Easy Cherry Tomato Sauce
The best homemade cherry tomato sauce has robust flavors of sweet cherry tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, and onions to make the most flavorful sauce. Perfect for pasta dinners or a dipping sauce, you will just love this recipe.
This recipe actually came about because I was Marco polo-ing my friend and was trying to figure out what was for dinner and I saw the gigantic bag of frozen cherry tomatoes in my freezer and thought “hmmm I wonder if I could turn that into an easy tomato sauce?”
She then went on to explain how homemade tomato sauce made from orange cherry tomatoes was her favorite.
So onwards I went, sautéing some onions, garlic, and dumping in that multicolored bag of frozen garden tomatoes. It honestly turned into the best sauce I have ever eaten. It makes opening a jar of store-bought sauce a little… well sad.
I’ve made this many times since this conversation and my son (who is one of the pickiest eaters on the planet) absolutely loves it. Begs for it. That is saying something.
If you are like me and you plant way too many cherry and grape tomatoes, and you find yourself not having any idea of what to do with them, well I’m here to help. They tend to be one of those things that just grow uncontrollably producing a bumper crop of cherry tomatoes.
Why you will love this recipe
Delicious: This recipe is so incredibly delicious. If you have never had fresh tomato sauce made from ripe cherry tomatoes, you are in for a real treat.
Easy: This flavorful tomato sauce is super easy to make. Use fresh or frozen tomatoes.
Great way to preserve the harvest: If you have a large amount of cherry tomatoes and you need an easy way to preserve them or just enjoy them.
Tips:
- Look for ripe, vibrant tomatoes that are firm to the touch. The sweetest and most flavorful ones will yield the best results.
- To enhance the taste and aroma of your cherry tomato sauce, don’t shy away from experimenting with different herbs and spices. Basil, oregano, thyme, and garlic are classic options that work beautifully, but feel free to get creative and add your personal touch.
- If you do not want any tomato skins in your sauce, consider cooking the tomatoes first and running them through a food mill. I find that the immersion blender or a regular blender blend them up finely enough.
- Once your sweet cherry tomato sauce is ready, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, cooking is an art, and the final result should reflect your own preferences. If you prefer a richer sauce, consider adding a splash of red wine or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Play around with the ingredients until you achieve the perfect balance of flavors that suits your palate.
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Tools you may need:
Blender, food processor, or immersion blender: I absolutely love my immersion blender since you can blend up the sauce right in the pan.
Pot or large sauté pan
Knife
Cutting board
Large spoon or wooden spoon
Cherry Tomato Sauce Ingredients:
Cherry tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes or frozen will work. I love to wash, dry, and freeze my overabundance of cherry tomatoes. You can also use larger tomatoes.
Extra Virgin Olive oil: Or substitute with avocado oil or coconut oil.
Onion
Fresh garlic cloves: Fresh garlic adds a lot of rich flavor to the sauce, way more than garlic powder.
Herbs: Normally I just use Italian seasoning. It is easy and I always have it on hand. If you have fresh basil, add it in. You can mix it up and add oregano, thyme, parsley. Or if it’s winter and fresh herbs aren’t available, substitute with Italian seasonings.
Salt
Red pepper flakes (optional): If you want to make a spicy cherry tomato spaghetti sauce then add some red pepper flakes. Start with just a pinch and add more as desired.
Pinch of sugar: Depending on the acidity of the tomatoes, and your taste preference, adding sugar can help cut the acidity and bring out all the flavors.
How To Make Cherry Tomato Sauce:
Start by washing your cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water. Remove the stems and any blemished or unripe tomatoes. Don’t worry about removing the seeds or skins before cooking; they will break down during the simmering process and add depth to the sauce.
In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add some finely chopped onions, sautéing until they turn translucent.
Add in garlic and simmer for 30 seconds or so. Garlic burns easy so just be careful.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the garlic and onions. Stir them gently.
Sprinkle in some salt, and Italian seasonings.
Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
As the tomatoes break down and release their juices, the flavors will meld together, developing a rich and savory taste.
Using a blender or an immersion blender, process the sauce until the desired consistency is reached. Alternatively, for a rustic texture, simply crush some of the tomatoes with a potato masher or the back of a spoon.
Simmer until the desired consistency is reached.
Use as a pasta sauce, dipping sauce, for pizza, or whatever you desire.
Variations:
Kick up the heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to your sauce to taste. This will give it a subtle kick that adds depth and complexity.
Add different herbs: Consider stirring in some herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme. These aromatic herbs will not only enhance the flavor, but also bring a beautiful fragrance to your sauce. Alternatively, experiment with different herb combinations to find the perfect blend that complements your dish.
Cheesy sauce: If you’re a fan of cheesy goodness, why not melt in some grated Parmesan cheese or Romano cheese? The salty, nutty flavor of these cheeses pairs perfectly with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, creating a rich and indulgent sauce. Don’t be afraid to get creative with other cheese options too, like crumbled feta or creamy goat cheese.
Tangy twist: Incorporate a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice. These acidic elements will brighten the flavors of your sauce and add a zesty touch.
Use different tomatoes: Personally I find the best type of cherry tomato pasta sauce includes a variety of cherry tomatoes. While the classic red cherry tomatoes work beautifully in this sauce, you can also try using yellow or orange varieties for a vibrant pop of color and sweeter flavor. Additionally, heirloom cherry tomatoes offer unique flavors and textures that can take your sauce to new heights.
Storage:
Transfer the sauce into airtight containers and place them in the refrigerator. This is a great option if you plan on using the sauce within 5 days or so.
If you want to extend the shelf life of your cherry tomato sauce, freezing is the way to go. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags.
Be sure to leave enough space at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion as the sauce freezes.
Label each container with the date it was made and store it in the freezer for up to six months. Freezing your sauce not only ensures its longevity but also allows you to enjoy the taste of summer tomatoes during colder months.
What do you serve cherry tomato sauce with?
- Zucchini noodles
- Top pasta dishes
- Use as a dipping sauce with crusty bread.
- Pizza sauce
- Serve with a meatball sub
FAQ:
What can I do with an overabundance of cherry tomatoes?
Dehydrate them, turn them into sauce, freeze them for future recipe, add them to salad, pickle them, turn them into caprese salad, and more.
What does cherry tomato sauce taste like?
It’s a rich and delightful sauce with robust flavors of garlic, onions, sweetness and acidity from the tomatoes and beautiful notes of basil,
Can I use other types of tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are the star of this sauce, you can certainly experiment with other tomato varieties. Roma tomatoes, for example, are known for their robust flavor and meaty texture, making them a great choice for a thicker sauce. The key is to choose tomatoes that are ripe and flavorful, regardless of their size or shape.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making the sauce ahead of time can enhance its flavor as the ingredients have time to meld together. Once the sauce has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat the sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Can I freeze the cherry tomato sauce?
Definitely! Freezing the sauce is a great option if you have an abundance of tomatoes or if you simply want to have some sauce on hand for future meals.
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Don’t forget to leave some headspace to allow for expansion in the freezer (especially if using glass). When you’re ready to use the sauce, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it as desired.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the sauce?
Absolutely! The level of spiciness in the sauce is entirely up to you and your personal preference. If you enjoy a milder sauce, you can reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
On the other hand, if you like a spicy tomato sauce, feel free to increase the amount. Remember, it’s always easier to add more spice later on than to tame an overly spicy sauce. So start with a smaller amount and taste as you go, adjusting accordingly.
Can you can cherry tomato sauce?
This recipe has not been tested for safety. I would not recommend canning this recipe as the acidity hasn’t been tested so it may not be safe to water bath canner.
Find More Tomato Recipes:
- Easy Tomato Soup
- Quick Pickled Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- How To Freeze Tomatoes – Preserving Tomatoes Without Canning
- Tomato Pie
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Cherry Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tbs olive oil
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 small onion
- 1/2 tbs Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt or more
- 1/2 tsp sugar or more (optional)
Instructions
- Start by washing your cherry tomatoes (if not using frozen) thoroughly under cool running water. Remove the stems and any blemished or unripe tomatoes.
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add some finely chopped onions, sautéing until they turn translucent.
- Add in garlic and simmer for 30 seconds or so. Garlic burns easy so just be careful.
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the garlic and onions. Stir them gently.
- Sprinkle in some salt, and Italian seasonings.
- Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Using a blender or an immersion blender, process the sauce until the desired consistency is reached. Alternatively, for a rustic texture, simply crush some of the tomatoes with a potato masher or the back of a spoon.
- Simmer until the desired consistency is reached.
- Use as a pasta sauce, dipping sauce, for pizza, or whatever you desire.
Notes
- Look for ripe, vibrant tomatoes that are firm to the touch. The sweetest and most flavorful ones will yield the best results.
- To enhance the taste and aroma of your cherry tomato sauce, don’t shy away from experimenting with different herbs and spices. Basil, oregano, thyme, and garlic are classic options that work beautifully, but feel free to get creative and add your personal touch.
- If you do not want any tomato skins in your sauce, consider cooking the tomatoes first and running them through a food mill. I find that the immersion blender or a regular blender blend them up finely enough.