This garlicky oven roasted cherry tomatoes recipe is a quick and easy vegetable side dish that is bursting with fresh flavors. A good bit of minced garlic and spicy black pepper add a punch of fragrance!
Why I Love This Roasted Cherry Tomato Recipe
Every once in a while, I’ll buy a container of cherry tomatoes just to snack on. They’re the perfect popable snack! With that being said… this oven roasted recipe makes them even more addictive. They’re dressed up with oil, zesty garlic, salt and freshly cracked pepper and then cooked to juicy perfection. They’re perfect for tossing on top of everything from grilled chicken breasts to this wilted lettuce salad, but they’re also amazing served all by themselves. Here’s why I can’t stop roasting cherry tomatoes in the oven:
- Flavorful: Packed with fresh garlic, we call them “flavor bombs” in our house!
- Vegetarian and vegan: Don’t worry about who’s coming over, this easy side dish is 100% plant-based.
- Great for summer: Nothing says “Italian flavors” quite like roasted tomatoes with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, zesty garlic, and oil. I love serving these with all of my favorite summer entrees.
- Versatile: Enjoy them on their own, turn them into a salad, or use them to top your pastas. We love them over pasta coated in our homemade Alfredo sauce. There are so many possibilities!
Loving this recipe? Check out more of the best easy tomato recipes like cherry tomato caprese salad, roasted tomatoes and stewed okra and tomatoes!
Key Ingredients
Sweet cherry tomatoes and fragrant garlic are a heavenly Italian-inspired flavor combination. Below you will find helpful notes for key ingredients used to make these garlic roasted cherry tomatoes. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and exact amounts!
- Cherry Tomatoes: They can be whole or halved. Don’t worry if they’re not as plump and smooth anymore. Grape tomatoes also work well!
- Avocado Oil: While you can use olive oil, we prefer to use avocado oil as it has a higher smoke point and we are roasting the tomatoes at 400°F.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is best, but garlic paste will work in a pinch. Avoid garlic powder as it will not pack the same fresh and flavorful punch as fresh garlic.
- Salt and Pepper: I prefer kosher salt (or flaky sea salt) and freshly-cracked black pepper. Taking the extra two seconds to grind the pepper fresh really makes a difference!
Can I Use Other Types Of Tomatoes?
This recipe works great with all tomatoes! Heirloom, roma and beefsteak tomatoes are my favorite because they’re meatier and have less seeds. Large tomatoes require a longer roasting time, so check back on them every 10 minutes to prevent burning.
How To Make Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Set a timer to remind you to remove these juicy roasted cherry tomatoes from the oven in time. Below is a quick recipe overview, but please scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for full instructions.
- Prep the oven: Preheat it and grease a baking sheet with cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
- Toss the tomatoes: Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl. Spread them out evenly in the greased baking sheet.
- Roast them: Pop the baking sheet into the oven until the tomatoes are soft and blistered. Remove them from the oven. Serve and enjoy!
Cook’s Tips and Variations
- Caramelize them more: Use the convection setting in your oven to help caramelize the tomatoes more than they would.
- Let them cool: If you leave the tomatoes whole, let the recipe cool for 10 minutes before digging in to prevent their juice from accidentally burning you when you bite into the tomatoes.
- Use the air fryer: Skip the oven and set the air fryer to 400°F. Cook the tomatoes for 5 to 6 minutes, shake the basket, and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes.
- Add heat: Sprinkle the tomatoes with 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat. You can also toss them with 1/4 teaspoon chili oil.
- Turn it into a salad: Mix leftover sautéed mushrooms and chopped roasted asparagus with the tomatoes for a simple veggie salad.
- Make it herby: Toss the tomatoes with 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil for more herbiness.
What To Serve With Oven Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
- Side dish: These garlicky roasted cherry tomatoes are a great veggie side next to something like our easy baked chicken breasts or these juicy garlic butter steak bites.
- Salads: You can use them to top my shrimp and orzo salad or this filling shaved brussels sprouts salad.
- Pastas: Adding them to pastas like our creamy chicken Boursin Cheese pasta works too.
- Breakfast: For breakfast ideas, sprinkle them over your favorite omelettes or avocado toast.
Oven Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 1 (10 oz) container cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 to 2 tablespoons freshly minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. (Optional: For easier cleanup, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.)
- In a medium bowl, toss to combine the tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Spread the tomatoes into an even layer on a large baking sheet. Do not crowd the tomatoes for even roasting.
- Roast for 20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and blistered. Serve warm with fresh herbs on top, if desired.
These turned out so delicious, thank you for the recipe!