Description
Deliciously sweet and tangy roasted cherry tomatoes infused with garlic, balsamic vinegar, and thyme. Perfect as a side dish or a flavorful topping for pasta, salads, or bruschetta. This easy 30-minute recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes with simple roasting techniques.
Ingredients
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (about 2 cups)
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or 1/4 teaspoon of any other salt, including Morton kosher salt)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped, for garnish) or fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes. This high temperature helps to caramelize the sugars in the tomatoes, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Prepare the Tomatoes: In a medium bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes with the minced garlic, olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Stir well to ensure all tomatoes are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the coated tomatoes into a small 1-quart baking dish, spreading them out evenly to ensure uniform roasting.
- Roast the Tomatoes: Place the baking dish in the oven and roast the tomatoes for approximately 20 minutes. They should become soft and start to burst, releasing their juices and intensifying flavor.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the tomatoes from the oven and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh basil for parsley as a garnish based on your flavor preference.
- Use the roasted tomatoes as a topping for pasta, bruschetta, or as a flavorful side dish.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, let the roasted tomatoes cool and marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
- Adjust salt amount based on the type of salt you are using; kosher salt is less dense than table salt.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American