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Close-up of roasted cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet with caramelized edges

Easy Roasted Tomatoes Recipe (With Garlic & Herbs)

Learn how to make roasted tomatoes with garlic and herbs—a quick, healthy side dish bursting with sweet, savory flavor. Perfect for topping toast, pasta, grains, eggs, and more.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Side Dishes, Spreads, Vegan, Vegetable Sides
Cuisine American, Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 8
Calories 86 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs grape or cherry tomatoes (assorted colors), sliced in half lengthwise
  • 1 head garlic, top trimmed to expose cloves
  • 7 sprigs thyme
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • Optional: Balsamic vinegar or glaze and chili flakes

Instructions
 

  • Prep Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and cut your tomatoes.
    Cherry tomatoes being sliced in half on a blue cutting board with herbs, garlic, and oil in the background
  • Arrange and Season: Arrange the tomatoes cut-side up in a single layer on the baking sheet (do not overcrowd them). Place the garlic head on a piece of foil and add it to the tray. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the tomatoes and garlic, season with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes, then scatter the thyme sprigs on top. Loosely wrap the garlic in the foil to form a pouch.
    Cherry tomatoes arranged on a baking sheet with thyme sprigs and sliced garlic, drizzled with olive oil and seasoned
  • Roast to Perfection: Roast for 30–35 minutes, until the tomatoes are beautifully blistered, wrinkled, and tender. If the garlic isn't completely soft, you can leave it in for an additional 10 minutes while the tomatoes rest.
    Close-up of roasted cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet with caramelized edges
  • Finish and Serve: Carefully squeeze the soft, sweet garlic cloves into the tomatoes. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar (if using) and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately while warm.
    Roasted tomatoes on a tray with a hand pressing a head of roasted garlic

Notes

Pro Tip (Prevent Steaming): For the best caramelization, ensure the tomatoes are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Give them a little space to roast rather than steam.
Using Larger Tomatoes: If using Roma or plum tomatoes, cut them into smaller quarters or eighths and expect a longer roasting time.
Why Whole Garlic? Roasting the garlic whole in its skin makes it sweet and creamy. Using minced garlic will cause it to burn and turn bitter at this high heat.
Serving Ideas: Use on toast, pasta, grain bowls, eggs, or alongside grilled fish and meats.
Storage: Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container with all the pan oils in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 86kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 6mgPotassium: 288mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 986IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg