This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Preserving cherry tomatoes doesn’t get much easier than this!
All it takes is a slow roast at low heat, with the tomatoes smattered with fresh herbs and garlic. The sweet, fresh tomatoes transform into little nuggets of deep, concentrated flavor without having to lift a thumb.
I recommend going all out to finish them, covering them with the best olive oil you can afford.
More recipes to preserve your cherry tomatoes are my Easy Pickled Cherry Tomatoes. They’re bright and zingy, the perfect addition to salads, rice bowls, or toast. Or my No-Peel Tomato Jam, which is sweet and savory with loads of flavor from spices like ginger, black pepper, and smoked paprika!
I love to eat these tomatoes preserved in olive oil with creamy burrata cheese and this Summer Polenta.
You could also add them to savory oatmeal for a delicious breakfast, a topping for white bean hummus, or sourdough toast with cottage cheese.
They bring pops of flavor to soups, pastas, and risotto too.
I’ve been pushing off fall since I flipped the calendar to September, hanging on to summer as long as I possibly be can, but there’s a point where there’s no denying that it’s here. In Minnesota, September is perfection. This week I pulled out a light sweater and wore leggings every day, much to my heart’s content. I felt like snuggling, baking and braising. Our internal clocks just know.
I usually take one whole weekend to embark on a canning fest that always includes this spicy roasted salsa and this milder, punchy Salsa Verde (made from tomatillos). This year I wanted to add heirloom cherry tomatoes to the extravaganza, their colors and flavors so vibrant, which I wanted to savor for a little while longer.
I can’t even express the sweetness of the older woman who sold these to me at the market. I knew she was a gem from the moment I saw her standing in front of her station wagon, wide brimmed hat, collared shirt and bright red lipstick.
She had a very select offering; pints of these rainbow-esque cherry tomatoes, a few larger heirloom tomatoes, fresh herbs (some dried and made into beautiful bouquets) and unique decorative gourds. I jumped at the chance to buy from her, $2 a pint for these beauties. I almost felt like I was stealing.
As one tumbled out of the teal blue container, she muttered, “oh, that darn Mighty Mato, trying to escape again.” And you see this one? This here’s my favorite, the Thai Pink Egg. That baby girl pink gets me every time, and it doesn’t get too soft even when very ripe. Plus you never have to worry about it splintering. She went on to name 7 more varieties in the two little baskets. They were like her children, and she was sending them off to flourish.
When I got home I tasted through the different colors and shapes, each different and intriguing – some sweet, some tart. Some fruiter than others, and some as juicy as a Colorado peach. It was an easy choice to decide to preserve them. It was not only to savor their deliciousness a little longer, but also the memorable interaction with “tomato lady”.
{filming of the video was done by my talented friend Annie D’Souza and new photos by Nyssa Tanner!}
tag @heartbeetkitchen on instagram and hashtag it #heartbeetkitchen
Denise
September 11, 2024
I just finished cooking mine (3 hours) and there is a lot of liquid in the pan (mix of oil and juice I guess) do I pour this into the jars with the tomatoes or do I use all fresh oil? Also, how picky do I need to be about getting every last herb out? The leaves from the thyme have come off the branches and they’re tiny. Thanks!
Amanda Paa
September 11, 2024
Yes, keep the liquid! And most of the herbs should be taken out, but the little thyme leaves are okay.
Helen
August 20, 2024
Can you water bath, please and if so, for how long to make them shelfstable to have them all winter?
Amanda Paa
August 20, 2024
Hi Helen! Water bath canning isn’t an option because of the oil, but I freeze them in the oil to keep them all winter! Works wonderfully.
Gladys S
September 2, 2024
What kind of container do you freeze them in? Can I vacuum seal them in a bag? I’m afraid of the jars breaking in the freezer. Thanks.
Amanda Paa
September 2, 2024
hi gladys! yes, i think could vacuum seal them. i freeze in glass jars and leave an inch to inch and a half of headspace. that way they don’t break, with enough room to expand.
Anni
July 19, 2024
Amazing recipe! So delicious and full of summer flavor. I’ll definitely be checking out all of her other recipes and tips.
Amanda Paa
July 20, 2024
So glad you enjoyed the tomatoes, Anni!
carol o'shea
January 31, 2024
How do you measure tomatoes in pints? Never seen a pint measure here in NZ. Surely there would be a huge variance depending on size of the cherry tomato?
Amanda Paa
January 31, 2024
Hi! It would equal 11 to 12 ounces cherry tomatoes.
Edith Tudisco
December 6, 2023
I always ask for seconds of tomatoes at the farmers market which you can usually get from $1 a lb or less and oven roast them and then portion and freeze them in bags for the winter. Farmers are always happy to work with you on selling their seconds as most people only want perfect. If you develop a relationship with a farmer ,you can get “not perfect” produce at a great discounted price. You are going to chop it,smash it, grind it so why does it have to look perfect. I’m not perfect but I’m cool. Think about it- veggies in the grocery store look “perfect” but taste of nothing. Single people, one of my best purchases ever was a small cube freezer. I can cook large pots of soup,stews,desserts and freeze (use freezer bags they take up less space) in one portion servings and defrost when needed. People,this is not hard -PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD!!!! Find out what works for YOU!!! If something you do doesn’t work out -oh well s*** happens and don’t do it again. EXPERIMENT!!!!
Diana
November 2, 2023
I have an abundance of cherry tomatoes and tried this recipe and it is amazingly delicious! I just put some on a Ritz Cracker and just ideas of how good it would be with other things. I will do this again!
Amanda Paa
November 2, 2023
Yes, they’re so versatile! Glad you like the recipe!
Katherine
November 2, 2023
Love this recipe. I freeze mine and then later turn in to tomato soup. Just blend with stock (herbs and all) and then add a little cream. Best tomato soup hands down.
Amanda Paa
November 2, 2023
Oh thats sound amazing, what a great idea!
Tim Deadman
September 15, 2023
I had a glut of tomatoes this year, the neighbours were fed up with me trying to offload them so I made this last night, I had a mix of cherry and normal sized tomatoes. As a bonus, I got half a jar of flavoured olive oil that I’m going to use as a dip with homemade Focacia this evening.
Amanda Paa
September 15, 2023
Yum, I’m totally doing that with the oil + sourdough I just made!
Deirdre M Gaffney
September 14, 2023
This is fabulous. To be able to prolong my harvest is a real treat and it is delicious. Thank you!
Amanda Paa
September 14, 2023
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Deirdre!
Barb
September 10, 2023
I’m making this recipe now and want to know if I can put them in freezer bags instead of jars? And if so, should I allow the tomatoes to cool before sealing the bags and putting in the freezer? (And still freeze with the olive oil, correct?)
Amanda Paa
September 11, 2023
yes, you can freeze in bags, just allow them to cool fully. you could still do the olive oil, or when you take them out of the freezer to eat, put in jar and cover with olive oil and let marinate for a day. might be less mess that way than trying to fill freezer bags.
Mel M
August 31, 2023
I made these last year, they were great. I put a jar in the freeze and it broke as soon as I took it out though. I’ll use a plastic container next time. I’m going to do this with Romas this year.
Amanda Paa
August 31, 2023
oh, that’s interesting! i haven’t had glass break on me that had been in the freezer. plastic always works though, like you said! great idea with the romas.
Linda
August 30, 2023
I am making this right now! I used Thai Basil and put a little bit extra of the basil, thyme and garlic. I had a big sheet of tomatoes going into the oven so it’s taking a tad longer than the recipe recommends but the house smells wonderful! I can’t wait to taste them too :)
Melissa
August 28, 2023
Hi there – I am in the middle of making this recipe and most of my tomatoes have burst open. Is that normal? Should I remove the pulp of the burst tomatoes before submerging the others in oil? Thanks!
Amanda Paa
August 28, 2023
yes, that’s exactly what is supposed to be happen! the juices and pulp evaporate as they continue to cook, and the sugars in the tomatoes caramelize. no need to remove anything.
Melissa
August 29, 2023
Thank you! It turned out so delicious.
Pamela Brown
August 27, 2023
I love this recipe. A restaurant taught me this same recipe. They also sold pints of these when in season.
Amanda Paa
August 27, 2023
so glad you enjoy it!
Amber
August 18, 2023
Absolutely delicious! I spread it on toast and topped with to over easy eggs and mozzarella for breakfast. So very good! A great way to use the bounty of the summer garden!
Maggie
August 14, 2023
So I made this today and put it on a pizza with some basil and Mozarella – just baked it in the oven and it was life changing! If you have cherry tomatoes, make this – can’t wait to try it with buratta. Thank you Amanda for another award winn8ng recipe.
Amanda Paa
August 14, 2023
so glad you enjoyed the tomatoes, maggie!
Lisa OBrien
July 30, 2023
Delicious. I do have a question….since herbs roast with tomatoes they should be sterile, why do they need to be removed for jarring? Thanks!
Amanda Paa
July 31, 2023
Hi! I find that if the herbs are left in, the jars spoil faster. If you think you are going to eat them within 1 week, you could certainly leave them in.
Susi Reynolds
March 2, 2023
Absolutely delicious! I baked mine in 160 degrees for 1/2 an hour each side. I coated the m in garlic, Italian herbs, pink Himalayan salt And a sprinkling of dark brown castor sugar. YUM!!!!
Amanda Paa
March 3, 2023
sounds delicious with the italian herbs!
Yvette
December 11, 2022
If you haven’t made this yet, just DO!!! So simple, delicious and versatile!
Martha
October 1, 2022
Delicious 😋
Amanda Paa
October 1, 2022
Yay!
tc
August 26, 2022
Thanks so much, the way you write your recipe’s and the great pictures really help me out. This another great fall recipe
Jayme
September 2, 2021
This was such a delicious solution to my over-abundance of cherry tomatoes! I made sure to smear those roasted garlic cloves over some crusty bread, along with a few tomatoes, before I canned them. SO GOOD!!!! XOXO!
Amanda Paa
September 3, 2021
yay, so glad you liked the recipe Jayme! and definitely agree with you on the garlic, incredible.
Cassandra Crutchfield
August 27, 2021
Hi. Can I use extra vkrgin olive oil for this recipe?
Amanda Paa
August 27, 2021
Yes, that’s why I use too!
Chru6
August 23, 2021
Can they keep longer if canned in a Watergate or does it turn the oil bad
Amanda Paa
August 23, 2021
Rather than water bath canning, you can freeze them in the oil and they will stay good for 4 months!
Mary Bianchetti
August 18, 2021
Great recipe. Thanks, Tried this with yellow cherry tomatoes, added a lot of herbs & EVOO while roasting. I am just wondering while keeping in fridge why do you have to submerge them in so much olive oil? the olive oil doesn’t preserve but refrigerator preserves….since during roasting it had EVOO can I leave out the EVOO while it it is in fridge,
Amanda Paa
August 18, 2021
Hi Mary! Pouring the olive oil over them in the jar, is essential for preserving them in the fridge because it keeps oxygen from reaching the tomatoes. Oxygen exposure is one of the things that causes food to spoil faster.
Mary Bianchetti
August 18, 2021
Thank you! I get it now. I poured EVOO over them and am going to try to freeze some, some are in Ball glass canning jars with a plastic lid, some in Ball plastic containers. Hope I can freeze either without cracking. Will try.
Donna
August 3, 2021
Just wanted to say thanks about these delicious summer treats. I made some the other day and was going to put them oil to store in fridge but me and hubby ate half of them right off cookie sheet so I took the rest and added to a shrimp and eggplant casserole I was making. It was absolutely delicious.
Anna
August 27, 2022
I would LOVE that recipe!!
Cathie
May 18, 2021
Wow! My hubby’s garden went wild with Chocolate cherry tomatoes this year.So I tried this recipe with those tomatoes, as I had no heirlooms. The play of the very sweet tomatoes with the herbs, salt and garlic was sooo delicious! I did cover some with oil for later but we ate our share out of the oven. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Amanda Paa
May 19, 2021
so glad you liked the recipe, Cathie! am craving summer tomatoes and can’t wait until august to make more of these!
Dandre
October 6, 2020
Hi, I make something similar every year, I roast mine with garlic and basil and put them into the freezer but I will try this way this year.
Keeley
September 29, 2020
Why can’t you just add acid ie lemon juice, as you would for canning homemade passata or other tomatoes to make the water bath method safe?
Lisa
August 4, 2020
If I used dried herbs can they be left in with the tomatoes?
Amanda Paa
August 4, 2020
Yes, that would be fine!
Becky
June 4, 2020
Thank you for the recipe. I made this last month with some cherry tomatoes that were starting to go south. I took them to my sisters to have as an appetizer with crackers and cheese. My husband loved it and keeps asking when I am going to make more.
Can you just clarify the cook time? The recipe says the cook time is 30 minutes but the instructions say 2 1/2 hours. I don’t know how long I let them cook last time. I just kept it on low and stirred them around from time to time. I decided they were done when they had popped or mashed easily with a fork.
Bonus, the leftover oil and bits in the bottom of the jar made a great salad dressing!
Amanda Paa
June 5, 2020
About 2 1/2 hours is correct, just updated the recipe card! Thanks for catching. And I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Jean
September 19, 2019
I’m eager to try these, but more than a bit confused as to how long they will keep in the refrigerator. In the comments, you seem to go back and forth between 18 days, 2-3 weeks, a month, and 1-2 months.
amandapaa
September 19, 2019
Hi Jean! 18 days in the refrigerator, and up to two months in the freezer.
Cheryl
August 12, 2019
I’m trying this recipe this week. Thank you for posting. I’m wondering if anyone has popped a few in with their canned tomato sauce prior to steam canning to add a boost of flavor?
Dip
June 4, 2017
Do you have an estimate of how long will they last once canned and sealed?
amandapaa
June 5, 2017
These are not shelf-canning tomatoes. They do not have enough acid to be safe. But they will last in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks!
Jenni
August 31, 2016
These look so lovely! All the awesome things you could do with this!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen
August 30, 2016
What a fantastic way to preserve roasted cherry tomatoes. I think I might eat them straight out of the jar :)
amandapaa
August 30, 2016
it happens! and they’re delicious on their own, even. :)
Michelle
March 22, 2016
Great recipe, thanks for sharing! So what are your thoughts on using a cryvack system to prolong the shelf life? A mild setting so as not to crush the tomatoes ?
Hege
February 6, 2016
Greetings from Australia, where it us late summer and my cherry tomatoes are too prolific to keep up with eating fresh, a lovely “problem” to have! This recipe sounds wonderfully simple and delicious, just wanted to double check the oven temperature, Celsius or Fahrenheit…..?
amandapaa
February 6, 2016
hi hege, and greetings! so neat to have an australian stop by. hope you enjoying your warm summer (cold here in Minnesota!) — this oven temperature is in Fahrenheit. xo
charmion
August 30, 2015
Hello from Suffolk U.K. Just trying out your lovely recipe….toms roasting in the oven as we speak. Thanks for your info Amanda.
Cherrie
September 5, 2017
Hi Charmaine, I’m also from Suffolk and just about to try this with my abundance of cherry toms. Love this time of year!
amandapaa
September 5, 2017
Wonderful, hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
Charmion
September 5, 2017
I have just made lots of tomato and chilli chutney with this years glut. Really yummy and so easy to make.
amandapaa
September 5, 2017
wonderful! tomato love for many months to come.
Sue/Hippyhen
September 24, 2018
My daughters all make chilli n tomato jam which is heaven to eat as a sweet spread or a savoury one. . I’m just reading all the info as we have a load of small sweet tomatoes n there isn’t only so many I can eat a day. So starting to roast when read all the info. Xxxx
amandapaa
September 24, 2018
wonderful! the jam sounds like a great idea too. enjoy your tomatoes!
EllenFitz
August 21, 2015
Once you put them in the fridge and the EVO congeals, do you see any reason you couldn’t then move the jar to the freezer to extend the life past the initial few weeks? For those with too many tomatoes that might be a workaround since canning isn’t an option.
Amanda Paa
August 21, 2015
Hi Ellen! I think that’s a great idea. It would kind of be like the “herb” ice creams that are made with olive oil in ice cube trays, then frozen.
Ann from Sumptuous Spoonfuls
August 15, 2015
I love love love this … and I have some small tomatoes that I need to preserve because I won’t eat them all in time! I have to respectfully disagree about the garlic and herbs, though … I have used both on my marinated cheese and it keeps in the fridge safely for a month or more–and gives both the oil and the cheese such a wonderful flavor! If you were storing this at room temp, yes it would be VERY risky, but since you’re putting them in the fridge, it’s fine to leave the garlic and herbs in.
Meredeth
August 12, 2015
Ok. Thank you.
Meredeth
August 12, 2015
I know there is not enough acid to water bath. But could these be pressure canned to make shelf stable?
Amanda Paa
August 12, 2015
Hi Meredeth! I have no experience in pressure canning – sorry I can’t help! The folks at PunkDomestics.com might be able to help though.
Linda May
June 2, 2022
I’m curious why there isn’t enough acid? I packed my jars ne year with cherry tomatoes, crushing them until the juice covered, added salt, garlic and basil, roasted them in the oven for an hour at 225°, promptly put on the lids as I removed them from the oven and they were fine. They sealed and lasted. I did not use olive oil but their own juices. Is this the difference?
Ann P.
November 22, 2022
What a great idea! If you use olive oil it must be sealed in a pressure cooker, but the way you preserved them should be just fine!
Nona
August 8, 2015
Love this – thanks for the recipe! I’m thinking of putting them in small jars and giving away as treats, to celebrate our first official veggie garden this year!
Amanda Paa
August 9, 2015
Glad you like the recipe Nona! What a great idea to give the fruits of your labor to friends and family. Growing your own food can be so rewarding!
Eleanor Alberstadt
September 11, 2021
Great Idea for Christmas gifts or a house warming gift. Any time is perfect!
Brigitte
July 24, 2015
Thank you for replying back :) The 1 to 2 months is the how long I’m suppose to let it sit in the fridge before eating it?
Amanda Paa
July 24, 2015
You can eat is right away, and it will last about 1 month in the refrigerator. Enjoy!
Brigitte
July 22, 2015
would i be able to can this recipe
Amanda Paa
July 22, 2015
Hi Brigitte! Unfortunately this recipe be can’t be canned because there is not enough acid in it. The olive oil would become unstable as well. They will last in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks though. Enjoy!
Tammy
October 14, 2014
is washing a jar and top in the dishwasher sterilizing it enough?..or what would you suggest? Thank you.
Amanda Paa
October 15, 2014
Hi Tammy! Yes, washing the jar and top in the dishwasher will completely sterilize it. Thanks for stopping by!
Dean
October 5, 2014
Just finished a batch. Delicious! I’m excited to try them after a few days in the fridge after the flavor has a bit more time to “set.” If they last that long, that is. :)
Amanda Paa
October 5, 2014
Dean, thanks for letting me know you made a batch! The oil and flavor really deepens after a few days like you mentioned. I just used the last of mine with roasted beets and sauteed spinach last night. Delicious!
EVOO From Spain UK
September 30, 2014
Use Extra Virgin as it is the best grade = quality & flavour.
Olive oil without the Extras Virgin tag is a lesser grade , quality & flavour
laurie
September 26, 2014
Oh yes, before they’re gone. I will haul myself down to the farmer’s market this weekend!
Julia | Orchard Street Kitchen
September 26, 2014
I have to admit that I’ve never canned before, but this looks so simple that I think I need to try it. I love the variation in the color of the tomatoes – especially the pink ones. It looks delicious with the brie toast, too!
Amanda Paa
September 26, 2014
Hi Julia! That’s the best part about this recipe, preserving without canning! Very simple. Although I have to say I love to can the “long” way. It’s really not as scary as one might think. xo
Joyti
September 25, 2014
I’ve done this with early girls, but not with cherry tomatoes. This looks absolutely delicious :)
Amanda Paa
September 26, 2014
Thanks so much for stopping by Joyti! Hope you enjoy and happy fall :)
heather @french press
September 23, 2014
I could eat that entire jar right now
Amanda Paa
September 23, 2014
:) best comment ever. i would share if you lived nearby!
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen
September 23, 2014
I always have to many cherry tomatoes at once – so give away what I can’t eat – but will try this in the future. Beautiful photos – and aren’t the people so lovely that you meet at the farmer’s market. Thanks, Amanda!
sheila
September 22, 2014
These look beautiful… how long are they safe once roasted?
Amanda Paa
September 22, 2014
Hi Sheila! The preserved tomatoes will last 18-20 days in the refrigerator, just make sure they stay completely covered in olive oil and use a clean spoon every time you eat them. I updated the recipe too with this info, thanks for asking!
Sarah trebilcock
March 22, 2016
Can you freeze them? I freeze all my tomato sauces including roasted tomatoes, so Ia m guessing yes?
amandapaa
March 22, 2016
Hi Sarah! Yes, you could freeze them, but I would not cover in olive oil after roasting. I would instead freeze them as is off the pan, tightly wrapped.
Caro
September 2, 2020
Hello, in your recipe you say this lasts for 18 days, but here you say 1 to 2 months. If I eat things slowly, will they really last 18 days, or 2 months? I don’t want anything to go to waste. Also I saw that if you leave the spices in, they go bad faster, and should be taken out. Is this true? Basically I want to keep it preserved for as long as I can, since I don’t eat much quickly.
Amanda Paa
September 3, 2020
Hello! You should follow the 18 days as listed in the recipe. And yes, removing any herbs will increase their life. I know I tend to eat these within two weeks, so I keep them in.
You can also freeze them if you want to preserve them the 1-2 months.
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
September 21, 2014
Beautiful simplicity! I forwarded this to my sister in the Pacific Northwest with an abundance of tomatoes to use up quickly! Thanks!
Amanda Paa
September 23, 2014
Patricia, thanks for sharing with your sister! I truly love the easy of using olive oil to preserve different vegetables. And then you have great flavored oil afterwards too.
Latisha Bunch
August 22, 2016
How long after Tomatoes are gone will the oil be OK to use and does it need to stay in refrigerator.
amandapaa
August 22, 2016
Hi Latisha! The oil will stay good for another two weeks, in the refrigerator, without the tomatoes. Glad to hear they disappeared! ;)
Millie l Add A Little
September 21, 2014
I love roasting tomatoes and preserving sounds like a great way to hold onto summer!
Amanda Paa
September 22, 2014
Thanks Millie! A good way to warm up the house a little bit too :)
jessica
July 28, 2015
Can u preserve the roasted tomato in a hot water bath , like other tomato preserving?
Amanda Paa
July 29, 2015
Hi Jessica! Since the olive oil is used instead of a vinegar based brine, these cannot be hot water bath canned.
Natalie Devey
September 18, 2017
Can they be pressure canned?
amandapaa
September 18, 2017
i’ve never tried that so I’m unsure.
Ginger
July 18, 2019
Can this be frozen?
amandapaa
July 18, 2019
Yep! Just be sure to leave about 1 inch space to top of jar when filling, so that it can expand if needed when frozen.
Kate
September 21, 2014
I did this last year and loved the results, plus, the flavored oil when the tomatoes were all gone was gorgeous. These were so good on toasted bread and they did not last long at all. Now I think I need to do this again!
Amanda Paa
September 24, 2014
i remember you bringing me a jar :) so delicious. i think you peeled yours right?