Oven Roasted Tomatoes (w/ 10+ Variations!)

Oven roasted tomatoes can elevate nearly any dish that calls for tomato, cooked or raw. This is the base recipe for how to roast tomatoes in the oven. From there, we have over 10 variations to customize the recipe to fit your needs.

 

While many grocery stores carry roasted tomatoes around or even in their olive bars, homemade still reigns king. I’ve even seen them commercially packaged in a glass jar in the Italian aisle. These are great for when you need them in a pinch, but homemade will also taste better — and there’s a wide variety of variations for personal preference.

Best Tomatoes for Roasting

There is no wrong answer, here! Nearly any of the 100+ varieties of tomatoes can be roasted, however it is most common to see these.

• Roma – With their rich, concentrated flavor, Roma tomatoes (also known as plum tomatoes) only get even more flavorful when roasting. Their thick skins also help them keep their shape when roasted and prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Campari – The firmness of Campari tomatoes makes them ideal for roasting and their sweet flavor deepens during the roasting process. Their vibrant color also enhances any dish they’re added to.
• Cherry or Grape – Since these tomatoes are smaller than others, they are easy to roast whole and their uniform size means they’ll roast evenly. Their size also helps them to roast quickly and they have an ideal amount of moisture which means they won’t become overly watery when roasted.
• Yellow – These milder tomatoes are less acidic than red tomatoes and they have a natural sweetness that is enhanced when they’re roasted. They also add striking color to any dish they’re added to.

But my favorite is to use a blend. I like to see differences in color, texture, and flavor.

Ingredients for Oven Roasted Tomatoes

With only four simple ingredients, this oven roasted tomatoes recipe couldn’t be any easier!

• Roma Tomatoes – Before roasting, quarter the tomatoes and remove the pulp and seeds. If you’re using a smaller variety like grape or cherry tomatoes, they can be roasted whole. 
• Yellow Grape Tomatoes – These will add a vibrant contrast to the red Roma tomatoes and a sweet flavor to the medley. 
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Since there are so few ingredients, it’s crucial to use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor. 
• Coarse Kosher Salt – Salt helps to bring out the sweetness of the tomatoes. You can choose other varieties of salt, too, if you prefer.

How to Make Oven Roasted Tomatoes

Once you see how easy it is to make these tomatoes, you’re going to want to make them part of your regular recipe rotation.

1. Slice tomatoes. After slicing the Roma tomatoes, put them in a large mixing bowl with the yellow tomatoes. 
2. Add olive oil and salt. Pour the olive oil over the tomatoes and stir to coat. Add the salt and stir again. 
3. Roast. Place the tomatoes in a single layer on the prepared rimmed baking sheet. Roast for the recommended time.
4. Remove from oven and serve. Once browned, remove the tomatoes from the oven. Serve immediately, store, or use in another recipe.

Ways to Use Roasted Tomatoes

There is certainly no shortage of ways to use roasted tomatoes! Spread them onto plain crusty bread or garlic bread, spoon them over burrata, mozzarella, or ricotta, or serve them as an accompaniment on a cheese board.

You can also brighten up a simple salad or pasta salad or add pizzazz to grilled chicken, soups, or casseroles. They also add fresh flavor to pasta sauces (like a hearty marinara or spicy marinara), or you can just toss your cooked pasta with them.

Or, if you love them as much as I do, you can simply serve them solo with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Variations on Oven Roasted Tomatoes

You won’t believe how many ways you can change up this recipe to make it your own!

1. French Style – Instead of using traditional Italian herbs and spices, try using French like mint, herbs de Provence, or tarragon.
2. Italian Style – Likely the most common, this can also lead to several variations. Consider roasting along with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, or rosemary. If you are short on time, toss 1-2 teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning in the with olive oil.
3. Garlic – I never turn down roast garlic or garlic confit, so adding a few cloves or an entire head of garlic (or 5) to the roasting pan would be a welcome addition.
4. Hot, Hot, Hot! – Spicy tomatoes — actually, let’s call them fiery tomatoes — can work in dishes like fra diavolo or simply heaped on a wedge of focaccia. Add 1-2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper to the olive oil prior to roasting.
5. Mediterranean Style – Mint, dill, fennel, marjoram, and oregano are great for tomatoes headed towards a Mediterranean hummus platter or grilled dish entree.
6. Middle Eastern – Tomatoes are also quite popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. Toss them with 1 teaspoon of sumac to bring out these natural flavors and transform the color into an even brighter hue.
7. Curry – Yellow curry powder can be used for tomatoes intended for a curry sauce.
8. Tomatoes and Peppers – Julienne several bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, or green) and add them to the sheet pan for a delicious variety of flavors and textures.
9. Infused Olive Oil – There are so many infused olive oils out there that can make a huge flavor impact. Consider using one for roasting or to drizzle after cooking.
10. Sweet – If you want your tomatoes to take on a sweet tone without so much punchy acidity, consider adding 1-2 teaspoons of sugar to the mix before roasting. It will enhance their natural sugars.
11. Lemony – A spritz of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of grated lemon zest right after removing from the oven will not only smell heavenly but taste fresh and bright.

Storage and Freezing

One of the best things about these oven roasted tomatoes is how long they last. So roast up a whole slew of them and have them on hand for snacking or adding to recipes on the ready.

Since these will last a couple of weeks, you can make and store them to use whenever you want. You can also toss all of the ingredients together and refrigerate until you’re ready to roast them.

Storing Oven Roasted Tomatoes

Store these roasted tomatoes in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.

How to Freeze Oven Roasted Tomatoes

Freeze the tomatoes in a resealable freezer bag or freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Common Questions About Oven Roasted Tomatoes

More Veggie-Based Recipes

Whether as a side dish or a main dish, there are so many delicious ways to enjoy vegetables. Here are some of our favorite recipes.