Are you tired of settling for bland, store-bought pasta sauces? It’s time to take your pasta dishes to the next level with this simple and delicious roasted cherry tomato sauce recipe. Not only is it bursting with flavor, but it’s also freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy the taste of summer all year round.
This recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. The key to its incredible flavor lies in the oven-roasting process, which intensifies the natural sweetness of the cherry tomatoes and infuses the sauce with a rich, caramelized taste.
A Sauce That’s Easy to Make & Hard to Resist
One of the best things about this roasted cherry tomato sauce is its effortless preparation. Simply toss cherry tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and olive oil on a baking sheet, then let the oven work its magic. As the tomatoes roast, they burst and release their juices, creating a luscious base for the sauce.
After just 45 minutes in the oven, the tomatoes will be wrinkled and slightly charred, ready to be blended with salt and pepper to taste. The result is a velvety smooth sauce packed with intense tomato flavor and subtle hints of garlic, onion, and herbs. You’ll never go back to jarred sauces again!
Preserve the Taste of Summer with Freezer-Friendly Portions
One of the greatest advantages of making roasted cherry tomato sauce is the ability to freeze it later. This recipe yields about 3 cups of sauce, perfect for a family meal. However, if you have an abundance of cherry tomatoes from your garden or farmers’ market, simply double or triple the recipe.
To freeze the sauce, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date and quantity, then lay them flat in the freezer for easy storage.
When ready to use the sauce, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop.
Versatility at Its Finest: Endless Ways to Enjoy This Sauce
While this roasted cherry tomato sauce is undeniably delicious on pasta, its versatility extends far beyond traditional Italian dishes. Use it as a base for homemade pizza, or spread it on toasted bread for a quick and tasty bruschetta. It also makes an excellent dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks or breadsticks.
Try incorporating the sauce into your favorite casseroles, stews, or soups for a heartier meal. Its rich flavor adds depth and complexity to any dish, elevating even the simplest ingredients.
With a batch of this sauce in your freezer, you’ll always have a delicious meal just minutes away.
Oven-Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce (Freezer-Friendly)
Ingredients
- 5 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Set your oven to 425°F and allow it to preheat while you prepare the tomatoes.
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and remove any stems.
- Arrange the cleaned tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet or roasting pan, ensuring enough space between them.
- Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the tomatoes, then sprinkle with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. For now, leave out the oregano.
- Place the baking sheet with the seasoned tomatoes into the oven and roast for approximately 45 minutes. The tomatoes are done when their skins appear wrinkled.
- Remove the roasted tomatoes from the oven and set them aside to cool.
- Once cooled, transfer the tomatoes to a food processor and blend until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
- Pass the blended tomato mixture through a food mill for a silky-smooth skin and seed-free sauce. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
- After milling the sauce, stir in the dried oregano and taste the mixture. Adjust the seasonings as needed to suit your taste preferences.
- Your homemade roasted cherry tomato sauce is now ready! You can use it immediately, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it later.
Notes
- Mason Jars: Sturdy and reusable, mason jars are perfect for freezing individual portions of your homemade roasted cherry tomato sauce.
- Specialty Freezer Containers: Designed specifically for freezing, these containers come in various sizes and are an excellent option for storing larger quantities of sauce.
- Freezer Bags: Convenient and space-saving, freezer bags allow you to store your sauce in flat, stackable portions that thaw quickly when needed.
Nutrition
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.