Speedy Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

Liven up your pasta nights with a jar of homemade goodness – Quick Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce! This recipe is a game-changer, taking just about an hour of hands-off roasting time to transform ordinary cherry tomatoes into a sweet and jammy delight. The burst of flavors from the fresh garden herbs simmering together creates a sauce that’s unrivaled by anything from a store-bought jar. Whether tossed with your favorite pasta shape or spooned over a crispy bruschetta, this sauce is sure to elevate any dish it graces.

In this simple yet magical recipe, the summer sunshine finds its way into your kitchen with just a handful of fresh ingredients. The secret lies in the roasting process, coaxing out the deep rich flavors of the cherry tomatoes. With a drizzle of good olive oil, a hint of minced garlic, and the fragrant touch of basil and thyme, each bite bursts with a symphony of flavors. Don’t forget the salt and pepper for that perfect balance. The best part? You can make extra and freeze it for later enjoyment, ensuring that a taste of summer is always within reach on even the coldest of days.

Quick Benefits

  • Roasting brings out sweet, deep flavors in the tomatoes, creating a rich and delicious sauce.
  • Using good quality olive oil adds depth to the sauce during roasting.
  • Fresh minced garlic and basil leaves elevate the sauce with their vibrant flavors.
  • Freezing the sauce in portions allows for easy meal prep on busy nights.

Why You’ll Love This Speedy Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe Recipe

  • The roasting process enhances the sweetness and richness of the cherry tomatoes, creating a sauce that is far superior to anything from a jar.
  • The recipe requires minimal hands-on time, making it a convenient and easy way to elevate your dishes.
  • The aroma of the roasting tomatoes, garlic, and herbs will make your house smell amazing, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
  • This sauce can be used with any pasta shape or as a bruschetta topping, offering versatility in your meal planning.
  • The tomatoes burst during roasting, creating a thick and flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to pasta or bread.
  • It freezes well, allowing you to make extra batches for later use, saving you time on busy nights.
  • The use of fresh ingredients like basil, thyme, and garlic adds depth and complexity to the sauce, elevating the flavors.
  • The sauce can be customized with additional ingredients like chili flakes, balsamic vinegar, or roasted garlic to create new and exciting flavor profiles.
  • Portion control is easy with ice cube trays, making it convenient to have the sauce ready for quick weeknight dinners.
  • Homemade sauce adds a chef’s touch to your meals, making even simple dishes taste gourmet and impressive.

Ingredients for Speedy Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic.
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme.
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for roasting.
  • 3 pounds cherry tomatoes.
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced.
  • Salt and black pepper.
  • Fresh basil leaves.

Pro Tips for Speedy Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

Pro Tip 1: When roasting cherry tomatoes for this sauce, make sure to select a mix of colors for the sweetest and most vibrant flavor. Arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting and a perfect golden finish.

Pro Tip 2: To enhance the depth of flavor in your sauce, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or roasted garlic during the roasting process. These simple additions can introduce new and exciting flavors to your tomato sauce, making it truly unique and delicious.

Pro Tip 3: For convenient portion control and quick meal prep, freeze any extra sauce in ice cube trays. This way, you can easily pop out a cube or two to add a burst of homemade flavor to your dishes, whether it’s pasta, pizza, or even as a dip for bread or roasted veggies.

How to Make Speedy Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

Coat tomatoes with oil and roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until they burst.

Step 2: Step 02

Sauté onions in oil for 4-5 minutes, then add garlic and cook until golden.

Step 3: Step 03

Add roasted tomatoes and herbs, then cook for 25-60 minutes with the pot partially covered.

Step 4: Step 04

Allow to cool slightly, then blend until reaching desired consistency.

Storage Tips

After making the roasted cherry tomato sauce, it is best to store it in a cool, sealed container in the refrigerator. The sauce will stay fresh for up to a week when stored properly. If you have made extra sauce and want to extend its shelf life, freezing it in portioned containers is a great option. The sauce can be frozen for several months, allowing you to enjoy the summer flavors even during colder days.

To freeze the sauce, consider using ice cube trays for portion control and quick thawing. For longer-term storage, clean jars can be used and sealed with a hot water bath for preservation. Following these steps will ensure that your homemade roasted cherry tomato sauce stays fresh and safe to consume for an extended period. Whether using the sauce as a base for pasta, pizza, grain bowls, or as a dip for bread and roasted veggies, having it stored properly will make meal preparation quick and easy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have cherry tomatoes on hand, you can try substituting grape tomatoes or even regular-sized tomatoes that have been halved or quartered. The key is to use ripe, sweet tomatoes for the best flavor in your sauce.

If you’re out of fresh basil, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, or even a touch of fresh mint for a unique twist on the sauce. Each herb will bring its own flavor profile to the dish, so feel free to get creative with what you have available.

For a different flavor profile, you can swap out the olive oil for another type of oil like avocado oil or even melted butter. Each oil will bring its own nuances to the dish, so choose one that complements the rest of your ingredients or that you prefer for cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this quick roasted cherry tomato sauce over a bed of al dente spaghetti, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The jammy sweetness of the tomatoes paired with the earthy thyme and aromatic garlic will elevate a simple pasta dish into a gourmet meal. For a twist, use the sauce as a bruschetta topping on toasted baguette slices, adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor.

Another creative serving suggestion is to use this flavorful sauce as a base for homemade pizza. Spread a generous amount of the roasted cherry tomato sauce on a pizza dough, then top with your favorite cheese, veggies, and proteins. The sweet and rich flavors of the tomatoes will add a delicious depth to your pizza, making it a standout dish at your next pizza night.

FAQs for Speedy Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes for this sauce?

Yes, you can use regular tomatoes for this sauce, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly. Cherry tomatoes are sweeter and have a higher skin-to-flesh ratio, which helps create a thicker sauce when roasted.

How long can I store this roasted cherry tomato sauce?

You can store this sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week to keep it fresh. For longer storage, freeze portions of the sauce for several months for an extended shelf life.

Can I add other ingredients to customize this roasted cherry tomato sauce?

Absolutely! You can customize this sauce by adding ingredients like peppers, chili flakes for heat, balsamic vinegar for a tangy flavor, or roasted garlic for a deeper taste. Feel free to experiment and tailor the sauce to your preferences.

What is the best way to thaw frozen portions of this roasted cherry tomato sauce?

For quick thawing, you can use ice cube trays to freeze individual portions of the sauce. When ready to use, simply take out the desired number of cubes and thaw them in a saucepan over low heat for an easy and convenient dinner option on busy nights.

Conclusion

Incorporating this Quick Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce into your cooking repertoire will elevate your dishes to a whole new level. The simplicity of fresh ingredients coming together to create a flavorful and versatile sauce is truly magical. Whether you toss it with pasta, spread it on a pizza, or use it as a dip, this sauce is sure to impress.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs, spices, or additions to customize this Quick Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce to your liking. The beauty of homemade sauces is that you can make them your own and savor the delicious results. So, go ahead, get roasting, and let the sweet and rich flavors of this sauce brighten up your meals with a touch of homemade goodness.

Speedy Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

Speedy Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

Sunshine in a jar: Transform sweet cherry tomatoes into a rich, jammy sauce with fresh herbs, perfect for pasta, bruschetta, or as a flavor-packed topping.
Prep Time15 Minutes
Cook Time75 Minutes
Total Time90 Minutes
CuisineItalian
Skill LevelIntermediate
Servings8 Servings (4 pints)

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic.
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme.
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for roasting.
  • 3 pounds cherry tomatoes.
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced.
  • Salt and black pepper.
  • Fresh basil leaves.

Instructions

  1. Step 01: Coat tomatoes with oil and roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until they burst.
  2. Step 02: Sauté onions in oil for 4-5 minutes, then add garlic and cook until golden.
  3. Step 03: Add roasted tomatoes and herbs, then cook for 25-60 minutes with the pot partially covered.
  4. Step 04: Allow to cool slightly, then blend until reaching desired consistency.