Roasted tomatoes are a simple yet flavorful dish made by slow-cooking fresh tomatoes in the oven with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and a touch of salt. The roasting process intensifies their natural sweetness, softens their texture, and brings out rich, savory flavors. Perfect as a side dish, pasta topping, or base for sauces and soups, roasted tomatoes add depth and warmth to any meal.

• Tomato Varieties
• Growing Tomatoes in Alabama

Roasted Tomatoes with Garlic and Thyme

🍅 Ingredients:

• 2 pounds cherry or grape tomatoes (or any small ripe tomatoes), halved
• 4–5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6–8 fresh thyme sprigs (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: balsamic glaze or vinegar for drizzling

🔥 Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Tomatoes
   Place halved tomatoes in a large bowl. Add sliced garlic, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
3. Roast
   Spread the tomato mixture in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet (cut side up for extra caramelization).
4. Bake
   Roast for 25–30 minutes, or until tomatoes are soft, slightly shriveled, and caramelized around the edges.
5. Finish
   Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Discard thyme sprigs if using fresh. Optional: drizzle with balsamic glaze for a sweet-tart finish.

🌿 Serving Suggestions:

• Over toasted bread or bruschetta
• Tossed into pasta or salads
• As a topping for grilled meats or fish
• Mixed into grain bowls or risotto

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Spicy Roasted Tomatoes with Garlic and Thyme

🔥 Ingredients:

• 2 pounds cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 4–5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6–8 thyme sprigs (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Optional: 1 small fresh chili (like serrano or Thai), finely sliced
• Optional: drizzle of chili oil or hot honey for serving

🌶 Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the Tomatoes
   In a large bowl, combine halved tomatoes, sliced garlic, olive oil, thyme, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and fresh chili (if using). Toss until well coated.
3. Arrange and Roast
   Spread the mixture in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cut side up. Roast for 25–30 minutes until tomatoes are soft and caramelized, with golden edges and sizzling garlic.
4. Finish and Serve
   Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Discard thyme sprigs if using fresh. Optional: drizzle with chili oil or hot honey for extra kick.

🔥 Serving Tips:

• Use as a spicy pizza topping
• Mix into scrambled eggs or omelets
• Serve with grilled chicken or shrimp
• Stir into spicy pasta dishes or couscous