Description
This Garlic Roasted Cherry Tomatoes recipe delivers a delightful medley of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Roasting cherry tomatoes with fresh garlic and olive oil enhances their natural sweetness and deepens the flavor, making it a perfect side or topping for salads, pasta, or grilled dishes. The simple seasoning of sea salt and cracked black pepper, finished with an optional fresh basil garnish, elevates this easy-to-make dish into a versatile and elegant offering.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (about 1 pint)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cool water and pat them completely dry to ensure even roasting and prevent steaming.
- Toss Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes with the minced garlic. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss everything together until the tomatoes are well coated with the mixture.
- Arrange for Roasting: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the seasoned tomatoes out in a single layer to allow for even caramelization and bursting during roasting.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tomatoes burst open and caramelize slightly, intensifying their flavor.
- Add Fresh Basil: Once roasted, if desired, toss the tomatoes gently with fresh basil leaves to add an aromatic and refreshing herbal note before serving.
Notes
- You can use grape tomatoes as a substitute if cherry tomatoes are unavailable.
- Ensure tomatoes are dry before roasting to get caramelized edges instead of steaming.
- Roasted tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Perfect as a side dish, pasta topping, or mixed into salads and sandwiches.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes before roasting.
