This roasted cherry tomato recipe is my own creation—simple, vibrant, and packed with flavor. The mix of honey, lemon zest, thyme, and parsley brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, making it the perfect add-on to fish, stir-fries, or even toast. Feel free to adjust it to your taste—add garlic, spice it up, or swap in your favorite herbs. However you make it, you’ll want to put these on everything!
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Honey, Parsley, Lemon Zest & Thyme
Makes about 1 1/5 cups roasted tomatoes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried)
- ½ tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh)
- Zest of ½ a lemon
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 garlic clove (minced) or a pinch of chili flakes
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss tomatoes with olive oil, honey, parsley, thyme, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and any optional additions.
- Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, shaking once halfway through, until the tomatoes are soft, wrinkled, and slightly caramelized.
- Cool slightly and serve warm or store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
General Serving Suggestions for Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Honey, Parsley, Lemon Zest & Thyme
- With Fish
These roasted tomatoes pair beautifully with mild fish dishes, especially poached, grilled, or baked fish such as like salmon, cod, or halibut. Spoon them on top or serve on the side for a flavorful, slightly sweet and herby complement. - In Stir-Fries
Add them at the end of cooking to any meat or vegetable stir-fry—especially pork, chicken, or tofu—for a burst of sweetness and acidity that enhances the overall flavor. Stir gently to keep the tomato shape intact or sprinkle on top.
Roasting cherry tomatoes is one of the easiest ways to bring out their natural sweetness and create a flavorful, versatile topping. In this recipe, I toss fresh cherry tomatoes with olive oil, honey, parsley, thyme, and lemon zest, then roast them until they’re soft, caramelized, and slightly blistered. The honey adds just a touch of sweetness, while the herbs and zest brighten everything up. It’s a hands-off process that transforms simple ingredients into something really special.
To make it your own, try adding minced garlic or a pinch of chili flakes for extra depth. You could also mix in a splash of balsamic vinegar for tang or crumble in feta or goat cheese after roasting for a creamy finish. Want a richer flavor? Roast them with shallots or whole cloves of garlic. These tomatoes are incredibly adaptable—use them over fish, meat, grains, pasta, or even a thick slice of sourdough. However you serve them, they’re sure to elevate the dish.
These roasted cherry tomatoes are a perfect way to add a burst of flavor and color to any dish, as shown in the photos above. In the first, they’re sprinkled over a pork stir-fry in sauce, where they add a sweet and savory contrast to the rich, hearty flavors. For stir-fries, you can also carefully integrate the tomatoes throughout the dish, letting their juices mingle with the sauce for a more balanced flavor.
In the second photo, the roasted tomatoes are placed atop poached salmon with a light gravy, providing a refreshing pop of sweetness and acidity. The tomatoes enhance the delicate fish without overpowering it, and their bright flavors complement the creamy gravy. Whether you choose to sprinkle them on top or mix them in, these roasted tomatoes are a versatile addition that can transform any meal.
