Name: Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs cherry tomatoes, halved; 4 cloves garlic, peeled; 3 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, torn

This Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce is absolutely dreamy-sweet, garlicky, and intensely flavorful, thanks to the magic of slow roasting! Each bite bursts with juicy, caramelized tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a whisper of olive oil.

What makes this sauce a must-try? It's deliciously effortless. Just toss everything on a pan and let your oven do the work! You'll end up with a sauce that's fresher and brighter than anything from a jar.

It's perfect for draping over pasta, spooning onto crusty bread, or using as a vibrant homemade pizza sauce. This is my go-to recipe every summer when cherry tomatoes are at their best-simple, rustic, and packed with sunny flavor!

Glossy roasted cherry tomato sauce glistening atop spaghetti

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously easy and hands-off-just roast everything on one sheet pan.
Naturally sweet and bursting with garden-fresh flavor from caramelized tomatoes.
Versatile-use it for pasta, pizza, sandwiches, or dipping.
Freezer-friendly so you can enjoy summer flavors year-round.

Key Ingredients for Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cherry Tomatoes

The heart and soul of this sauce! Roasting cherry tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness and creates a rich, jammy texture. Look for vibrant, ripe tomatoes-red, yellow, or even a mix. Grape tomatoes also work well. If you can't find fresh, you can use high-quality canned whole cherry tomatoes (drained), but roasting fresh really makes this sauce special.

Garlic

Garlic brings a delicious depth and savory warmth to the sauce. Roasting whole cloves alongside the tomatoes mellows their bite and turns them sweet and tender. Use as much as you love-if you adore garlic, add an extra clove. If you don't have fresh garlic, a small pinch of garlic powder can work in a pinch.

Olive Oil

A drizzle of good extra-virgin olive oil helps the tomatoes caramelize and adds a velvety richness. Don't skimp! Choose a fruity olive oil for the best flavor. If you're low on olive oil, avocado oil is a solid alternative, though it has a milder taste.

Fresh Basil

Fresh basil brings a fragrant, summery lift that makes the sauce pop. Tear or roughly chop the leaves for the brightest flavor. If you don't have fresh, a small pinch of dried basil or oregano works in a pinch, but fresh is best here.

Balsamic Vinegar

A splash of balsamic vinegar adds subtle tang and depth, balancing the sauce's sweetness. Red wine vinegar or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can be swapped in for a slightly different twist.

Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce cooking process

Instructions for Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Arrange the Tomatoes and Garlic

Spread the halved cherry tomatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Scatter the peeled garlic cloves among the tomatoes. Drizzle everything with the olive oil, then sprinkle on the salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Toss gently to coat.

Roast Until Jammy and Caramelized

Roast the tomatoes for 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they're soft, caramelized, and starting to burst. The garlic should be golden and fragrant.

Blend the Sauce

Let the pan cool for a couple of minutes. Transfer the roasted tomatoes and garlic (and all their juices!) to a blender or food processor. Add the balsamic vinegar and most of the basil. Pulse a few times for a chunky sauce, or blend until smooth, depending on your preference.

Taste and Finish

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in the remaining fresh basil. Serve warm over your favorite pasta, as a pizza base, or spooned over grilled veggies!

Recipe Variations

Make It Creamy

For a luscious, creamy tomato sauce, blend in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese in the final step. This adds a velvety texture and subtle richness that pairs beautifully with pasta.

Spice It Up

Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a chopped fresh chili to the roasting pan for an extra layer of smoky, spicy complexity. Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your personal heat preference.

Vegan and Gluten-Free

This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free as written. For an herby twist, add fresh oregano or thyme along with the basil, or stir in sautéed mushrooms for extra umami.

Use Different Tomatoes

Try this with grape tomatoes, heirloom cherry tomatoes, or even quartered Roma tomatoes if that's what you have on hand. The roasting method brings out the best in any variety you choose.

Add Roasted Veggies

Bulk up the sauce by roasting diced zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant alongside the tomatoes. This is a great way to use up summer produce and add extra nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

This Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce shines tossed with spaghetti or penne, but it's also delicious spooned over grilled chicken, swirled onto homemade pizza, or served as a dip with warm, crusty bread. Garnish with extra fresh basil, a drizzle of good olive oil, and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Storage and Reheating

Let any leftover sauce cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring until hot. This sauce also freezes beautifully-portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce (FAQ)

Q: Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

A: Yes! You can use grape tomatoes or quartered Roma or plum tomatoes. The roasting method works well with any small, sweet variety.

Q: Do I need to peel the tomatoes?

A: Nope, no peeling required! The skins add flavor and break down nicely after roasting and blending.

Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

A: Absolutely. The flavors only improve after a day or two in the fridge, and it freezes very well for easy future meals.

Nothing beats the sweet, summery flavor of homemade Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce! It's so easy, so fresh, and so versatile-you'll want to make a double batch every time. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. I can't wait to hear how you use it!

★★★★★ 4.80 from 143 ratings