If you’ve found yourself with an overabundance of cherry tomatoes, don’t fret. These tiny, flavorful gems are versatile and can be used in a variety of delicious dishes and preservation methods. Whether you grew them in your garden or bought too many at the farmers’ market, there are plenty of creative ways to make the most of your surplus. Here are some ideas on what to do with an overabundance of cherry tomatoes.
1. Make Cherry Tomato Sauce
One of the most popular ways to use up a large number of cherry tomatoes is by turning them into a delicious homemade tomato sauce. Cherry tomatoes are naturally sweet, making them perfect for creating a rich and flavorful sauce. You can cook them down with olive oil, garlic, onions, and fresh herbs like basil or oregano to create a simple yet tasty sauce.
How to Make Cherry Tomato Sauce:
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Sauté garlic and onions in olive oil until fragrant.
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Add chopped cherry tomatoes and cook them until they break down and release their juices.
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Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
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Simmer until thickened, and blend if you prefer a smoother texture.
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Use it as a base for pasta dishes, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
2. Roast Cherry Tomatoes
Roasting cherry tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness and creates a tender, caramelized texture. Roasted cherry tomatoes are a fantastic addition to salads, pastas, and sandwiches. They can also be enjoyed as a snack on their own.
How to Roast Cherry Tomatoes:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and place them on a baking sheet.
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Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs (such as thyme or rosemary).
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Roast for 20-30 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly charred.
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Let them cool and use them as a topping for your favorite dishes.
3. Freeze for Later Use
If you can’t use all your cherry tomatoes right away, freezing them is a great way to preserve their freshness for later. Frozen cherry tomatoes can be used in sauces, soups, or stews throughout the year.
How to Freeze Cherry Tomatoes:
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Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and remove any stems.
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Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for 2-3 hours, or until firm.
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Transfer the frozen tomatoes to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer.
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When you’re ready to use them, simply thaw them out or toss them directly into a cooking pot.
4. Make Cherry Tomato Jam
If you’re in the mood for something sweet and savory, making cherry tomato jam is a unique and delicious option. The natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes makes them perfect for creating a jam-like consistency when combined with sugar and pectin. This jam can be used as a topping for toast, grilled meats, or even cheese boards.
How to Make Cherry Tomato Jam:
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Heat the cherry tomatoes in a pot with sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
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Simmer the mixture until it thickens to a jam-like consistency.
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Pour the jam into sterilized jars and let it cool.
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Store in the fridge and enjoy it with your favorite dishes.
5. Add Them to Salads
Cherry tomatoes are a classic salad ingredient. Their sweet and juicy flavor pairs perfectly with a variety of greens, cheeses, and dressings. You can add them whole, sliced, or halved to any salad for a burst of color and flavor.
Salad Ideas with Cherry Tomatoes:
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Caprese Salad: Combine halved cherry tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic vinegar for a refreshing salad.
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Greek Salad: Add cherry tomatoes to a Greek salad with cucumbers, Kalamata olives, red onion, and feta cheese.
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Mixed Green Salad: Toss cherry tomatoes into a mixed green salad with your choice of dressing for a quick and healthy meal.
6. Make Cherry Tomato Salsa
If you enjoy a good salsa, why not make a cherry tomato salsa? This refreshing salsa is perfect for dipping tortilla chips, as a topping for tacos, or as a garnish for grilled meats.
How to Make Cherry Tomato Salsa:
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Dice the cherry tomatoes and combine them with finely chopped onions, cilantro, and jalapeà±o.
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Add lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
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Let the salsa sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Serve with chips or use it as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
7. Pickle Cherry Tomatoes
Pickling cherry tomatoes is a great way to enjoy them in a different form. The tangy brine will give them a zesty kick, making them a perfect accompaniment to sandwiches, burgers, or charcuterie boards.
How to Pickle Cherry Tomatoes:
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Prepare a brine using vinegar, water, salt, sugar, garlic, and herbs like dill or mustard seeds.
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Place whole cherry tomatoes in sterilized jars and pour the brine over them.
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Seal the jars and let them sit in the refrigerator for 3-4 days before enjoying.
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You can also can the jars if you’d like to store them for longer periods.
8. Make Cherry Tomato Soup
Cherry tomatoes can be turned into a flavorful and comforting tomato soup. The sweetness of the cherry tomatoes makes for a rich, velvety soup that’s perfect for cold days or as a starter for a meal.
How to Make Cherry Tomato Soup:
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Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until softened.
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Add cherry tomatoes, vegetable broth, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and basil.
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Simmer for 20-30 minutes, then blend the soup until smooth.
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Serve with a dollop of cream or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor.
9. Create Cherry Tomato Bruschetta
Bruschetta is an Italian appetizer that consists of toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes and herbs. Using cherry tomatoes in your bruschetta adds a burst of flavor and sweetness to this classic dish.
How to Make Cherry Tomato Bruschetta:
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Dice cherry tomatoes and mix them with garlic, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
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Spoon the mixture onto toasted baguette slices.
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Serve immediately as a delicious appetizer or snack.
10. Dry Cherry Tomatoes
Drying cherry tomatoes concentrates their flavor and makes them perfect for long-term storage. You can dry cherry tomatoes using a dehydrator, your oven, or even the sun. Dried cherry tomatoes can be added to pasta dishes, salads, or used in homemade pesto.
How to Dry Cherry Tomatoes:
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Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and place them on a baking sheet or dehydrator tray.
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Dry them at a low temperature (around 135°F or 57°C) for several hours until they are fully dried and shriveled.
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Store the dried tomatoes in an airtight container and use them as needed.
There are countless ways to use up an overabundance of cherry tomatoes, from savory dishes like sauces and salsas to creative options like jams and pickles. These small but flavorful tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into many meals. Whether you choose to preserve them for later use or enjoy them fresh, these ideas will help you make the most of your cherry tomato bounty.