Quick Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

I absolutely love this Quick Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe because it captures the bright, natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes with a rich, comforting depth that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. When I first tried roasting cherry tomatoes for sauce, I was amazed at how the roasting process intensifies their flavor while keeping things simple and hands-off. You’ll find that this sauce works beautifully whether you’re spooning it over pasta, layering it in a casserole, or even using it as a base for pizza.

What makes this Quick Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe truly worth trying is how little fuss it takes while delivering big, satisfying flavor. The roasting caramelizes the tomatoes just right, while the fresh herbs and garlic infuse the sauce with that cozy, homemade vibe. Plus, it keeps well, so you can make a big batch ahead of time and have a versatile sauce ready to go whenever dinner calls.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Quick Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe plays a key role — the cherry tomatoes bring that bright sweetness, while the olive oil, onions, and garlic create a comforting, savory foundation. Fresh herbs add a punch of flavor that makes this sauce feel truly homemade.

• Cherry Tomatoes: I recommend picking ripe, juicy ones for the best sweetness and roast flavor.
• Olive Oil: Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for richness and depth, plus enough to lightly coat the tomatoes so they roast rather than steam.
• Yellow Onion: A large, diced onion softens and sweetens the sauce base beautifully during cooking.
• Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic adds that savory kick without overpowering the tomatoes.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: They give a refreshing herbaceous note that lifts the whole sauce.
• Fresh Thyme: Adds subtle earthiness; remember to strip the leaves from the woody stems before adding.
• Kosher Salt and Freshly-Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all those bright tomato flavors.

Variations

I love to make this Quick Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe my own by playing with herbs and heat levels. Feel free to swap fresh thyme for oregano or add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. You can also leave out the onions for a lighter sauce or add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end for extra depth.

• Herb Swap: I once made this with rosemary instead of thyme, and it gave the sauce a lovely piney aroma that my family enjoyed.
• Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté to bring a subtle heat that’s balanced with the tomato sweetness.
• Vegan/Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it an easy option for many dietary needs.
• Chunky vs. Smooth: You can pulse the sauce a few times in the blender for texture or blend completely smooth—your call!

How to Make Quick Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Roast Those Tomatoes to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400℉ and toss the cherry tomatoes with just enough olive oil to lightly coat them. Spread them out evenly on a rimmed baking sheet or large dish—crowding causes steaming instead of roasting, so give them space. Roast for about 25–30 minutes, until the tomatoes have burst and start to shrivel, releasing their natural sweetness. Tent with foil and set aside to keep warm while you prepare the sauce base.

Step 2: Sauté Your Onions and Garlic

Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed sauce pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced onions and cook gently, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent—about 4 to 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, cooking for a few more minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. This slow build-up of flavor really forms the heart of the sauce.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

Add the roasted tomatoes, including any juices released during roasting, into the pot with onions and garlic. Toss in the fresh basil leaves and thyme, and season everything with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, partially cover the pot leaving a one-inch gap for steam to escape, and let it cook for 25 minutes to an hour to marry all the flavors. Stir occasionally but not too often—you want the sauce to thicken slowly.

Step 4: Blend and Adjust

Carefully remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes—this step makes blending safer and easier. Then transfer the sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender right in the pot. Blend until you reach your preferred consistency, whether smooth or a bit chunky. Taste again and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Store and Enjoy

Pour the sauce into clean, airtight containers like pint-sized jars. You’ll find it keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to a week or freezes well for up to three months. This way, you’ve always got that delicious roasted tomato flavor ready at your fingertips!

How to Serve Quick Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this sauce with a sprinkle of freshly torn basil or a dash of flaky sea salt right before serving—it brings back that lovely fresh brightness that complements the roasted depth. Sometimes, a little drizzle of good olive oil on top just warms things up beautifully.

Side Dishes

This sauce pairs wonderfully with any kind of pasta, from spaghetti to rigatoni, but I also love serving it alongside grilled chicken or roasted veggies for a simple, satisfying meal. It even doubles as a tasty dip for crusty bread if you’re craving something lighter.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve spooned this Quick Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce over polenta squares and topped with fresh mozzarella and basil—they instantly become a crowd-pleasing appetizer. You can also swirl it into risotto or use it as a base for shakshuka for something a bit more adventurous.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store my leftover sauce in airtight pint-sized jars in the fridge, where it stays fresh and flavorful for up to a week. I find glass jars work best because you can see the sauce clearly and reheat just what you need.

Freezing

Freezing this sauce works like a charm. I freeze it in smaller portions using freezer-safe containers or silicone trays for individual servings. Thawing in the fridge overnight preserves the flavor and texture nicely.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving directly as it can cause uneven heating and affect the sauce’s texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Quick Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s genuinely easy, adaptable, and delicious. I encourage you to try it out and watch how such a simple set of ingredients turns into a sauce that feels truly special. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking just for yourself, this recipe is a go-to that never disappoints—your future dinner self will thank you!

Print