How to Cook Small Tomatoes

Co-authored by Abyssinia Campbell and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: September 21, 2021 References

Got some extra cherry tomatoes taking up space in your kitchen? Not to worry! Transform your extra produce into savory sides and other delicious dishes. We’ve assembled a few tasty recipes to help you get going.

Method 1

Method 1 of 8:
Roasted

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Complement a savory meal with roasted cherry tomatoes. Set your oven to 400 °F (204 °C). Then, transfer 2 lb (0.91 kg) of tomatoes to a baking pan. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and 3 US tbsp (44 mL) of olive oil, and slide the tray into the oven. After around 10 minutes, your tomatoes will be roasted to perfection.^{[1]
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- This side serves up to 6 people.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 8:
Sautéed

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Sautéed cherry tomatoes only take 10 minutes to make. Heat up a large, 12 in (30 cm) skillet with 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of olive oil. Then, mix in 2 small containers of cherry tomatoes, along with a few pinches of salt and pepper.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Abyssinia Campbell
Executive Chef
Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.} Cook the tomatoes for around 2 minutes, until the skins look wrinkly, which gives it a warm burst of flavor when you bite it.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Abyssinia Campbell
Executive Chef
Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.} Then, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves. Take the sautéed tomatoes off the stove and mix them with 1 US tbsp (15 mL) and a touch of basil.^{[4]
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- This dish feeds up to 8 people.
- As an alternative serving, try spreading your sautéed tomatoes over some toasted bread.^{[5]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Abyssinia Campbell
  Executive Chef
  Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.}

Method 3

Method 3 of 8:
Grilled

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10

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Grill cherry tomatoes on skewers as a savory side. Marinate 24 cherry tomatoes for 30 minutes in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, thyme, and garlic paste. Then, divide the tomatoes across 6 skewers, placing 4 on each one. Grill the skewers over high heat for about 6 minutes, or until they look a little charred.^{[6]
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- These skewers serve up to 4 people.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 8:
Baked

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Cherry tomato confit is easy to make, but needs over an hour to cook. Set your oven to 275 °F (135 °C) and arrange 3 lb (1.4 kg) of small tomatoes over a large baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic over your tomatoes. Then, bake them for 90-120 minutes, or until the tomatoes are wilted but not totally burst.^{[7]
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- This is a great party dish, and serves up to 15 people.
- You can refrigerate the leftovers for 2 weeks, or freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months.

Method 5

Method 5 of 8:
Slow-Cooked

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This stress-free side cooks in a little less than an hour. Set your oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and move a rack to the very center. Then, mix 1.5 lb (0.68 kg) of tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, rosemary, and coriander seeds in a baking dish. Bake the side for 40-50 minutes, turning the tomatoes 2-3 times as they cook. Dress the side with vinegar once the dish cools off.^{[8]
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- This dish serves up to 6.
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Method 6

Method 6 of 8:
Skillet-Charred

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This quick side dish is an easy addition to any meal. Set a large, cast-iron skillet over a high temperature until it starts smoking. Then, cook 2½ small containers of cherry tomatoes in the skillet, along with olive oil and squash blossoms. Continue cooking your small tomatoes for around 3 minutes, until they’re a little charred on the outside.^{[9]
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Method 7

Method 7 of 8:
Pasta Sauce

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Dress up your favorite pasta dish with some homemade sauce.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Abyssinia Campbell
Executive Chef
Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.} Cook 4 small containers of cherry tomatoes with oil, basil, red pepper flakes, and salt over low heat, along with basil sprigs. Stir the ingredients together for 4 minutes until the tomatoes start bursting. Break open some of the other tomatoes with a wooden spoon, and keep stirring until a thick sauce forms—this will take about 10-12 minutes.^{[11]
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- This makes 4 servings of sauce.
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Method 8

Method 8 of 8:
Fondue

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Serve tomato fondue with crusty bread as a savory appetizer. Place an oiled, cast iron skillet on high heat. Then, mix in 2 small containers of cherry tomatoes, along with 4 US tbsp (59 mL) of olive oil. Turn down the heat to medium-high and keep stirring the dish for another 5 minutes. At this point, melt in some butter and salt to finish off the dish.^{[12]
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- This appetizer serves 6 people.