Easy Small-Batch Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe for Freezing Perfect Meal Prep
A quick and easy roasted cherry tomato sauce that captures rich, caramelized flavors perfect for small-batch meal prep and freezing. Ideal for fresh tomato flavor without the fuss of large pots.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 1.5 cups sauce (approximately 4 servings) 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pint (about 300 grams or 10.5 ounces) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 3 large garlic cloves, peeled and slightly smashed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- A small handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and dry 1 pint (about 300 g or 10.5 oz) of cherry tomatoes. Cut them in half.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the halved tomatoes with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil, 3 smashed garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt until well coated.
- Spread the tomato mixture in a single layer on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet, spacing garlic cloves evenly.
- Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until tomatoes are soft, slightly shriveled, and caramelized around the edges.
- Remove from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in chopped fresh basil and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. For a smoother sauce, blend to desired consistency.
- Divide sauce into small freezer-safe containers or bags, flatten bags for efficient freezing, and label with the date.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan to allow tomatoes to caramelize rather than steam. Roasting mellows garlic flavor and intensifies tomato sweetness. Freeze in small portions for easy thawing. If sauce tastes tangy after freezing, warm gently with a splash of olive oil or a pinch of sugar to balance flavors. For smoother sauce, blend after roasting. Optional additions include balsamic vinegar after roasting or swapping oregano for other herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (about 120 m
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 230
- Fat: 4.5
- Saturated Fat: 0.6
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 1
Keywords: roasted cherry tomato sauce, small-batch tomato sauce, meal prep sauce, freezer-friendly sauce, easy tomato sauce, roasted tomato sauce, quick tomato sauce