Description
Barefoot Contessa roasted cherry tomatoes offer a Mediterranean-inspired side dish that elevates simple ingredients with intense flavor. Garlic, olive oil, and herbs mingle to create a deliciously caramelized accompaniment you’ll want to serve alongside grilled meats or spread on crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 pints (2.27 kilograms) cherry tomatoes
- 20 fresh basil leaves
Primary Seasonings:
- 3–4 tablespoons good olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Finishing Touches:
- Sea salt or fleur de sel (for finishing)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by calibrating the temperature to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F, ensuring precise heat distribution for optimal roasting.
- Select a clean baking sheet and arrange fresh cherry tomatoes, gently coating them with high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance natural flavors.
- Carefully distribute tomatoes across the baking sheet in a uniform single layer, allowing each piece maximum exposure to direct heat.
- Apply a generous sprinkle of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even seasoning that will complement the tomatoes’ natural sweetness.
- Position the baking sheet in the preheated oven, allowing tomatoes to roast for 15-20 minutes until they develop a soft, slightly blistered exterior and release their aromatic juices.
- Once roasted, delicately transfer the tomatoes to an elegant serving dish, maintaining their delicate structure.
- Garnish the roasted tomatoes with freshly torn basil leaves, creating a vibrant green contrast against the rich, caramelized red tomatoes.
- Complete the dish with a final delicate dusting of flaky sea salt or luxurious fleur de sel to elevate the flavor profile.
- Serve immediately while warm or allow to cool to room temperature, presenting a versatile side dish that can complement multiple culinary settings.
Notes
- Select peak-season tomatoes bursting with vibrant color and firm texture for maximum roasting success.
- Slice larger tomatoes in half to guarantee uniform cooking and prevent uneven charring.
- Drizzle premium extra virgin olive oil generously to amplify the tomatoes’ natural sweetness and depth.
- Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper liberally to enhance the roasted tomatoes’ rich flavor profile.
- Arrange tomatoes with ample spacing on baking sheet, ensuring each piece caramelizes beautifully without steaming or becoming soggy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg