Ina Garten’s Simple Roasted Tomatoes With Pesto Recipe

Ina Garten’s roasted tomatoes with pesto transform ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that sings with Mediterranean charm.

Rich, vibrant tomatoes emerge from the oven caramelized and deeply fragrant, promising an explosion of intense flavors.

Simple yet sophisticated, this dish captures summer’s essence in each delectable bite.

Robust herbs and golden cheese create a luxurious coating that elevates humble produce into something extraordinary.

Fresh garden tomatoes absorb aromatic pesto, developing a complex depth that tantalizes taste buds.

The technique requires minimal effort but delivers maximum gastronomic satisfaction for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality results.

Seasonal and adaptable, these roasted tomatoes complement countless main courses with their irresistible allure: dive in and savor!

Why Roasted Tomatoes with Pesto Are Peak Flavor

• Burst with Summery Freshness: These roasted tomatoes capture the vibrant essence of sun-ripened produce, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that screams seasonal delight.
• Elevate Simple Ingredients: Ina Garten's recipe turns ordinary tomatoes into a gourmet experience by layering bold pesto and melted Parmesan, creating a sophisticated side dish that looks and tastes restaurant-worthy.
• Quick and Foolproof Cooking: With just 20 minutes of total cooking time and minimal prep, this recipe offers a stress-free cooking method that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy home cooks or last-minute entertaining.
• Versatile Temperature Serving: Enjoy these roasted tomatoes hot straight from the oven, warm, or at room temperature, making them an incredibly flexible dish for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a stunning side to any main course.

Ingredients That Make Each Tomato Pop

Main Ingredients:

Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes are the star of this dish, providing a sweet and tangy base with a beautiful roasted texture. Look for firm, deeply colored tomatoes without blemishes.

Pesto: A vibrant, herbaceous sauce that adds rich, garlicky flavor and bright green color. Homemade or high-quality store-bought pesto works best.

Parmesan Cheese: A hard, salty cheese that creates a golden, crispy topping with deep umami flavor. Choose a freshly grated, high-quality Parmesan for the best results.

Seasoning and Aromatics:

Olive Oil: Helps to enhance roasting and adds a smooth, rich undertone to the tomatoes. Extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor.

Oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb that brings earthy and slightly peppery notes to the dish. Dried oregano works well for intense flavor.

Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the tomatoes and complement the pesto. Use freshly ground black pepper for more depth.

How to Roast and Drizzle Like a Pro

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a sizzling 220°C / 425°F, getting ready for tomato magic.

Step 2: Slice And Arrange Tomatoes

• Remove tomato cores
• Slice into perfect half-inch rounds
• Spread tomatoes on a baking tray in a single, beautiful layer

Step 3: Seasoning Splash

• Olive oil
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Initial Roasting Blast

Slide the tray into the oven and let tomatoes sizzle for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Pesto And Cheese Transformation

• Pull out the tray
• Generously spread pesto over each tomato slice
• Shower with Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Final Cheese Melt

Return to the oven for 7-10 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Serving Showcase

• Transfer roasted tomatoes to a serving plate with a spatula
• Sprinkle a whisper of extra salt
• Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature

Enjoy your flavor-packed roasted tomato feast!

Tips for Juicy Tomatoes That Don’t Go Mushy

• Select Peak-Season Tomatoes: Grab juicy, ripe tomatoes at their summer best for maximum sweetness and intense roasted flavor.
• Spread Pesto Like a Pro: Use the back of a spoon to create a smooth, even pesto layer that coats each tomato slice perfectly.
• Grate Cheese Fresh: Quickly run Parmesan over a microplane for light, fluffy cheese that melts into a golden, crispy topping.
• Space Out Tomato Slices: Give each slice breathing room on the baking sheet to ensure crispy edges and even caramelization.
• Season Boldly at the End: Taste and sprinkle a final pinch of sea salt to brighten the roasted tomatoes' deep, concentrated flavors.

Store the Roasted Goods Without the Sog

• Preserve Flavor Intensity: Store roasted tomatoes in glass mason jars with a tight-fitting lid, ensuring minimal air exposure to maintain their robust pesto-infused taste. Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top to create a protective seal that prevents oxidation and preserves freshness.
• Freezing Strategy: Spread cooled roasted tomatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze individually for 2 hours, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. This method prevents clumping and allows you to extract exactly the portion you need without defrosting the entire batch.
• Extended Storage Technique: When properly sealed and refrigerated, these pesto-roasted tomatoes can last up to 5-7 days. Always use clean utensils when handling to prevent bacterial contamination and check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.

Flavor Twists with Cheese or Crunch

• Herbal Infusion Roast: Replace oregano with fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that complements the tomatoes and pesto.
• Spicy Cheese Kick: Swap Parmesan with pepper jack or add red pepper flakes to introduce a zesty heat that elevates the roasted tomato experience.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Top the roasted tomatoes with crumbled feta cheese and sprinkle with za'atar spice blend for a Middle Eastern-inspired version that brings vibrant, tangy notes to the dish.
• Vegan Herb Celebration: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and swap traditional pesto with a dairy-free basil and pine nut version to create a plant-based alternative that maintains rich, complex flavors.

A Juicy Farewell to Roasted Perfection

Roasted tomatoes with pesto embody summer’s culinary magic, blending Mediterranean flavors into one irresistible dish.

Ina Garten’s recipe transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular side that elevates any meal.

Garden-fresh tomatoes become luxurious canvas for herbaceous pesto and nutty Parmesan cheese.

Mediterranean sunshine radiates through each roasted slice, inviting sensory exploration of complex flavors.

Minimal preparation promises maximum gastronomic pleasure without complicated techniques.

Mediterranean charm waits on your plate – share this delightful recipe, comment with your roasting adventures, and spread delicious inspiration among friends who crave authentic, elegant cooking.

Ina Garten Tomatoes Roasted With Pesto Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Luxurious Roasted Tomatoes with Pesto elevate summer’s harvest into a simple Mediterranean masterpiece. Garden-fresh tomatoes meet fragrant basil pesto, creating an elegant side dish that brings Italian countryside charm directly to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 to 2.5 pounds (907 to 1134 grams) large red tomatoes
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) pesto, store-bought or homemade
• ½ cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) good olive oil
• 2 teaspoons (2 grams) dried oregano
• Kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon (1 gram) freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to a high temperature of 220°C / 425°F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
2. Carefully wash ripe tomatoes and remove the core using a sharp paring knife, then slice them into uniform rounds approximately 1.25cm / ½-inch thick.
3. Arrange the tomato slices in a single, neat layer on a rimmed baking tray, ensuring they do not overlap.
4. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil evenly across the tomato surfaces, creating a light, glistening coating.
5. Sprinkle dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper over each tomato slice, distributing the seasonings uniformly.
6. Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 10 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their natural juices.
7. Carefully remove the tray from the oven and spread a thin layer of basil pesto over each roasted tomato slice.
8. Generously top the pesto-covered tomatoes with finely grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Return the tray to the oven and continue baking for 7–10 minutes until the cheese melts and develops a light golden color.
10. Remove from the oven and let the tomatoes rest for 2-3 minutes to stabilize their temperature.
11. Transfer the roasted tomatoes to a serving plate using a wide, flexible spatula, and garnish with an additional pinch of salt if desired.
12. Serve immediately while warm, or allow to cool to room temperature for a different flavor profile.

Notes

• Select vine-ripened tomatoes bursting with summer sweetness for maximum flavor intensity in this roasted dish.
• Grate Parmesan cheese directly from a fresh block to create a more luxurious and melty golden topping that elevates the entire recipe.
• Distribute pesto generously but carefully across tomato surfaces, ensuring each slice receives an equal coating of herbaceous goodness.
• Space tomato slices strategically on the baking tray, preventing overcrowding to guarantee perfectly crisp and caramelized edges.
• Sample the finished dish and make final seasoning adjustments, adding a delicate pinch of salt to amplify the roasted tomatoes’ natural richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg