Looking for fresh tomato ideas? You’ll love this delicious roasted tomato sauce! It’s super easy to make (the oven does most of the work) and the fresh flavor is really great.
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This time of year, I try to use fresh tomatoes as much as possible. Because we know that the taste of delicious, vine-ripened tomatoes lasts a long time. This roasted tomato sauce is one of my favorite ways to use it.
I cut this recipe out of a magazine years ago and it quickly became a favorite. Unfortunately I lost that clipping on one of my moves, but I finally decided to recreate it…and it turned out even better than I remember .
You’ll love this Homemade Roasted Tomato Pasta Sauce! It’s slow-cooked and has great flavor that you’ll be craving. It’s really not easy to make. There’s no need to stand over a hot stove as the oven does most of the work.
This sauce can be used in many ways! You can toss it with pasta for a quick dinner, use it to make baked eggs, or puree it to make a sauce into a soup.
Want to try this recipe for yourself? Then keep scrolling to find out more.
![Sauce in a white baking dish next to a plaid napkin.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/roasted-tomato-sauce-7.jpeg)
material
Homemade tomato sauce is simple and has easy-to-find ingredients! Here’s what you need:
- tomato – Choose the freshest, most flavorful tomatoes possible for this recipe.i used heirloom tomatoesHowever, fresh tomatoes from the garden or farmers market are also great options. Canned Roma tomatoes or canned plum tomatoes will also work.
- onion – Red onions provide a great flavor base for sauces. Substitute yellow or white onions if desired.
- olives + capers – Use the following combinations: kalamata olive This recipe uses capers. Both add lots of flavor and great richness and are the perfect complement to fresh vegetables. nonpareil capers Packed in brine, it’s easy to find at most stores. However, if you can only find salty capers, wash them to remove the salt and soak them in water for 15 minutes before using them.
- herbs – This recipe uses fresh thyme, but you can add (or use in combination) other herbs if you have them on hand.
- garlic – Fresh garlic adds a rich, savory flavor to your pasta sauce.
- Olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil adds richness to fresh sauces. Use to roast tomatoes and other sauce ingredients.
- salt + pepper – Recommended to use kosher salt Freshly ground pepper provides the best flavor.
This oven-roasted tomato sauce is naturally vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free. That means everyone you invite to your table can enjoy it.
I need this too
To prepare the vegetables you will need a sharp knife and an 8 x 8 inch square pot (I used this beautiful pot ). Emile Henry Square Baker) Bake the sauce and puree the sauce in a food processor or blender.
![Ingredients for roasted tomato sauce arranged on a marble counter.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/roasted-tomato-sauce-ingredients.jpg)
![Ingredients for roasted tomato sauce arranged on a marble counter.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/roasted-tomato-sauce-ingredients.jpg)
![Ingredients for roasted tomato sauce arranged on a marble counter.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/roasted-tomato-sauce-ingredients.jpg)
![Ingredients for roasted tomato sauce arranged on a marble counter.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/roasted-tomato-sauce-ingredients.jpg)
How to make roasted tomato sauce
This delicious grilled sauce is one of those classic recipes you’ll want to have in your pocket. A detailed recipe card is below, but here’s a quick overview of the steps:
- Combine sauce ingredients. First, combine onions, garlic, olives, capers, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a baking pan. Add a few sprigs of thyme on top of this mixture.
- Add tomatoes. Next, core the tomato and cut a shallow “X” in each end. Slice the tomatoes in half and place them (cut side down) on top of the onion mixture. Pour more olive oil over the tomatoes. Tip: Roasting tomatoes will cause the skins to fall off quickly. There is no need to peel it beforehand.
- Fry the sauce. Transfer the baking dish to the oven and roast the sauce ingredients until the tomato skins begin to wilt and brown and the onions soften. The journey takes approximately 35-40 minutes. Tip: For a more concentrated flavor, roast the sauce a little longer (until the onions start to brown).
- Mix the sauce. Remove the pan from the oven and carefully remove the skins from the tomatoes (they will peel off easily).use tongs, as needed. Place the tomatoes in a blender or food processor. Discard the thyme sprigs and scrape the remaining ingredients into a blender/food processor as well. Pulse the sauce a few times, just enough to make a thick sauce. To finish the sauce, stir in the fresh thyme leaves and season with salt and pepper. Tip: If you prefer a smoother texture, feel free to blend the sauce until completely smooth.
That’s all for this fresh roasted tomato sauce recipe. It’s very simple, but once you try it, no one will realize how easy it is to make.
![A collage of photos showing step by step how to make roasted tomato sauce.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/how-to-make-roasted-tomato-sauce.jpg)
![A collage of photos showing step by step how to make roasted tomato sauce.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/how-to-make-roasted-tomato-sauce.jpg)
![A collage of photos showing step by step how to make roasted tomato sauce.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/how-to-make-roasted-tomato-sauce.jpg)
![A collage of photos showing step by step how to make roasted tomato sauce.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/how-to-make-roasted-tomato-sauce.jpg)
variation
This Roasted Tomato Garlic Sauce is delicious on its own, but it’s also easy to customize. Here are some ideas for you to try.
- vegetables – Easily add vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, artichokes, red peppers, and mushrooms to your sauce. If you don’t mind breaking it up in a blender or food processor, roast it with the tomatoes (use a large baking dish). If you want to keep the vegetables whole, sear them in a separate pan (add extra olive oil, salt, and pepper). You can also add chopped spinach (or sautéed vegetables) after mixing the sauce.
- herbs – In addition to (or instead of) thyme, try adding other fresh herbs, such as basil, rosemary, oregano, flat leaf parsley, and chives. You can also add hardy herbs such as rosemary to the vegetables before roasting the sauce. However, softer herbs should be mixed after blending.
- hard – If you prefer a spicy sauce, mix in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a little more. Crushed Calabrian pepperon vegetables before baking.
- olives + capers – Kalamata works well here, but other gourmet olives ( castelvetrano olive) can also be used. Please add as necessary. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave out the olives and capers, but keep in mind that they add a lot of flavor. My husband (who hates capers and doesn’t really like olives) loves this pasta!
- No mixer/food processor – If you don’t have a blender or food processor, you can mash the sauce with a fork instead. Take your time to avoid burning yourself, and keep in mind that the texture of the sauce will be thicker.
![Stir the finished sauce in a white bowl with a spoon.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/oven-roasted-tomato-sauce-1.jpeg)
![Stir the finished sauce in a white bowl with a spoon.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/oven-roasted-tomato-sauce-1.jpeg)
![Stir the finished sauce in a white bowl with a spoon.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/oven-roasted-tomato-sauce-1.jpeg)
![Stir the finished sauce in a white bowl with a spoon.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/oven-roasted-tomato-sauce-1.jpeg)
Usage
This is a versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of ways! I’ll try some below.
- pasta sauce – Of course, it’s also delicious with pasta…it makes a great spaghetti sauce. I used it to make roasted tomato pasta! It can also be used for baked pasta and lasagna.
- fried egg – This delicious recipe makes a flavorful sauce for baked eggs. Once the sauce is mixed, return it to the baking sheet and make 6 wells in the sauce. Add the egg to the well and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Fry the eggs until the whites are set (or until cooked to your liking).
- soup ・This sauce can easily be turned into soup! The blended sauce already has a soup-like texture, so you can either gulp it down or blend it until it becomes simmering. Add a creamy splash if desired.
- dipping sauce – Also great as a dipping sauce for garlic bread, halloumi fries, calzones, grilled cheese, crostini toast, etc.
- pizza – You can also use this recipe as a fresh pizza sauce (purée until almost smooth). Try it with broccoli pizza or summer vegetable pizza.
storage
Store leftover roasted tomato pasta sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stays fresh for up to 4 days.
![In a large pot, toss the sauce and pasta with tongs.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/roasted-tomato-pasta-sauce-1.jpeg)
![In a large pot, toss the sauce and pasta with tongs.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/roasted-tomato-pasta-sauce-1.jpeg)
![In a large pot, toss the sauce and pasta with tongs.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/roasted-tomato-pasta-sauce-1.jpeg)
![In a large pot, toss the sauce and pasta with tongs.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/roasted-tomato-pasta-sauce-1.jpeg)
Related recipes
Looking for more fresh tomato recipes? Next time try one of these delicious dishes.
![An enlarged photo of the finished spaghetti sauce.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/roasted-tomato-spaghetti-sauce-1.jpeg)
![An enlarged photo of the finished spaghetti sauce.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/roasted-tomato-spaghetti-sauce-1.jpeg)
![An enlarged photo of the finished spaghetti sauce.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/roasted-tomato-spaghetti-sauce-1.jpeg)
![An enlarged photo of the finished spaghetti sauce.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/roasted-tomato-spaghetti-sauce-1.jpeg)
FAQ
Roasting tomatoes reduces the moisture in them and concentrates their flavor. It becomes sweeter and also has a softer texture.
There is no need to peel tomatoes before roasting. Just cut a shallow “X” shape at the top and bottom. Once the tomatoes are roasted (the skin will be wrinkly and brown in spots), you should be able to peel them easily.
Some recipes call for sowing tomatoes when making the sauce, but it’s not 100% necessary, and there’s no need to sow before making this roasted tomato sauce. The seeds are almost invisible when mixed with the sauce.
![A bowl of pasta sauce next to a wooden spoon and a plaid napkin.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/baked-tomato-pasta-sauce-3.jpeg)
![A bowl of pasta sauce next to a wooden spoon and a plaid napkin.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/baked-tomato-pasta-sauce-3.jpeg)
![A bowl of pasta sauce next to a wooden spoon and a plaid napkin.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/baked-tomato-pasta-sauce-3.jpeg)
![A bowl of pasta sauce next to a wooden spoon and a plaid napkin.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/baked-tomato-pasta-sauce-3.jpeg)
![A bowl of roasted tomato sauce next to a plaid napkin.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/roasted-tomato-sauce-1-150x150.jpg)
![A bowl of roasted tomato sauce next to a plaid napkin.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/roasted-tomato-sauce-1-150x150.jpg)
![A bowl of roasted tomato sauce next to a plaid napkin.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/roasted-tomato-sauce-1-150x150.jpg)
![A bowl of roasted tomato sauce next to a plaid napkin.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/roasted-tomato-sauce-1-150x150.jpg)
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roasted tomato sauce
This oven roast sauce is bursting with fresh flavor and is super easy to make.
Portion: 6 for one person
calorie: 68kcal
material
- 1 Moderate red onion, diced
- ⅓ cup Kalamata olives cut in half
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 big cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, Divided
- 1/2 tea spoon kosher salt
- pepper
- 4-5 twig fresh thyme, Add 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 big tomato (approximately 1 1/2 pounds/680 grams)
Device
8 x 8 inch baking dish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Combine onions, olives, capers, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper in an 8-by-8-inch baking dish.
Stir in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add the thyme sprigs on top of the onion mixture.
Core the tomato and lightly mark an “X” on each end. Cut in half and place cut side down on top of the thyme sprigs. Pour remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over tomatoes;
Bake until tomato skins are pliable and onions are soft (about 35-40 minutes).
Peel and discard the skin from the tomatoes and transfer the tomatoes to a blender (or food processor). Remove the thyme sprigs and add the onion mixture to the blender as well.
Pulse the sauce several times or until chunky. Stir in 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves and season with salt and pepper.
You can mix the sauce with pasta or use it as a dipping sauce. enjoy!
Note
For the most delicious sauce, choose the freshest, most flavorful tomatoes. I used heirloom tomatoes, but you can also use fresh tomatoes from your garden or farmers market. If you’re in a pinch, you can also use Roma or plum tomatoes.
The texture of this sauce is easy to customize. Just pulse a few times to make a thick sauce. To make the sauce more homogeneous, mix until smooth.
Don’t forget to check out this recipe card for helpful tips, variations, presentation suggestions, and more!
nutrition
calorie: 68kcal
![Wooden spoon stirring roasted tomato sauce recipe.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/roasted-tomato-sauce-recipe-27.jpeg)
![Wooden spoon stirring roasted tomato sauce recipe.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/roasted-tomato-sauce-recipe-27.jpeg)
![Wooden spoon stirring roasted tomato sauce recipe.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/roasted-tomato-sauce-recipe-27.jpeg)
![Wooden spoon stirring roasted tomato sauce recipe.](https://hellolittlehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/roasted-tomato-sauce-recipe-27.jpeg)