I recently enjoyed dinner at a friend’s home where she served roasted tomatoes on the vine with fish. They were delicious and looked so special as a vegetable side dish. This evening was the first time I tried (or even saw) these wonderful roasted cherry tomatoes. Since then, I noticed stores all over starting to carry them. I first saw cherry tomatoes on the vine at Whole Foods, but then I saw them again at both Costco and Target. I haven’t checked, but I think you can find them at most supermarkets these days.
Why are Roasted Tomatoes on the Vine Popular?
Roasted tomatoes on the vine are popular these days for several reasons. Among other things, they combine intense flavor, a pleasing texture, visual appeal, and nutritional benefits.
Intense Flavor
Roasting cherry tomatoes concentrates their natural sugars, which enhances their sweetness and deepens their flavor. The slight caramelization that occurs during roasting adds a rich, savory-sweet complexity.
Visual Appeal
Serving roasted tomatoes on the vine not only looks beautiful but also adds a rustic, elegant touch to the presentation that makes this simple dish look more sophisticated.
Delightful Contrast in Texture
As the skin becomes slightly crisp while the interior remains juicy and tender, you get a satisfying burst of flavor with each bite.
Simple Preparation
Roasting tomatoes on the vine is incredibly easy. it’s as simple as placing the entire vine on a baking sheet, drizzling with olive oil, seasoning as you like, and roasting until soft and slightly charred.
Nutritional Benefits
Cherry tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and lycopene, and roasting them helps retain these nutrients while enhancing their flavor.
Roasted Tomatoes on the Vine
Ingredients
- 12 stems cherry tomatoes on the vine (3 to 4 pounds)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (enough to coat tomatoes and garlic)
- 12 cloves Garlic removed from the head but not peeled.
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- 6 fresh basil leaves for flavor and garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place baking sheet in the oven while it preheats.
- Place tomatoes still on the vines (and, of course, any that fall off too), along with garlic cloves on the sheet pan.
- Brush tomatoes and garlic cloves gently with olive oil.
- Sprinkle tomatoes and garlic cloves generously with kosher salt and pepper.
- Roast for approximately 20-30 minutes, until the tomatoes are tender and a few start to split. You want them to retain some of their shape to serve.
- Transfer to serving platter using a spatula to keep tomatoes attached to the vine, and sprinkle with basil if using.
- Let cool a bit before serving as the tomatoes will be very hot coming out of the oven.
Tips and Tricks
- If you don’t have parchment paper in the house, spray pan with a non-stick cooking spray. I like to use parchment paper because it makes clean up easier, but it is not necessary.
- Roasted cherry tomatoes make a really good chunky dip to serve with small toasts or mozzarella cheese. Simply smash the tomatoes and some of the unpeeled roasted garlic cloves together. This did makes a nice addition to a charcuterie board.
- If you prefer halved regular-sized tomatoes to cherry tomatoes, you can use the same time and temperature to roast them.
- Store tomatoes for three – five days in the refrigerator if you like and reheat in your oven. They are better the first day, but very good the next few days too!
FAQs About Roasted Cherry Tomatoes on the Vine
Roasted tomatoes on the vine are a versatile, flavorful addition to many dishes, offering both culinary and aesthetic appeal. Experiment with different recipes and seasonings to fully enjoy their potential. Here are a few commonly asked questions about roasted cherry tomatoes on the vine.
Can I use different types of tomatoes for roasting?
Absolutely! You can use your favorite variety of tomatoes such as grape tomatoes, plum tomatoes, or even larger varieties like Roma tomatoes. Make sure to adjust roasting times as needed. For example, larger tomatoes may require more time.
What herbs and seasonings go well with roasted tomatoes?
Herbs and seasonings commonly used include garlic, basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar. Experiment with different combinations to create your ideal roasted tomato dish!
Can I store leftover roasted tomatoes?
Definitely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage if you don’t mind that the texture changes somewhat after thawing.
What dishes can I make with roasted cherry tomatoes on the vine?
Be creative! Add roasted cherry tomatoes on the vine to salads or pasta dishes. Or use them as a topping for toasted bread with a goat cheese spread. Another idea is to blend them into sauces or soups for added depth of flavor. I like to serve them simply as a side with grilled fish, chicken or beef, but the possibilities are endless,
Do I need to remove the vine before serving?
I like to keep the vine intact as it adds a rustic look to the presentation, but you can remove it before serving if desired. The tomatoes will easily come off the vine after roasting.
Can I roast tomatoes on the vine on the grill?
Grilling is a great option. Place the tomatoes on the vine directly on the grill or on a grill pan and grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until desired doneness. Approximately 10-15 minutes should provide you with tender and slightly charred tomatoes.
Why do my roasted tomatoes tasted bitter sometimes?
We recommend you roast tomatoes just until soft and slightly caramelized as over-roasting or burning the tomatoes can lead to a bitter taste.
