Cherry Tomato Poppers
Sweet and savory cherry tomato poppers with garlic and herbs, perfect as a warm appetizer or snack for gatherings and casual meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut cherry tomatoes in half and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix minced garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, and olive oil in the bowl.
- Gently toss the tomato halves to coat them with the herb mixture.
- Arrange the coated tomato halves cut side up on a cookie baking sheet.
- Bake in a low-temperature oven at 175° to 195°F for 2 to 4 hours.
- Check every 30 minutes after the first 1.5 hours to achieve desired dryness.
- Serve warm on toast points, crackers, or crispy French bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mixture. If you're short on time, use pre-minced garlic or dried garlic powder instead of fresh. You can also experiment with other herbs like basil or thyme, which pair well with cherry tomatoes. If you prefer a quicker method, try roasting the tomatoes at a higher temperature for a shorter time.
Serving Suggestions
These cherry tomato poppers are delicious served warm on toast points or alongside crispy French bread. They also make a great appetizer for gatherings. Consider pairing them with a light salad, such as a Three Grain Salad, for a refreshing meal. They can be a delightful addition to Mediterranean recipes or served as part of a charcuterie board.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place the tomato poppers on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. They can also be enjoyed cold as a snack or salad topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Tomato Poppers contains roughly 443 calories, with 12g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (131% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 725mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of tomatoes for this recipe?
While cherry tomatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their sweetness and size, you can use grape tomatoes or even small Roma tomatoes as alternatives. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, as different tomatoes may have varying moisture content.
How do I know when the tomatoes are dried enough?
The tomatoes should feel slightly leathery to the touch but not completely dried out. Start checking for doneness after the first 1.5 hours of baking. The desired dryness can vary based on personal preference, so feel free to adjust the time as needed.
Can I freeze the cherry tomato poppers?
Yes, you can freeze the cherry tomato poppers! Allow them to cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or enjoy them cold.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).