Print

Flavorful Oven-Roasted Tomato Sauce Recipe with Garlic and Fresh Herbs Easy and Homemade

oven-roasted tomato sauce - featured image

This oven-roasted tomato sauce with garlic and fresh herbs offers a rich, roasted sweetness and subtle smoky notes, making it a comforting and flavorful homemade sauce perfect for pasta and more.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) ripe Roma or plum tomatoes
  • 6 to 8 garlic cloves, peeled but left whole
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Wash and dry about 2 pounds (900g) of Roma or plum tomatoes. Cut larger tomatoes in half lengthwise; leave smaller cherry tomatoes whole if using.
  3. Peel the garlic cloves but leave them whole.
  4. Toss tomatoes and garlic in a mixing bowl with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Ensure everything is evenly coated.
  5. Spread the mixture on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer without overcrowding.
  6. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until tomatoes are soft, skins blistered and slightly charred, and garlic is tender.
  7. Remove from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes.
  8. Transfer roasted tomatoes and garlic to a blender or food processor. Add 2 tablespoons chopped basil, 1 tablespoon chopped thyme, and 1 tablespoon tomato paste if using.
  9. Pulse or blend until desired consistency is reached, smooth with some texture preferred.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as needed. If too thick, stir in a splash of water or olive oil.
  11. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure proper roasting instead of steaming. Use whole garlic cloves to mellow sharpness. Adding tomato paste is optional but helps if tomatoes are less sweet or you want a thicker sauce. Rotate baking sheet halfway if oven heats unevenly. Sauce thickens when cooled; gently reheat with a splash of water or broth to loosen. For a silky smooth sauce, strain through a fine mesh sieve.

Nutrition

Keywords: oven-roasted tomato sauce, homemade tomato sauce, garlic tomato sauce, fresh herbs sauce, easy tomato sauce, roasted tomato pasta sauce, vegan tomato sauce, gluten-free tomato sauce