Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes & Creamy Goat Cheese Bruschetta — Perfect for a Relaxed Weekend
This easy yet elegant recipe combines slow-roasted cherry tomatoes with creamy goat cheese on toasted rustic bread. The tomatoes develop intense, concentrated flavors through gentle roasting, making the perfect topping for bruschetta that’s bursting with sweetness and aroma.
🍅 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rustic country bread slices | As needed |
| Fresh creamy goat cheese | Generous amount (approx. 50 g per 2 slices) |
| Garlic cloves | 1 or more, for rubbing bread |
| Olive oil | For drizzling and roasting |
Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cherry tomatoes | As much as fits in your baking tray |
| Coarse salt | To taste |
| Olive oil | 3–4 tablespoons (plus extra for finishing) |
Optional: Fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
🔪 Preparation Steps
Slow-Roasted Tomatoes
- Prepare tomatoes:
Cut cherry tomatoes in half, or leave small ones whole. Toss with coarse salt and just enough olive oil to coat evenly (3–4 tablespoons for a full tray). Spread in a single layer in a baking tray without overcrowding. - Roast low and slow:
Preheat oven to 120°C (250°F). Roast tomatoes for 2 hours. Lower oven temperature to 100°C (210°F) and roast for an additional hour. Tomatoes should be tender, slightly juicy, and intensely flavored. - Cool and marinate:
Let tomatoes cool in the tray. Drizzle generously with more olive oil (4–5 tablespoons) to cover well. Carefully transfer tomatoes with their juices and oil into a storage container. Optionally, add finely chopped fresh basil. Refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.
Bruschetta Assembly
- Toast bread:
Slice rustic bread and brush with olive oil. Toast on grill, in toaster, or oven until lightly golden and crisp. Let cool slightly. - Garlic rub:
Rub toasted bread with peeled garlic cloves for subtle aroma. - Add cheese and tomatoes:
Generously crumble fresh goat cheese over toasted bread (about 50 g per 2 slices). Top with a spoonful of slow-roasted tomatoes, spooning some of the oil and juices over the top. If basil wasn’t added before, sprinkle chopped basil now.
💡 Tips & Serving Suggestions
- Slow roasting intensifies sweetness and umami in tomatoes without drying them out.
- Use good quality goat cheese for creamy texture and delicate tang.
- Serve as a light appetizer, brunch item, or snack with a crisp white wine.
- Store extra roasted tomatoes refrigerated for up to a week.
🧾 Final Thoughts
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful, aromatic delight that’s perfect for lazy weekends. The slow-roasted tomatoes and creamy goat cheese atop crunchy bread create a beautiful balance of textures and tastes.