If you’re looking to elevate your tomato game, the Roasted Tomatoes with Garlic, Lemon Pepper, and Tarragon Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. This dish transforms simple, everyday tomatoes into a vibrant, flavorful side bursting with zesty lemon pepper tinged with aromatic tarragon and the warmth of garlic. The roasting process deepens the tomatoes’ natural sweetness while creating tender, succulent bites perfect for brightening any meal. Trust me, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with friends and revisit time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this flavorful Roasted Tomatoes with Garlic, Lemon Pepper, and Tarragon Recipe, you only need a handful of basic ingredients that come together beautifully to create a balanced and tantalizing dish. Each component plays its part in building the perfect flavor, texture, and color.
- 4-5 Tomatoes (on the vine variety recommended): Their juiciness and firm texture hold up nicely to roasting, intensifying the flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth that complements the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Lemon pepper: Provides a zesty citrus punch paired with the gentle heat of black pepper for an inviting brightness.
- Dried tarragon: This herb brings a delicate anise-like flavor that lifts the entire dish.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.
- Olive oil: Helps the tomatoes roast beautifully, adding richness while encouraging caramelization.
How to Make Roasted Tomatoes with Garlic, Lemon Pepper, and Tarragon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
Start by cutting your fresh tomatoes in halves and gently removing the cores. Removing the core prevents any bitterness and allows the seasoning to penetrate deeply, making each bite flavorful and juicy.
Step 2: Season Thoroughly
Evenly sprinkle the tomato halves with garlic powder, lemon pepper, dried tarragon, salt, and black pepper. This blend of spices and herbs is what turns simple roasted tomatoes into an unforgettable dish, ensuring a consistent flavor in every mouthful.
Step 3: Drizzle with Olive Oil
Lightly drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes. Don’t worry if some oil pools at the bottom—that extra helps the tomatoes caramelize in the oven and adds a luscious richness without overpowering their natural taste.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Place your tomatoes in a glass baking dish and roast them at 375F for 45 minutes. This slow roasting allows the tomatoes to soften perfectly while the edges take on a slight char, enhancing the sweet and savory notes.
How to Serve Roasted Tomatoes with Garlic, Lemon Pepper, and Tarragon Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Roasted Tomatoes with Garlic, Lemon Pepper, and Tarragon Recipe pop even more on the plate, consider topping them with fresh chopped basil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. A few roasted pine nuts or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a delightful texture and elevate the presentation.
Side Dishes
These roasted tomatoes pair beautifully with grilled chicken, crusty bread, or creamy polenta. They also work wonderfully atop a fresh salad or alongside a hearty pasta dish, adding a punch of flavor and color.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these tomatoes as a vibrant appetizer on crostini with a spread of ricotta or goat cheese. Alternatively, toss them into a roasted vegetable medley or use them as a warm topping for scrambled eggs or avocado toast to brighten up your breakfast or brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Roasted Tomatoes with Garlic, Lemon Pepper, and Tarragon Recipe, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days without losing their delicious flavors.
Freezing
While freezing roasted tomatoes is possible, it might slightly alter their texture. To freeze, spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a sealed bag. Use within 2 months for best taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a warm oven or on the stovetop over low heat to preserve their texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving at high heat as it can make the tomatoes watery and lose their roasted charm.
FAQs
Can I use other tomato varieties for the Roasted Tomatoes with Garlic, Lemon Pepper, and Tarragon Recipe?
Absolutely! While “on the vine” tomatoes are recommended for their sweetness and firmness, you can use Roma, cherry, or heirloom tomatoes. Just adjust roasting time if needed depending on their size and juiciness.
Is fresh tarragon better than dried for this recipe?
Dried tarragon works beautifully here because it concentrates the herb’s flavor, which holds up well to roasting. Fresh tarragon can be used, but add it towards the end of roasting or as a garnish to keep its brightness.
Can I roast these tomatoes at a different temperature?
Yes! You can roast at 350F for a bit longer or at 400F for less time, but 375F for 45 minutes strikes the perfect balance for tender, caramelized tomatoes without drying them out.
How can I make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Good news—it already is! This recipe uses naturally vegan and gluten-free ingredients, making it perfect for a wide range of dietary preferences without any adjustments.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika to tailor the flavor profile, but be mindful to keep the balance so the garlic, lemon pepper, and tarragon still shine through.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Roasted Tomatoes with Garlic, Lemon Pepper, and Tarragon Recipe is a true gem that takes only minutes to prep but delivers layers of irresistible flavor. Whether you’re bringing it to a family dinner or spicing up your weekday meals, it’s a dish that’s sure to have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy tomatoes!
Print
Roasted Tomatoes with Garlic, Lemon Pepper, and Tarragon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These roasted tomatoes are a simple and flavorful side dish perfect for enhancing any meal. Using the natural sweetness of vine-ripened tomatoes combined with aromatic seasonings like garlic powder, lemon pepper, and dried tarragon, then slow-roasting in olive oil brings out a rich, concentrated flavor and tender texture.
Ingredients
Tomatoes
- 4–5 vine-ripened tomatoes
Seasonings
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Lemon pepper, to taste
- Dried tarragon, to taste
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Other
- Olive oil, to drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into halves and carefully remove the cores to create a flat roasting surface and allow even cooking.
- Season Tomatoes: Lightly sprinkle garlic powder, lemon pepper, dried tarragon, salt, and black pepper evenly over the tomato halves to infuse them with aromatic flavor.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil lightly over the seasoned tomatoes. Some oil will run off, which is normal and helps prevent burning during roasting.
- Roast: Arrange the tomatoes cut side up in a glass baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes until the tomatoes are tender, slightly caramelized, and flavorful.
Notes
- Vine-ripened tomatoes have a sweeter flavor that works best for roasting.
- Adjust seasoning quantities according to personal preference.
- Using a glass baking dish helps promote even roasting and easy cleanup.
- These roasted tomatoes can be served warm as a side dish or cooled and used in salads or sandwiches.
