Roasted Cheesy Tomatoes: The Perfect Oven Timing

Roasting tomatoes is a great way to intensify their flavour and get a chewy, tart texture. This can be done in a few different ways, with the oven temperature and roasting time depending on the desired result. For a low and slow roast, the oven should be set to 250°F and the tomatoes will take around 2-3 hours to cook. For a faster method, the oven can be set to 300-450°F and the tomatoes will cook in around 10-30 minutes. The tomatoes can be seasoned with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs, and can be served as a side dish or used in recipes such as pasta, soup, or pizza.

How to roast tomatoes with cheese

Roasted tomatoes are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. They are easy to make and can be stored for later use. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast tomatoes with cheese:

Ingredients:

• Tomatoes (any variety)
• Olive oil (extra virgin)
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh herbs (optional)
• Cheese of your choice (feta, parmesan, etc.)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to a high temperature, typically between 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Wash and cut the tomatoes into halves or quarters, depending on their size.
• In a large bowl, toss the tomato pieces with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Mix well until the tomatoes are evenly coated.
• Spread the seasoned tomatoes on a baking sheet or tray, ensuring they are in a single layer, cut-side up.
• Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 15-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and slightly browned.
• Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
• Sprinkle your desired cheese over the roasted tomatoes. Feta cheese is a popular choice, but you can also use parmesan or any other cheese that complements the flavors.
• Serve the roasted tomatoes with cheese as a side dish or use them in pastas, salads, or sandwiches.

Storage:

Roasted tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. They can also be frozen for later use. Simply bring them to room temperature and store them in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 4 months.

How long to roast cherry tomatoes with cheese

Roasting cherry tomatoes with cheese is a simple and delicious way to prepare a healthy side dish or a tasty addition to pasta, pizza, or salad. The process of roasting intensifies the flavor of the tomatoes, giving them a chewy and tart texture with a concentrated, intense umami flavor.

Preparation

First, preheat your oven to a temperature between 250°F and 450°F, depending on how much time you have available. Remember that the higher the temperature, the faster the tomatoes will cook, but be careful not to set the temperature too high, as this can cause the tomatoes to burst instead of shrivel.

Next, wash and halve your cherry tomatoes. If you are using larger tomatoes, you may need to cut them into quarters to ensure even cooking. Place the tomatoes in a large mixing bowl and drizzle them with extra-virgin olive oil. You want the tomatoes to be well-coated, so be generous with the oil!

Now it's time to add your cheese. Crumbled feta or shredded Parmesan are popular choices, but you can experiment with other varieties like Romano or goat cheese. Add a sprinkle of minced garlic, some fresh or dried herbs like basil or thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until the tomatoes are evenly coated.

Cooking

Spread the seasoned tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet or dish. If using a baking sheet, line it with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Make sure the tomatoes are arranged skin-side down, with the cut side facing up.

Place the baking sheet or dish in the preheated oven and roast the tomatoes for 10 to 30 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the size of your tomatoes and the desired level of doneness. Smaller cherry tomatoes will take less time, while larger varieties may need closer to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

Serving

Roasted cherry tomatoes with cheese can be served hot or at room temperature. They make a delicious side dish, or you can add them to pasta, pizza, or salad for a burst of flavor. You can even spread them on toast or bruschetta for a tasty appetizer. If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Best types of tomatoes for roasting

When it comes to choosing the best tomatoes for roasting, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, small to medium-sized tomatoes are generally recommended over larger varieties. Here are some specific types of tomatoes that are particularly good for roasting:

Campari Tomatoes

Campari tomatoes are a personal favourite for roasting due to their inherent sweetness. They only need to be halved before roasting and go well with Mediterranean dishes.

Cherry or Grape Tomatoes

Cherry and grape tomatoes are another excellent choice for roasting. They can be roasted whole, which saves preparation time. Their small size means they have tender skin, so there is no need to remove the skin before roasting. Roast them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until the skins begin to burst.

Roma or Plum Tomatoes

For Roma or plum tomatoes, it is best to halve them lengthwise and remove the seeds before roasting. They can be roasted at 400°F for 40-50 minutes or until the skin softens and begins to burst.

Cocktail Tomatoes

Cocktail tomatoes are similar to Roma or plum tomatoes in terms of preparation and roasting time. They can be left whole or halved, and roasted for 40-50 minutes at 400°F.

In general, the juicier and riper the tomato, the more liquid it will release during roasting. So, if you are looking for a tomato that will produce less liquid, choose a drier variety like Roma tomatoes.

How to store roasted tomatoes with cheese

Roasted tomatoes with cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for later use, although the texture of the tomatoes may change. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store them:

Storing in the Fridge

Bring the roasted tomatoes to room temperature before storing them. Place them in a tight-lid mason jar with their juices and store them in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

Freezing for Later Use

Transfer the roasted tomatoes to freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze them for up to 4 months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight before use.

It is important to note that if you plan on storing the roasted tomatoes, it is best to leave out the cheese and add it right before serving.

What to serve with roasted tomatoes and cheese

Roasted tomatoes are a versatile dish that can be served as a side or incorporated into a main course. Here are some ideas for what to serve with roasted tomatoes and cheese:

Bruschetta

A classic bruschetta is a delightful way to showcase roasted tomatoes. Choose a crusty, hearty artisanal loaf of bread as your base. Drizzle with a high-quality extra virgin olive oil and top with mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese. Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite flavour profile. Don't forget to add the roasted tomatoes! This dish makes a wonderful starter or appetizer.

Salads

Roasted tomatoes can be a delicious addition to salads. Try making a tomato mozzarella salad or a tomato feta salad. For the tomato mozzarella salad, layer ripe tomatoes with creamy mozzarella cheese, and consider using goat cheese or vegan mozzarella for a twist. For the tomato feta salad, combine ripe tomatoes with creamy feta cheese, and feel free to substitute goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavour. You can add olives, cucumbers, or fresh herbs for extra texture and flavour. These salads are a perfect side dish to accompany a main course.

Pasta

Roasted tomatoes can be tossed with pasta and perhaps some homemade pesto. You can also try making a sun-dried tomato pesto pasta, where you blend sun-dried tomatoes with fresh basil, almonds or walnuts, and Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, you could make a spicy tomato pasta by combining ripe tomatoes with chilli peppers or chilli flakes.

Baked Dishes

The tomato mozzarella bake is a classic comfort food that combines juicy tomatoes with creamy mozzarella. For a twist, you can substitute goat cheese or vegan mozzarella. Layer the ingredients carefully and bake at 375°F for a delightful blend of flavours.

Soups

Roasted tomatoes are an excellent base for soups, such as a creamy tomato basil soup or a roasted tomato soup. You can also blend them into other soups, such as a vegetable lentil soup.

Other Ideas

• Savoury tomato galette: Combine roasted tomatoes with a flaky puff pastry, traditional shortcrust, or whole wheat blend crust. Top with herbed goat cheese, caramelised onions, or a balsamic glaze.
• Grilled tomato polenta: This side dish combines the smokiness of the grill with the sweetness of tomatoes.
• Tomato quiche: Combine ripe tomatoes with a creamy, savory custard filling and bake in a buttery pastry crust.
• Crispy tomato tartlets: These bite-sized treats have golden, flaky crusts and juicy, vibrant fillings. They can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or light main course.
• Open-face sandwiches: Try a twist on the French croque-monsieur by topping toasted bread with béchamel sauce, roasted tomatoes, Gruyère cheese, and spicy pickled peppers.

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