This simple and flavorful tomato confit recipe uses cherry tomatoes, garlic, fresh herbs, and extra virgin olive oil, slow-roasted to perfection for any meal.
Tomato confit is the ultimate slow-roasted dish, where cherry tomatoes are bathed in olive oil, garlic, and herbs, transforming into a rich, flavorful treat. This simple yet elegant recipe is perfect for spreading on toast, mixing into pasta, or serving at a dinner party. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a versatile dish that enhances any meal.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients You Need to Make Tomato Confit
- Additions, Variations, and Substitutions
- How to Make This Recipe
- Tips for Making Ahead, Leftovers, and Storage
- Serving Suggestions
- Connect with Me
There’s something magical about slow-roasting tomatoes. I love making confit this time of year when the markets are filled with end of summer cherry tomatoes. I often make this when preparing for a dinner party, since it’s easy to prepare and impressive to serve. The result is always pure perfection—soft, juicy tomatoes bursting with flavor, paired with a rich garlic-infused olive oil.
Whether you’re hosting guests or just looking to elevate a weeknight meal, tomato confit is a foolproof way to transform ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.
Ingredients You Need to Make Tomato Confit
- Cherry Tomatoes (3 cups): I prefer using mixed-colored grape tomatoes for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Garlic (4 cloves, sliced): Adds a deep, rich flavor that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (¾ cup): A good-quality olive oil is essential for a rich, flavorful confit.
- Fresh Herbs (Basil, Thyme, Oregano, Rosemary): These herbs infuse the oil and tomatoes with their fragrant aromas.
- Salt & Fresh Black Pepper: To season and enhance all the flavors.
Additions, Variations, and Substitutions
Feel free to mix and match herbs based on what’s in your pantry. Oregano and thyme are great staples, but fresh basil or even a sprig of rosemary can add a different aromatic dimension. Want a little heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes goes a long way in adding a spicy kick. You can also try using larger plum tomatoes—just cut them into smaller pieces to roast evenly.
My Expert Tips for Making This Recipe
Quality Ingredients Matter: Since this recipe uses minimal ingredients, the quality of your olive oil and tomatoes makes all the difference.
Toss the Herbs Well: Ensure the fresh herbs are coated in olive oil to prevent burning during roasting.
Use a Toaster Oven: If you’re preparing a small batch, a toaster oven works perfectly and saves energy.
Check for Doneness: After 1 hour, gently toss the tomatoes to avoid over-caramelization and ensure even cooking.
How to Make This Recipe
- Prepare Tomatoes: Start by rinsing 3 cups of cherry tomatoes and pat them dry with a dishcloth or paper towel.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 250°F. A toaster oven can also be used for smaller batches.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup of olive oil, garlic, basil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss well, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Roast Tomatoes: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for 1 ½ hours, tossing gently at the 1-hour mark.
- Cool and Store: Once done, allow the confit to cool to room temperature. Remove and discard the herbs before transferring the tomatoes and oil to a jar or airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 6 weeks or keep on the counter for 3-4 days.
Recipe FAQ’s
Tips for Making Ahead, Leftovers, and Storage
Making Ahead: Tomato confit can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep.
Leftovers: Leftovers can be refrigerated and used as needed. Just ensure the tomatoes are submerged in the oil to preserve them.
Freezing: Freeze any excess tomato confit in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
Serving Suggestions
Tomato confit is incredibly versatile. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:
- Toss it with pasta for a simple, flavorful sauce.
- Spread on crusty bread or toast as an appetizer.
- Add to grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or salads for a burst of flavor.
- Mix with scrambled eggs or serve alongside roasted chicken for a hearty meal.
This roasted tomato confit will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or an elevated side dish at a dinner party, you’ll find countless ways to enjoy it!
Other Recipes You’ll Love
Connect with Me
For more delicious and easy recipes, follow me on Instagram and join me over on Facebook where I share recipes daily!
Tomato Confit Recipe
This simple and flavorful tomato confit recipe uses cherry tomatoes, garlic, fresh herbs, and extra virgin olive oil, slow-roasted to perfection for any meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups ripe cherry tomatoes (I used mixed-colored grape tomatoes)
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed and sliced in half
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh basil, thyme, oregano, and rosemary (use your favorites!)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for added spice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Prepare Tomatoes: Rinse and pat dry the cherry tomatoes. In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, ¼ cup of olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss everything until evenly coated.
- Transfer to a Baking Sheet: Spread the tomatoes in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Roast: Roast the tomatoes for 1 ½ hours, tossing gently at the 1-hour mark to ensure even roasting.
- Cool and Store: Once roasted, remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature. Remove the herbs and discard. Transfer tomatoes and the oil into an airtight container.
- Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 6 weeks or keep on the counter for 3-4 days.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
- Toss with pasta
- Spread on toast or crusty bread
- Add to salads or grain bowls
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 192Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 41mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 1g
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
