Ultimate Cherry Tomato Confit with Garlic and Thyme: Your New Favorite Flavor Bomb

Discover an extraordinary method for transforming humble cherry tomatoes into a sublime culinary masterpiece with this incredible Cherry Tomato Confit with Garlic and Thyme. This slow-cooking technique gently coaxes out the inherent sweetness of cherry tomatoes, infusing them with the rich, aromatic essence of garlic and fresh thyme, all bathed in luscious olive oil. The result is a vibrant, deeply flavored condiment with an irresistibly jammy, silky texture that promises to elevate countless dishes. Imagine spreading this concentrated burst of sunshine on warm, crusty bread, tossing it through al dente pasta for an instant gourmet meal, or serving it as an exquisite, flavorful side to roasted meats and vegetables. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a gateway to unlocking intense flavor and a versatile staple you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again.

At its heart, “confit” is a traditional preservation method, originating from French cuisine, typically associated with meats like duck. However, this gentle cooking technique translates beautifully to vegetables, especially tomatoes. Tomato confit involves slowly cooking fresh tomatoes in a generous bath of oil—typically high-quality olive oil—at a low temperature. This extended, gentle heat allows the tomatoes to soften and release their sugars, becoming incredibly tender, intensely flavorful, and subtly caramelized without burning. Unlike simple roasting, where ingredients are exposed to higher, dry heat, confit submerges the ingredients in oil, which both cooks them evenly and creates an anaerobic environment that aids in preservation. This means your cherry tomato confit not only develops an exquisite taste and texture but also enjoys a significantly extended shelf life, lasting for weeks when properly stored in the refrigerator, completely covered by the aromatic oil. This preservation aspect is what truly sets it apart from dishes like slow-roasted beefsteak tomatoes, ensuring they retain their delightful shape and flavor for longer enjoyment.

One of the true joys of preparing this cherry tomato confit is the inclusion of a whole head of garlic. As the garlic cloves slowly confit alongside the tomatoes, they transform from pungent and sharp to incredibly sweet, creamy, and mild, becoming spreadable like butter. This method allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds: once the confit is ready, you can gently squeeze some of the softened, sweet garlic directly into the tomato mixture, enhancing its depth of flavor. The remaining roasted garlic cloves are a treasure in themselves, perfect for other culinary adventures. Consider incorporating them into savory spreads, mashing them into gravies, or using them as a base for recipes such as my renowned roasted garlic pesto sauce, adding an unparalleled richness that regular garlic simply can’t match.

The versatility of cherry tomato confit is truly remarkable, making it a valuable addition to your culinary repertoire. This glistening, flavorful preparation can elevate a vast array of dishes. Imagine it spooned generously over perfectly grilled meats, mingling with fluffy rice, or simply spread on a slice of golden, crispy toast. It’s a fantastic accompaniment to eggs, whether scrambled, fried, or folded into an omelet, adding a burst of gourmet flavor to your breakfast or brunch. But the confit itself is only half the magic; the infused olive oil, rendered intensely aromatic and rich with the essence of sweet tomatoes, savory garlic, and earthy thyme, is a star in its own right. Many consider this golden, flavorful oil alone worth the effort of making the confit! Don’t let a single drop go to waste. Drizzle it into vibrant salad dressings for an unexpected depth, use it to sauté vegetables, brush it onto bread before toasting, or simply serve it with a crusty baguette for dipping. It’s a secret weapon for adding an immediate “wow” factor to almost anything.

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Ingredient Notes: Crafting the Perfect Confit

While the process of making confit is simple, the quality of your ingredients will profoundly impact the final flavor. Here’s a closer look at the key components that bring this cherry tomato confit to life:

• Cherry Tomatoes: For many, summer isn’t truly complete without the vibrant burst of fresh cherry tomatoes. These small, intensely sweet, and delightfully juicy gems are the undisputed stars of this confit. Their natural high sugar content caramelizes beautifully during slow cooking, yielding that irresistible jammy texture. They are typically available in plastic pint containers or by weight at most grocery stores and farmers’ markets. If you can find them on the vine, even better, as this often indicates peak freshness and flavor. While cherry tomatoes are preferred, you can absolutely substitute grape tomatoes, which are slightly less sweet and firmer, or even use a delightful mix of both for varied textures. For a visually stunning confit, consider incorporating a mix of red and yellow cherry tomatoes to add beautiful color variations to your dish.
• Olive Oil: This recipe calls for a generous amount of olive oil, and while it might be tempting to reach for your most expensive, peppery extra-virgin olive oil, I recommend using a good quality, everyday extra-virgin olive oil. There’s no need to splurge on a “finishing” oil here because the oil will be thoroughly infused with the intense flavors of the garlic, thyme, and tomatoes during the long, slow cooking process. The goal is a rich, flavorful infusion, not a delicate, unadulterated olive oil flavor. The infused oil will become a highly prized ingredient itself, so ensure it’s still a brand you enjoy the taste of.
• Garlic: A whole head of garlic is truly the secret weapon here. As mentioned, the slow confit transforms each clove into a soft, sweet, and wonderfully buttery morsel. You can simply separate the cloves, peel them, and nestle them amongst the tomatoes. For an even more dramatic presentation and easier handling, consider roasting a whole head of garlic (see our Pro Tip below for details). If you’re short on time or prefer a milder garlic presence, a few individual peeled cloves will also work beautifully, though you’ll miss the spreadable richness of a whole roasted head.
• Thyme: Fresh thyme is unequivocally the best choice for this confit. Its delicate, earthy, and slightly peppery notes perfectly complement the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the garlic. The fresh sprigs release their essential oils more effectively during the slow cook, creating a deeply aromatic experience. While dried thyme can be used in a pinch, be aware that its flavor is far more concentrated, and it won’t offer the same fresh, vibrant aroma. If substituting, use about one-third the amount of dried thyme compared to fresh, and consider crushing it slightly to release its fragrance.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the tomatoes and garlic. I recommend using Kosher salt or a fine sea salt. Adjust to your personal preference, but remember that a little salt goes a long way in enhancing sweetness and savory notes.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Confit Masterpiece

Crafting this incredible cherry tomato confit is a straightforward process, largely hands-off, allowing the oven to do most of the work. Follow these simple steps for a truly rewarding culinary experience. For a quick visual guide, refer to the images below:

👩‍🍳Pro tip

Substitutions and Variations: Tailoring Your Confit

One of the beauties of cherry tomato confit is how adaptable it is. Feel free to experiment with these suggestions to customize the flavors to your liking:

• Tomatoes: While cherry tomatoes are celebrated for their exceptional sweetness and ideal size for this slow-roasting method, offering a delightful jammy consistency, don’t hesitate to explore alternatives. Grape tomatoes, with their slightly firmer texture and milder sweetness, make an excellent substitute, or you can use a combination of both. Even other small, ripe tomato varieties found on the vine can be confited successfully. For a more adventurous twist, consider using a mix of heirloom cherry tomatoes for a stunning rainbow of colors and nuanced flavors.
• Herbs: The classic pairing of fresh thyme with tomatoes is undeniably wonderful, imparting an earthy and subtly floral aroma. However, your herb garden—or local market—offers a bounty of other possibilities! Fresh oregano lends a more robust, Mediterranean flavor, while tarragon adds a delicate, anise-like note that beautifully complements tomatoes. For a more pungent, woodsy aroma, a few sprigs of fresh rosemary can be exquisite, though use sparingly as its flavor is quite strong. While fresh herbs are always recommended for their vibrant essential oils, if you must use dried herbs, choose those like dried thyme or oregano, as their flavors hold up better to prolonged cooking. Remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about one-third the quantity of fresh.
• Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the oil before roasting will infuse the confit with a gentle warmth.
• A Touch of Acidity: A splash of balsamic glaze or a drizzle of good quality balsamic vinegar added after cooking can provide a delightful tang that balances the richness of the oil and the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Creative Ways to Serve Your Exquisite Tomato Confit

The beauty of cherry tomato confit lies not only in its incredible flavor but also in its unparalleled versatility. Once you have a batch ready, you’ll find endless ways to incorporate this culinary gem into your meals, elevating everyday dishes to gourmet status.

• Elegant Side Dish: Serve it warm or at room temperature as a vibrant accompaniment to roasted or grilled meats, poultry, or fish. Its bright acidity and rich flavor cut through the richness of proteins beautifully.
• Pasta Perfection: Toss the confit, along with some of its infused oil, with your favorite pasta for a simple yet incredibly flavorful meal. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and perhaps some cooked shrimp or chicken for a complete dish.
• Rice & Grain Bowls: Stir it into plain rice, quinoa, or couscous to instantly add depth and moisture. It’s also fantastic as a topping for healthy grain bowls, bringing a burst of color and flavor.
• Breakfast & Brunch Hero: Transform your morning with a spoonful alongside eggs – scrambled, poached, or fried. It’s also a divine topping for avocado toast or a savory addition to a breakfast burrito.
• Gourmet Spreads & Toppings: This confit is a dream for sandwiches and open-faced toasts. Use it as a base for a gourmet sandwich spread, an irresistible focaccia topping, or a vibrant addition to bruschetta.
• Charcuterie Board Star: Elevate your next charcuterie or cheese board by adding a small bowl of tomato confit. It pairs wonderfully with creamy cheeses, cured meats, and olives. For an exquisite bite, spread it on crispy bread, crackers, or crostini. My personal favorite way to enjoy it is on a thick slice of warm, toasty sourdough, topped with a dollop of creamy lemony ricotta and a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt – a true taste sensation!
• The Liquid Gold: Don’t Waste the Oil! Seriously, the infused olive oil that cradles the confited tomatoes is pure liquid gold. It’s so aromatic and packed with savory, sweet, and herbal notes that it’s almost worth making the recipe just for the oil itself! Do not let a single drop go to waste. Use it as the base for incredibly flavorful salad dressings, drizzle it generously over roasted or steamed vegetables, or simply serve it in a small bowl with crusty bread for dipping. It adds an incomparable depth of flavor to anything it touches.

Storage & Preservation: Enjoying Your Confit for Weeks

One of the many benefits of making cherry tomato confit is its excellent shelf life, making it a fantastic make-ahead condiment. While it’s utterly delicious served warm straight from the oven, it’s also designed for preserving, allowing you to savor its flavors for an extended period.

• Refrigerated Storage: For optimal preservation, first ensure that your confit has cooled completely to room temperature. Transfer the confited tomatoes, along with all of their flavorful infused oil, into a clean, airtight glass container. It is absolutely crucial that the oil fully covers the tomatoes. This layer of oil acts as a barrier, protecting the tomatoes from air and significantly extending their freshness. Stored correctly in the refrigerator, your homemade cherry tomato confit will remain fresh and vibrant for 3-4 weeks.
• Serving from the Fridge: When you’re ready to enjoy your confit after refrigeration, you’ll notice that the olive oil will have solidified. This is a completely natural process due to the cold temperature. Simply remove the desired amount from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes, or gently warm it slightly. The oil will liquefy again, and the tomatoes will regain their soft, luscious texture.
• Freezing for Longer: For even longer storage, tomato confit freezes beautifully. Portion the confit (tomatoes and oil together) into freezer-safe containers or silicone ice cube trays for individual servings. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or gently warm from frozen for best results.

Proper storage is key to both food safety and maintaining the incredible quality of your confit. Always ensure the tomatoes are submerged in oil when refrigerated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Tomato Confit

Perfect Pairings: Elevate Your Meals with Tomato Confit

With its rich, sweet, and savory profile, cherry tomato confit is a culinary chameleon, ready to enhance almost any dish. Beyond the simple spreads and pasta tosses, here are some perfect pairings to inspire your next meal:

Did you make this recipe? I would love to hear about it! Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating with a comment right below the recipe card. If you snap a photo of your creation, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @brunchandbatter.

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