Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cherry tomato confit is a fantastic way to enjoy the full depth of tomato flavor. The slow cooking process transforms the tomatoes, making them tender and packed with flavor, while the olive oil becomes infused with the essence of the tomatoes and herbs. This confit is incredibly versatile and can be used in many dishes, making it a great addition to your cooking repertoire. It’s simple to make yet adds a touch of elegance to any meal, and the best part is that it’s very hands-off once the tomatoes are in the oven.

Ingredients

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, smashed
1-2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes in a single layer in a baking dish or oven-safe pan.
Add the smashed garlic cloves, thyme, rosemary, and dried oregano to the pan.
Pour the olive oil over the tomatoes, ensuring they are well-coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Place the dish in the oven and cook for 1 hour, or until the tomatoes are soft, slightly caramelized, and the skins are beginning to wrinkle.
Remove from the oven and stir in the balsamic vinegar, if using, for an extra layer of flavor.
Let the confit cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it immediately or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 (as a side or topping)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Add Other Herbs: Fresh basil, oregano, or sage can be swapped in for thyme and rosemary to suit your taste.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a sliced fresh chili for a little heat.
Citrus Twist: Add lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice to the tomatoes before serving for a refreshing contrast.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cherry tomato confit in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The olive oil will solidify when cold but will return to a liquid state when reheated.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the confit gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use larger tomatoes for confit?

Yes, you can use larger tomatoes, but cherry tomatoes work best because they are more naturally sweet and cook down to a tender, caramelized texture more easily.

Can I freeze cherry tomato confit?

Yes, you can freeze cherry tomato confit in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator or warm it gently on the stovetop.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, dried herbs work just as well. Use about half the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, as they are more concentrated in flavor.

How do I use cherry tomato confit?

Cherry tomato confit can be added to pasta, tossed into salads, spread on toast, served alongside grilled meats, or used as a topping for pizza or sandwiches.

Can I add other vegetables to the confit?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the confit for a more substantial dish or to create a more complex flavor profile.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, cherry tomato confit is entirely vegan and can be enjoyed by anyone following a plant-based diet.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead. The tomatoes will only get better as they sit and absorb the olive oil and herbs.

How long can I store the confit in the fridge?

You can store cherry tomato confit in the fridge for up to 1 week. The olive oil will solidify in the fridge but will become liquid again when reheated.

Can I make the confit without olive oil?

Olive oil is key to creating the confit’s rich texture and flavor, but if you need a substitute, you can use other oils like avocado or grapeseed oil.

How do I make the confit more garlicky?

You can add extra garlic or even roast the garlic cloves along with the tomatoes for a deeper, caramelized flavor.

Conclusion

Cherry tomato confit is a simple yet elegant dish that brings out the full, sweet flavor of tomatoes. Slow-cooked in olive oil with fragrant herbs, it becomes a versatile ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes. Whether you enjoy it on its own, paired with pasta, or used as a topping, this confit will impress with its depth of flavor and easy preparation. Make it a staple in your kitchen to elevate your meals and bring a touch of gourmet cooking to your everyday dishes.

Cherry Tomato Confit

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Cherry tomato confit is a simple, yet luxurious dish where cherry tomatoes are slow-cooked in olive oil and herbs to enhance their natural sweetness. It’s perfect for a variety of dishes, from pasta to sandwiches, and adds an elegant touch to any meal.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Oven
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 garlic cloves, smashed

1–2 sprigs fresh thyme

1 sprig fresh rosemary

1 tsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes in a single layer in a baking dish or oven-safe pan.
Add the smashed garlic cloves, thyme, rosemary, and dried oregano to the pan.
Pour the olive oil over the tomatoes, ensuring they are well-coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Place the dish in the oven and cook for 1 hour, or until the tomatoes are soft, slightly caramelized, and the skins are beginning to wrinkle.
Remove from the oven and stir in the balsamic vinegar, if using.
Let the confit cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it immediately or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Notes

For added flavor, experiment with different herbs like basil, sage, or oregano.
If you want a spicy version, add red pepper flakes or a fresh sliced chili.
To give a citrus twist, try adding lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice before serving.
This confit pairs well with pasta, salads, toast, grilled meats, and sandwiches.
For a vegan version, this recipe is already plant-based and can be enjoyed by anyone following a vegan diet.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 120
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg