party?

Definitely! These tomatoes actually develop more flavor as they sit. Make them up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature or gently rewarm before serving for the best flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Roasted Cherry Tomatoes are one of those magical recipes that transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. With minimal effort, you’ll create a versatile dish that enhances everything it touches. Whether spooned over crusty bread, tossed with pasta, or served alongside your protein of choice, these tomatoes bring intense flavor to the table. The hardest part might be resisting the urge to eat them straight from the baking sheet!