Quick & Flavorful Ina Garten’s Simple Roasted Tomatoes With Pesto Recipe

Summer’s bounty bursts with flavor in this simple Ina Garten tomatoes roasted with pesto that captures the essence of fresh garden produce.

Ripe, juicy tomatoes mingle with fragrant basil pesto, creating a mouthwatering side dish that sings with Mediterranean charm.

Herbs and olive oil work their magic, caramelizing the tomatoes into a rich, concentrated delicacy.

Each bite promises an explosion of sunny warmth and deep, robust flavors that dance across your palate.

The technique is wonderfully straightforward, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact.

Serve these roasted tomatoes alongside grilled meats, toss with pasta, or enjoy as a vibrant appetizer that will make everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Get ready to savor a simple yet spectacular dish that celebrates the pure joy of seasonal ingredients.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 17 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 276 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients List for Ina Garten Tomatoes Roasted With Pesto

• Tomatoes: Juicy, ripe tomatoes are the star of this dish, bringing vibrant color and sweet-tangy flavor; choose firm, deep-red varieties for best results.
• Olive Oil: Helps roast tomatoes evenly and adds rich, smooth undertones; select extra virgin for superior taste.

• Oregano: Provides an aromatic Mediterranean herb touch; use dried or fresh for bright, earthy notes.
• Salt: Enhances natural tomato sweetness; opt for sea salt or kosher salt for clean, pure seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth; freshly ground offers more intense flavor.

• Pesto: Delivers herbaceous, garlicky punch; homemade or high-quality store-bought works best.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes nutty, salty crunch; select authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for genuine flavor.

Equipment to Nail Ina Garten Tomatoes Roasted With Pesto

• Baking Tray: Large, flat sheet for roasting tomatoes evenly.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for coring and slicing tomatoes precisely.
• Spatula: Helps transfer roasted tomatoes to serving plate carefully.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate salt, pepper, and oregano measurements.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.

How to Roast Ina Garten Tomatoes With Pesto Flawlessly

Blazing Tomato Pesto Feast

• Oven Preparation Temperature awaits the tomato transformation, heating to a sizzling 220°C / 425°F, creating the perfect roasting environment.
• Tomato Sculpting careful slicing reveals rounds of vibrant red, arranged artfully across the baking surface, promising a delectable culinary canvas.
• Seasoning Symphony olive oil cascades over the tomato landscape, while oregano, salt, and pepper dance across each slice, awakening rich flavor profiles.
• First Roasting Wave tomatoes nestle into the hot oven, developing caramelized edges and releasing intense aromatic essences during their initial 10-minute journey.
• Pesto and Cheese Coronation emerges as green herbal pesto generously spreads across each tomato, crowned with a delicate sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, adding luxurious depth.
• Final Flavor Fusion returns the tray to the oven's embrace, allowing cheese to melt and golden edges to form, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet experience during 7-10 magical minutes.
• Serving Finale carefully transferred tomatoes arrive on the plate, a whisper of salt completing this sensational roasted masterpiece, ready to be savored at any temperature.

Upgrades for Ina Garten Tomatoes Roasted With Pesto

• Choose ripe, firm tomatoes like beefsteak, heirloom, or Roma varieties for the best flavor and texture.
• Swap traditional basil pesto with sun-dried tomato, roasted red pepper, or arugula pesto for unique taste profiles.
• Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta, sharp cheddar, or goat cheese to create different flavor dimensions.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped basil, thyme, or oregano after roasting to add bright, aromatic notes and enhance the dish's complexity.

Serving Ideas for Ina Garten Tomatoes Roasted With Pesto

• Pair Perfectly with Crusty Bread: Slice a rustic baguette or ciabatta to soak up the delicious pesto and roasted tomato juices, creating a mouthwatering appetizer or side dish.
• Create a Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Chop the roasted tomatoes and mix them into a bed of mixed greens, adding crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for a light and vibrant meal.
• Elevate Pasta Dishes: Chop the roasted tomatoes and toss them with warm pasta, adding a burst of flavor and turning a simple pasta into a gourmet experience with minimal effort.
• Serve as Elegant Bruschetta Topping: Carefully layer the roasted tomatoes on toasted garlic-rubbed bread slices, making an impressive appetizer for gatherings or a quick sophisticated snack.

Store Leftovers of Ina Garten Tomatoes Roasted With Pesto Easily

• Maximize Freshness and Flavor
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover roasted tomatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain texture and taste.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Slice tomatoes and arrange on the baking tray up to 4 hours before cooking. Cover and refrigerate to save time during meal preparation.
• Revive Leftovers Perfectly: Gently reheat tomatoes in a 160°C / 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their original crispy edges and melted cheese topping.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe wrap, storing them flat. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Rustic Tomatoes Roasted With Pesto Recipe

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• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s roasted tomatoes with pesto showcase summer’s garden-fresh ingredients in a simple Mediterranean-inspired side dish. Garden tomatoes mingle with herbaceous basil pesto, creating a perfect accompaniment you’ll want to serve alongside grilled meats or crusty bread.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 to 2.5 lbs (907 to 1134 g) large red tomatoes
• ½ cup (120 ml) pesto, store-bought or homemade
• ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) good olive oil
• 2 tsps (2 g) dried oregano
• Kosher salt
• ½ tsp (1 g) freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position oven rack in the middle and preheat to 220°C / 425°F to ensure optimal roasting conditions.
2. Tomato Preparation: Core and slice ripe tomatoes into uniform 1.25cm / ½-inch rounds, arranging them in a single, non-overlapping layer on a rimmed baking tray.
3. Initial Seasoning: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil across tomato surfaces, then sprinkle dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper evenly for comprehensive flavor distribution.
4. First Roasting Phase: Place tray in preheated oven and roast for 10 minutes, allowing tomatoes to soften and release natural juices, developing an intense flavor profile.
5. Pesto and Cheese Enhancement: Remove tray, spread a thin layer of basil pesto over each tomato slice, then generously top with finely grated Parmesan cheese to create a rich, aromatic covering.
6. Final Roasting: Return tray to oven and bake for an additional 7–10 minutes until cheese melts and turns a light golden color, creating a crisp, caramelized finish.
7. Serving: Remove from oven, let rest for 2-3 minutes, then transfer roasted tomatoes to a serving plate using a wide, flexible spatula. Optionally garnish with an extra pinch of salt and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Select Ripe Tomatoes: Choose firm, vibrant red tomatoes at peak ripeness for maximum flavor and best roasting results.
• Uniform Slicing Technique: Cut tomatoes precisely to 1/2-inch thickness to ensure even roasting and consistent texture.
• Oil Coverage Matters: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil sparingly, creating a light coating that enhances flavor without soaking the tomatoes.
• Cheese Melting Pro Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal melting and golden-brown color, avoiding pre-packaged cheese that might not melt smoothly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 276
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 440 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg