• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

A Full Living

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Fall Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Portfolio
  • About Us
  • Work Together
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Fall Recipes
    • Recipes
    • Portfolio
    • About Us
    • Work Together
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • ×
    A Full Living » Recipes » Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments

    Published: Jul 29, 2023 by Briana · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Cherry Tomato Confit

    • Facebook
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe
    Cherry tomato confit

    Bring your dishes to life with a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors with this Cherry Tomato Confit Recipe, infused with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs. Delightfully simple to make with just a few ingredients, this confit promises to add depth and richness to your favorite meals.

    white casserole dish with cherry tomatoes on the vine, with olive oil covering it and garlic.

    Disclaimer: This recipe was originally posted in July 2021, but has been rephotographed and improved for clarity as of July 2023. We hope you enjoy the new look!

    Tomato season is easily one of the best times of year for produce in our opinion. Whether it's summertime or not, these slow-roasted tomatoes made with juicy, sweet cherry tomatoes are delicious year-round.

    If you're looking for a simple way to elevate pasta, protein, or something decadent to top toast with, this simple recipe is for you!

    Try these confit tomatoes over top of this whipped ricotta on toast, with this burrata caprese, or overtop of this delicious salmon bruschetta!

    It also makes a great accompaniment to this Italian antipasto platter, this spicy Italian grinder sandwich, or with this burrata and prosciutto arugula salad, and so much more! 

    Jump to:
    • ❤️Why we love this recipe
    • 🍅Ingredients
    • ✨Substitutions & variations
    • 🔪Prep work
    • 📋Instructions
    • ✨Tips & tricks
    • 💭Frequently Asked Questions
    • What To Serve This With
    • More Recipes To Consider
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Community

    ❤️Why we love this recipe

    • Versatility. This confit can be used as a condiment, a spread, or an addition to various dishes like pasta, proteins, salads, or sandwiches, to enhance their flavors. 
    • Easy to prepare. Anyone from beginning cooks to well-seasoned chefs can prepare this confit. It only requires a simple cooking technique, a few minutes of prep time, and easy to find ingredients. Just cook these tomatoes at a low temperature in a luxurious bath of olive oil for a few hours. If you have a little patience, that's truly all you need! 
    • Aromatic and flavorful. The combination of slow roast tomatoes with garlic and herbs creates an intense, sweet, savory, and herbaceous flavor that can turn any meal into a gourmet experience.
    • Enhance your dining experience. The rich and deep flavors of this confit make simple dishes extra special, so everyday meals feel like a restaurant-quality experience.  
    • Great way to preserve tomatoes. If you have ripe cherry tomatoes that are on their way out, this is a delicious way to stretch them a bit further. Use these transformed preserved tomatoes to elevate dishes throughout the week. This recipe can easily be scaled up and stored in the fridge for several days, or frozen for longer term storage. 
    • Suits a variety of diet types. This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, nut free, and soy free, so it can be enjoyed by many people. It's great for gatherings where people have different dietary needs. 

    🍅Ingredients

    Here are the ingredients we used for this recipe. You can find more information for substitutions below.

    Ingredients to make cherry tomato confit laid out in small bowls with text overlaying to denote each ingredient.
    • Whole cherry tomatoes. Choose ripe tomatoes with no blemishes. We prefer smaller cherry tomatoes on the vine for their incredible sweet flavor. 
    • Kosher salt.
    • Black pepper. Optional.
    • Extra virgin olive oil. Make sure you're using good quality olive oil, or the best you can find that fits your budget. The olive oil makes up the majority of the flavor in this dish, so a nice quality oil is key. You don't need the most expensive bottle, just something that tastes good on its own when dipped in some crusty bread. 
    • Garlic. Use fresh garlic cloves with no blemishes. Add as many or as little as you want. We are very enthusiastic about garlic, so we usually use a whole head of it. 
    • Herbs of choice. We used fresh basil leaves, fresh thyme sprigs, and fresh oregano. 

    Visit the recipe card for the full quantities and nutritional information.

    ✨Substitutions & variations

    Here are a few suggestions on additional flavors to try, or simple variations to this recipe.

    • Swap the tomatoes. If cherry tomatoes are not available, you can use grape tomatoes, Roma tomatoes (plum tomatoes), or heirloom tomatoes cut into quarters. 
    • Garlic. You can replace fresh garlic with garlic powder or minced garlic if that's what you have on hand. For those who don't enjoy a strong garlic flavor, shallots or onions can be a milder alternative.
    • Dried herbs. Feel free to use dried versions of the herbs if fresh ones aren't available to you, although the flavor definitely won't be quite as vibrant. 
    • Different herbs. You can also use whatever herbs you'd like, including fresh rosemary, parsley, dill, tarragon, sage, and more for a different flavor profile. 
    • Spicy. If you enjoy things with a little heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or diced fresh chilis to the confit. 
    • Add citrus. Lemon or orange zest could add a bright, zesty flavor to balance the richness of the confit. 
    • Add a touch of sweetness. A touch of honey or sugar could add a bit of sweetness if your tomatoes are a bit tart, or if you'd just like to add some sweet flavor. You could also try adding some balsamic vinegar which brings sweetness and acidity. 

    🔪Prep work

    • Preheat the oven to 250°F.
    • Peel garlic cloves.
    • Wash and dry herbs.
    • Measure out all remaining ingredients. 

    📋Instructions

    Add the tomatoes to a large baking dish in a single layer. (We used a 9x13 inch.)

    Sprinkle in garlic cloves, and scatter in the fresh herbs. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, then pour on enough olive oil to come about halfway up the sides of the tomatoes. (Image 1)

    Add the oven, and cook for 2.5 - 3 hours, stirring every 30-45 minutes to make sure nothing burns. 

    cherry tomatoes in a white baking dish topped with herbs, salt, pepper, and olive oil.

    ✨Pro Tip: The amount of oil needed will depend on the size of your baking dish and the amount of tomatoes you use. Make sure you use enough oil to mostly cover the tomatoes, that way they don't dry out and burn while cooking. 

    You know the tomatoes are done when they have softened considerably and wrinkled slightly. (Image 2)

    cooked cherry tomato confit in oil with garlic and cooked herbs.

    Very carefully (using a fork or tongs) remove the cooked herbs and discard. Now, you're ready to eat! (Image 5)

    cherry tomato confit in a large baking dish and ready to eat.

    We love to serve with bread and whipped ricotta. Make sure to drizzle extra oil over top, and add fresh herbs!

    toasts with whipped ricotta and cherry tomato confit and fresh basil on top, with a large baking dish full of more tomato confit on the side.

    ✨Tips & tricks

    • Use a lot of oil. You want to make sure there is enough oil to coat and mostly cover the tomatoes. The oil can be put to great use after the fact as well. We use it as a salad dressing!
    • Be patient. This is a slow process. You just can't rush it, so don't try cranking up the temperature, or your tomatoes will just burn! The slow cooking process slowly breaks down the tomatoes and garlic and infuses the oil.
    • Use high quality ingredients. Since there are so few ingredients in this recipe, use the best ones you can find, especially when it comes to the olive oil and the tomatoes. It will make a lot of difference in the flavor.
    • Keep the flavor profile in mind. Any seasonings or herbs you like can be used here, but keep in mind what you plan to use the tomatoes for later, as whatever herbs you use will create a specific flavor profile. We like to go sort of "classic" or neutral with basil, thyme, and oregano. 

    Need supplies? Shop our Amazon store! Stock your pantry, and find all of our favorite kitchen tools! A Full Living LLC earns a small commission through purchases on our storefront to help support this site.

    💭Frequently Asked Questions

    How to store the leftovers?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 5-7 days. Make sure oil coats the garlic and tomatoes. The confit oil will solidify in the fridge, so take it out of the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using again.

    You can also freeze leftovers. Allow the confit to cool completely at room temperature, then place in freezer safe containers (we like using ice cube trays) and freeze solid. Store for up to 3 months and use as needed.

    Can I use frozen steak tips for this recipe?


    "Confit" is a French word term that means "to preserve". It's a traditional cooking method that involves slowly cooking an ingredient in a fat or sugar at a low temperature. (Source)

    You might have heard of "duck confit" which is where a duck leg is cooked very slowly in its own fat until it becomes extremely tender. The term has since been adopted to describe similar slow-cooking methods with other ingredients, including fruits and vegetables.

    With this cherry tomato confit recipe, the tomatoes are slowly cooked in olive oil, which allows them to become incredibly tender and infused with the flavors of the accompanying garlic and herbs. The oil acts as both a cooking medium and also helps preserve the tomatoes and intensify their flavors.

    Confit dishes, are known for their rich, deep, and concentrated flavors. It's a method that truly celebrates the ingredient it's prepared with, to enhance its natural characteristics. 

    What To Serve This With

    Not sure what to serve cherry tomato confit with? Here are a few suggestions!

    • Spoon it over this lemon garlic pasta, or any pasta of your choosing.
    • Add extra flavor to this chicken pesto pasta salad!
    • Eat with eggs, toast, or cottage cheese.
    • Spoon over the top of your favorite proteins, like this lemon herb chicken or this pesto butter salmon.
    • Add to a charcuterie board this Italian antipasto platter.
    • Slather it on top of sandwiches, like this spicy Italian grinder sandwich.
    • Make veggies more interesting by serving them with this Italian green bean salad, or this arugula spinach salad.
    • Serve with burrata on this burrata caprese, this burrata and prosciutto arugula salad, or this burrata salad with pesto vinaigrette.
    • Serve with crusty bread and whipped ricotta or marinated mozzarella balls.
    • & so, so much more. The options are endless!

    More Recipes To Consider

    • Italian antipasto platter
      Italian Antipasto Platter
    • burrata and prosciutto arugula salad with lemon, tomatoes, fried leeks, basil, and balsamic vinegar.
      Burrata and Prosciutto Arugula Salad
    • salmon bruschetta.
      Salmon Bruschetta Recipe
    • grinder sandwich
      Grinder Sandwich (Viral TikTok Spicy Italian Sub)

    Did you try this recipe? Make sure to leave a 5-star review below! 🌟 This helps other readers find our recipes and encourages them to try them. Also, be sure to leave a comment with your experience. Follow along, and tag @AFullLiving on Instagram with your photos!

    📖 Recipe

    cherry tomato confit.

    Cherry Tomato Confit

    Briana
    Ready for a simple summertime condiment that will make everything taste better? This cherry tomato confit recipe is next level delicious, and take just 5 minutes to prepare before roasting. Slowly roast tomatoes in the oven with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and a few seasonings. Use this yummy topping with any protein, in pastas, with eggs, on toast, salads, or anything you like.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 3 hours hrs
    Total Time 3 hours hrs 5 minutes mins
    Course Condiment
    Cuisine French
    Servings 16 servings
    Calories 196 kcal

    Equipment

    • large baking dish

    Ingredients
      

    • 24 ounces cherry tomatoes, washed
    • 2 heads garlic, peeled (About 24 cloves. You use as much or as little as you like!)
    • 1.5 cups olive oil (More or less depending on the size of the baking dish you are using).
    • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt 
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper 
    • 1 ounce fresh basil leaves
    • 10 sprigs fresh thyme 
    • 3 sprigs fresh oregano

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 250°F. Place tomatoes in your large baking dish. Nestle in the garlic, and herbs. Season generously with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil until comes about halfway up the sides of the tomatoes.
    • Bake for 2.5 - 3 hours, checking every 30-45 minutes to ensure nothing is burning. 
    • Remove from the oven to cool, and carefully discard the thyme, basil, and oregano using a fork or tongs.
    • Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 10 days, making sure there is enough oil to cover everything to ensure it stays fresh. Bring to room temperature before eating as the olive oil will solidify in the fridge. 
    • Serve with literally anything! We love it with some fresh basil, burrata, or mozzarella cheese, on eggs, salads, with proteins, you name it! 

    Notes

      • Use a lot of oil. You want to make sure there is enough oil to coat and mostly cover the tomatoes. The oil can be put to great use after the fact as well. We use it as a salad dressing!
      • Be patient. This is a slow process. You just can't rush it, so don't try cranking up the temperature, or your tomatoes will just burn! The slow cooking process slowly breaks down the tomatoes and garlic and infuses the oil.
      • Use high quality ingredients. Since there are so few ingredients in this recipe, use the best ones you can find, especially when it comes to the olive oil and the tomatoes. It will make a lot of difference in the flavor.
      • Keep the flavor profile in mind. Any seasonings or herbs you like can be used here, but keep in mind what you plan to use the tomatoes for later, as whatever herbs you use will create a specific flavor profile. We like to go sort of "classic" or neutral with basil, thyme, and oregano.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 196kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 224mgPotassium: 126mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 338IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below and tag @AFullLiving on social!

    « Green Bean Feta Salad
    Steak Salad Recipe »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Briana and Chamere in Norway Opera House

    Hi, We're A Full Living! Bringing wholesome recipes, treats, & drinks for all occasions!

    Everything here is made with love. We make all of our recipes as approachable as possible so that you can enjoy them as much as we do!

    More about us→

    Fall Recipes

    • pumpkin spice iced latte with baby's breath flowers, a cinnamon stick, and ceramic pumpkins surrounding it.
      Pumpkin Spice Iced Latte
    • dutch oven pot roast recipe
      Dutch Oven Pot Roast
    • delicious apple whiskey sour with a creamy egg white foamy topping, apple slices, and a cinnamon stick.
      Apple Whiskey Sour Recipe
    • Apple cinnamon oatmeal.
      Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe
    • pressure cooker beef bourguinon
      Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon Recipe
    • fresh applesauce in a mason jar, surrounded by apples, white flowers, and a nice wooden board.
      Sugar Free Applesauce (Unsweetened)

    More Fall Recipes

    Trending Recipes

    • cajun chicken alfredo.
      Cajun Chicken Alfredo
    • seafood boil with cajun garlic butter sauce.
      Cajun Seafood Boil Recipe
    • cowboy butter dipping sauce
      Cowboy Butter Dipping Sauce
    • air fryer short ribs
      Air Fryer Short Ribs
    • lavender gin cocktail lavender gin fizz
      Lavender Gin Cocktail (Gin Fizz)
    • bowl of figs spread topped with fresh figs
      Figs Spread (No Added Sugar)
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • About us
    • Accessibility

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Work With Us
    • Portfolio

    As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This website earns income from ads.

    Copyright © 2016 - 2023 A Full Living LLC

    Manage Cookie Consent
    To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
    Functional Always active
    The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
    Preferences
    The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
    Statistics
    The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
    Marketing
    The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
    Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
    View preferences
    {title} {title} {title}
    Manage Cookie Consent
    To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
    Functional Always active
    The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
    Preferences
    The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
    Statistics
    The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
    Marketing
    The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
    Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
    View preferences
    {title} {title} {title}