Discover the incredible depth of flavor that comes from this simple yet elegant Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce. If you think you know tomato sauce, prepare to be amazed. Roasting cherry tomatoes concentrates their natural sweetness, creating a rich, savory, and complex sauce that jarred varieties simply can’t compete with. This recipe is your new secret weapon for weeknight dinners, impressive pasta nights, and so much more.
Forget simmering a sauce for hours on the stovetop. This hands-off recipe lets the oven do all the work. In under an hour, you’ll have a versatile, vibrant sauce that tastes like it came straight from an Italian nonna’s kitchen. It’s the perfect way to use up a bounty of summer tomatoes or elevate the flavor of winter produce.
Simple ingredients are all you need for the most amazing flavor.
Why This Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce is a Game-Changer
This isn’t just another tomato sauce recipe; it’s a foundational technique that will change the way you cook. The magic lies in its simplicity and versatility. We’re not just making a sauce; we’re creating an all-purpose flavor base that can elevate countless dishes. It’s naturally sweet, lusciously textured, and packed with an umami punch that is simply irresistible.
The Magic of Roasting: Unlocking Deep Tomato Flavor
Why roast the tomatoes? The high, dry heat of the oven performs a culinary miracle. It caramelizes the natural sugars in the cherry tomatoes, intensifying their sweetness and creating a deeper, more robust flavor profile. The process also reduces the water content, resulting in a thicker, less acidic sauce without any added sugar or thickeners. A simple drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a few cloves of garlic are all you need to unlock this incredible transformation.
Simple Ingredients, Incredible Results
You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to create a spectacular sauce. This recipe celebrates the beauty of fresh, high-quality produce.
Choosing the Best Cherry Tomatoes
The star of our roasted cherry tomato sauce is, of course, the tomatoes. Look for cherry or grape tomatoes that are ripe, firm, and fragrant. A mix of colors—red, orange, and yellow—can add a beautiful visual appeal to the final sauce. The sweeter the tomato, the more delicious your sauce will be.
Look at that incredible texture! Roasting makes all the difference.
A Note on Olive Oil and Herbs
Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive bottle, but one that you enjoy the taste of. Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme are added at the end to preserve their delicate flavors. You can also use dried herbs in a pinch; just add them before roasting.
How to Make Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this sauce is incredibly easy. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give your cherry tomatoes a quick rinse and pat them dry.
Season the Tomatoes: Tumble the tomatoes onto a large, rimmed baking sheet. Add whole, peeled garlic cloves, drizzle generously with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together to ensure the tomatoes are evenly coated.
Roast to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the tomatoes to burst and become lightly caramelized and jammy.
Blend or Mash: Let the roasted tomatoes cool for a few minutes. For a rustic, chunky sauce, you can mash them with a fork or potato masher right on the pan. For a smoother sauce, transfer the entire mixture to a blender or food processor and pulse until you reach your desired consistency.
Finish with Fresh Herbs: Stir in freshly chopped basil or your favorite herbs just before serving to add a final layer of freshness and aroma.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Sauce
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Spread the tomatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet. This ensures they roast evenly rather than steam, which is key to developing that deep, caramelized flavor.
Add a Splash of Balsamic: For an extra layer of complexity, add a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar to the tomatoes before roasting.
Control the Spice: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the salt and pepper.
Ways to Use Your Delicious Homemade Sauce
This roasted cherry tomato sauce is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect tossed with pasta for a quick and satisfying meal, but its uses don’t stop there. Try it as a base for a homemade pizza, spooned over grilled chicken or fish, or as a dipping sauce for crusty bread. It’s a fantastic component in our one-pan creamy tomato chicken pasta, adding a wonderful depth of flavor. You could also pair it with a simple protein, like this slow-cooker lemon garlic chicken. For a truly decadent meal, try making this creamy tomato chicken with our roasted sauce as the base.
Storing and Freezing Your Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce
One of the best things about this sauce is that it’s perfect for making ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, let the sauce cool completely and then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw, reheat, and enjoy a taste of summer anytime.
No, there is no need to peel them! The skins become very tender during the roasting process and blend beautifully into the sauce, adding to its rustic texture and nutritional value.
Absolutely. While cherry or grape tomatoes offer the best sweetness, you can also use Roma or plum tomatoes. Just cut them into quarters and roast for a slightly longer time until they are soft and caramelized.
You can store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to meld and often taste even better the next day.
Yes, this sauce freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
You can customize this sauce easily. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, a splash of balsamic vinegar for tang, or other fresh herbs like oregano or thyme along with the basil.
The Perfect Sauce for Any Occasion
This roasted cherry tomato sauce recipe is a must-have in any home cook’s repertoire. It’s simple, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. We know you’ll love making it as much as you’ll love eating it. If you try this recipe, we’d love to see your creations! Share your photos and tag us on Pinterest.
This easy roasted cherry tomato sauce is a total game-changer for weeknight meals!
Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe
FL Recipes
Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Discover the incredible depth of flavor from this simple Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce. Roasting concentrates the tomatoes' natural sweetness, creating a rich, savory, and complex sauce that is perfect for pasta, pizza, chicken, and more.
1 Baking Sheet A large, rimmed baking sheet is best.
1 Blender or Food Processor Optional, for a smoother sauce.
Method
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the cherry tomatoes and whole garlic cloves on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and are beginning to caramelize.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. For a chunkier sauce, mash the tomatoes and garlic with a fork directly on the baking sheet. For a smoother sauce, transfer the contents of the pan to a blender and pulse to your desired consistency.
Stir in the fresh, chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 125kcalProtein: 2gFat: 10gFiber: 2g
Notes
Storage Tip: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freezing Tip: Freeze the sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months for a delicious taste of summer anytime.
Keyword cherry tomato pasta sauce,homemade tomato sauce,roasted tomato sauce
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
