Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Sweet, jammy roasted cherry tomatoes that burst with concentrated summer flavor. A simple toss with olive oil, garlic, and fresh thyme transforms these little gems into a versatile side dish or topping in under 30 minutes. Perfect spooned over crusty bread, pasta, or grilled chicken.
For 4 servings
- prep
Preheat the oven and prep the tomatoes.
1.Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.2.Wash cherry tomatoes and pat dry. Halve any large tomatoes; leave small ones whole.3.Arrange tomatoes on the baking sheet in a single layer. - mix
Toss with olive oil, garlic, and thyme.
1.Scatter sliced garlic and thyme sprigs over the tomatoes.2.Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently to coat everything evenly.3.Spread back into a single layer, cut-side up for halved tomatoes.TIPKeeping the thyme on the stem makes it easy to remove before serving — the leaves will fall off during roasting. - bake · ~25 min
Roast until blistered and jammy.
Season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tomatoes are softened, wrinkled, and their juices begin to bubble and caramelize around the edges.
TIPWatch closely after 20 minutes — sugar-heavy tomatoes can go from caramelized to burnt quickly. - assemble
Finish and serve.
1.Remove from oven and discard the thyme stems.2.Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if using, and toss gently with the pan juices.3.Serve warm or at room temperature.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Halve larger tomatoes and keep smaller ones whole for even cooking.
- 2Arrange cut-side up to encourage caramelization and prevent steaming.
- 3Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch the juices that bubble out during roasting.
- 4Leave thyme on the stem for easy removal after roasting—leaves will self-release.
- 5Check tomatoes at 20 minutes; sugar content varies and they can burn quickly.
- 6Let tomatoes cool slightly on the pan so juices thicken into a syrupy glaze.
- 7Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days—flavors deepen.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a gentle heat that balances the tomatoes' sweetness.
herb swapHerb-swap
Replace thyme with fresh rosemary or oregano for a different aromatic profile—rosemary adds piney notes, oregano brings a Mediterranean twist.
low oilLow-oil
Reduce olive oil to 1 tablespoon and use a nonstick baking mat; the tomatoes still caramelize but with less fat.
cheesy finishCheesy finish
During the last 5 minutes, sprinkle with shaved Parmesan or crumbled feta for a salty, creamy counterpoint.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lycopene
Roasting increases the bioavailability of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart and skin health, from the cherry tomatoes.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the tomatoes.
Low in Calories
This dish is naturally low-calorie, making it a flavorful way to add volume and nutrients to meals without excess energy.
Garlic's Immune Support
Garlic contains allicin, a compound associated with immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, grape tomatoes work well—they are slightly denser and may need 2-3 extra minutes of roasting to soften fully.
