Easy Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Sweet, jammy cherry tomatoes blistered in the oven with garlic and fresh herbs. The high heat concentrates their natural sugars, turning them into little flavor bombs perfect for tossing with pasta, spooning over crusty bread, or adding to salads.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Preheat the oven and prep the tomatoes.
1.Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).2.Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper if using.3.Spread cherry tomatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet.TIPKeep tomatoes whole — piercing them makes the juices run out too early. - mix · ~2 min
Season the tomatoes.
1.Scatter sliced garlic over the tomatoes.2.Drizzle evenly with olive oil.3.Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper.4.Gently toss with your hands until everything is evenly coated. - roast · ~25 min
Roast until blistered and jammy.
1.Place baking sheet in the center of the preheated oven.2.Roast for 20-25 minutes, until tomatoes are soft, wrinkled, and beginning to burst.3.Look for light charring on the skins and bubbling juices in the pan.TIPEvery oven is different — start checking at 18 minutes. You want jammy not burnt. - garnish · ~5 min
Finish with fresh basil and serve.
1.Remove from oven and let cool on the pan for 5 minutes.2.Transfer to a serving bowl, scraping all the pan juices over the top.3.Tear fresh basil leaves over the warm tomatoes and serve.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch all the jammy juices and prevent spills.
- 2Spread tomatoes in a single layer, not touching, for even blistering and caramelization.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan; two smaller trays work better if needed.
- 4Let tomatoes cool on the pan for 5 minutes so the juices thicken slightly.
- 5Store leftover roasted tomatoes in an airtight jar with their oil in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- 6For extra depth, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar before roasting.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb swap
Replace basil with fresh thyme, oregano, or rosemary for a different aromatic profile — thyme adds earthiness, oregano brings a peppery Italian note.
balsamic glazeBalsamic glaze
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or glaze over the tomatoes halfway through roasting for a tangy-sweet, syrupy finish.
spicy kickSpicy kick
Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic for a gentle heat that amplifies the tomatoes' sweetness.
olive and caperOlive and caper
Toss in 1/4 cup pitted black olives and 1 tablespoon capers for a briny, Mediterranean twist.
cheesy bakeCheesy bake
Sprinkle 1/4 cup crumbled feta over the tomatoes during the last 5 minutes of roasting for a salty, creamy contrast.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lycopene
Cherry tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health and reduced inflammation, and roasting makes it more bioavailable.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the tomatoes.
Low-Calorie Flavor Bomb
This dish is naturally low in calories yet intensely flavorful, making it an excellent way to add depth to meals without excess sodium or sugar.
Natural Source of Vitamin C
Cherry tomatoes offer vitamin C, which supports immune function and collagen production, though some is retained even after roasting.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, grape tomatoes work well — they are slightly less sweet but roast beautifully into jammy bites with a slightly firmer texture.
