Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce

Featured in Lunch Ideas.

Roasted cherry tomatoes are a total game-changer for pasta night! They turn super sweet and burst to make their own sauce. Tossed in some fresh herbs, and wow. The roasting takes about an hour, but most of the time it just does its thing in the oven. Smelled amazing, worked with all kinds of pasta, and even makes a killer bruschetta topping. It freezes like a dream too. Make extra, trust me.
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Updated on Tue, 22 Apr 2025 17:28:49 GMT
A bowl filled with thick, roasted tomato sauce, garnished with herbs and surrounded by whole cherry tomatoes. Pin it
A bowl filled with thick, roasted tomato sauce, garnished with herbs and surrounded by whole cherry tomatoes. | tasteofmoms.com

My garden-fresh tomato blend brings bright sunshine to your dinner table. Basic ingredients work together to create a wonderful topping that goes with everything.

Summer Glory

A hot oven transforms juicy tomatoes into something deeply flavorful. You can whip it up and keep it handy to turn ordinary dinners into something special in no time.

Basic Blend

  • Tomatoes: Various hues and super ripe ones work best.
  • Oil: Quality olive oil adds flavor when cooking.
  • Garlic: Finely chopped cloves give it heart.
  • Basil: New leaves add a pop of freshness.
  • Thyme: A couple twigs for grounding flavor.
  • Season: Salt and pepper make it all come together.

Quick Guide

Begin
Warm up the oven, clean your tomatoes and arrange them on a tray.
Cook
Mix with oil, herbs, garlic and salt then bake until golden and juicy.
Mix
Throw in basil and process until you're happy with the texture and taste.
Store
Put in containers for seven days in the fridge or months in the freezer for whenever you need it.
A bowl filled with various ripe cherry tomatoes in shades of red and orange, some with green stems and a few leaves. Pin it
A bowl filled with various ripe cherry tomatoes in shades of red and orange, some with green stems and a few leaves. | tasteofmoms.com

Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for seven days. Portion it out and stick it in the freezer for several months if you want it to last longer.

Versatile Uses

Works wonders with noodles, flatbreads, grain dishes as a foundation. You can also use it for dipping bread, drizzling on cooked veggies or pairing with proteins.

Top Tips

Go for juicy, ripe tomatoes for the tastiest outcome. Don't crowd your baking sheet so they caramelize properly. Try different colored tomatoes for a prettier look and unique flavor.

Seasonal Treasure

This is an awesome way to hang onto your backyard harvest or farmers market finds. Capture that summer sweetness to enjoy when the weather turns cold.

Custom Touch

Toss in some bell peppers or red pepper flakes for some kick. A splash of balsamic vinegar or extra garlic creates totally different flavor profiles.

Freezer Tricks

Fill ice cube trays for easy single servings whenever you need them. They thaw quickly and can save you tons of time on busy weeknights.

A close-up view of a bowl filled with various ripe cherry tomatoes in a flavorful sauce. Pin it
A close-up view of a bowl filled with various ripe cherry tomatoes in a flavorful sauce. | tasteofmoms.com

Long Keeping

Sterilized jars and proper canning lets you enjoy it all year round. Just follow proper steps and your sauce will stay good and safe to eat.

Everyday Luxury

This homemade creation elevates any meal you make. It's the simplest way to make your pastas, pizzas and appetizers taste like they came from a restaurant.

Endless Combos

Pour it over morning eggs, use with roasted vegetables, or just soak bread in it. It goes with practically anything and upgrades the flavor instantly.

Roasting Magic

High temperatures unlock the natural sugars and rich flavors in tomatoes. This one step transforms something good into something amazing.

Daily Wonder

It turns basic soups, stews and plates into something worth talking about. Just a spoonful makes run-of-the-mill food truly stand out.

Cozy Comfort

Enjoy summertime flavors that warm up your cold weather meals perfectly. The deep roasted taste brings back memories of sunny days right to your table.

Perfect Harmony

The right amount of oil and garden herbs creates an ideal foundation. Add a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness that'll make your sauce pop.

Herbal Boost

Aromatics marry with the roasted elements to create complex flavors. You can add them before or after cooking for equally delicious but different results.

Culinary Wonder

This handcrafted sauce adds a pro-level touch to your cooking. The intense flavor and vibrant color will make every dish something to show off.

A bowl of rich tomato sauce garnished with fresh basil and surrounded by ripe tomatoes. Pin it
A bowl of rich tomato sauce garnished with fresh basil and surrounded by ripe tomatoes. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap the tomato type?
Cherry tomatoes are best for this since they roast up quickly. Grape tomatoes are good too. Bigger ones just take longer.
→ What's the best way to store it?
It'll last about a week in the fridge or up to 3 months frozen. Just make sure it cools before storing.
→ Why should I roast them first?
Roasting gives them that sweet, caramelized flavor and makes the texture rich and jammy.
→ How smooth does it need to be?
Totally your call. Blend longer for a creamy finish or just a little for some good texture.
→ Can this be canned?
It's not tested for canning, so freezing is the safer bet for storing it.

Cherry Tomato Sauce

Jammy cherry tomatoes roasted with garlic and herbs turn into a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for warm summer evenings.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
75 Minutes
Total Time
90 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Lunch Ideas

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 8 Servings (4 pints)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 Fresh basil leaves, as needed.
02 1/4 cup olive oil, and a bit extra for roasting.
03 4 sprigs thyme, fresh.
04 3 pounds of cherry tomatoes.
05 A diced large yellow onion.
06 Salt with some black pepper.
07 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix the tomatoes with oil, pop them in a 400°F oven, and roast 25-30 minutes until they burst open.

Step 02

In a little oil, soften the onion for 4-5 minutes. Stir in garlic until it’s golden.

Step 03

Combine the roasted tomatoes with the herbs in the pot. Let it gently cook, partially covered, for 25-60 minutes.

Step 04

Let it cool slightly, then blend it to the smoothness you’d like.

Notes

  1. Stays good in the fridge for 1 week.
  2. Can freeze it for up to 3 months.
  3. Yields about 4 pint-sized jars.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big sheet pan.
  • A sturdy pot.
  • A blender.
  • Storage jars for canning.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 2 g