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–+ servings

Easy Roasted Tomatoes: Rich Sauce or Spread

Think of this as part sauce, part spread, like a cross between a classic roasted tomato sauce and a sun-dried tomato paste. It’s thick, spoonable, and packed with flavor, perfect for slathering on pizzas, swirling into pasta, or using as a condiment for sandwiches, burgers, or grain bowls.
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*Easily adjust serving size to your liking by clicking the number under servings or with the boxes below in the ingredients section.

Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 17 minutes
Course Condiments
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4
Calories 154 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ to 2 pounds fresh tomatoes preferably smaller tomatoes like cherry, plum or grape
  • 12 cloves garlic peeled
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Rinse the tomatoes and place them in an oven-safe casserole dish. Add the peeled garlic cloves, drizzle with the olive oil, and season with salt.
  • Roast uncovered on the center rack for 45 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened and released some juices.
  • Carefully remove from the oven and gently mash the tomatoes with a wooden spoon or potato masher to release any juices. Be careful! The tomatoes will splatter..so gentle is key here.
  • Stir in the oregano (fresh or dried) and return the dish to the oven. Roast for another 30 minutes, until the tomatoes are deeply caramelized and the garlic is golden and tender.
  • Let cool slightly, then blend, mash, or leave chunky depending on your desired texture.

Notes

Ways to Use These Roasted Tomatoes:
  • Toss with pasta (loosen with pasta water if needed)
  • Slather on sandwiches, burgers, or paninis
  • Spoon onto grilled meats or veggies
  • Stir into grain bowls for added depth
  • Spread on pizzas as a rich tomato base
  • Try it with these smoked chicken meatballs
 
Storage Tips
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Consistency Tip: If thick after chilling, stir in a little warm water or olive oil to loosen it up.

Want to Smoke It Instead?

To give this tomato sauce a smoky flavor, place the baking dish on your smoker at 275°F–300°F for 1½ to 2 hours. Use wood chips like cherry, apple, or hickory. Follow the same process: roast first until softened, gently mash, add oregano, and continue cooking until thickened. This adds a subtle smokiness that’s especially good with BBQ pizza or grilled meats.

Nutrition

Calories: 154kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 2gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 298mgPotassium: 311mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 954IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!