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Call it an appetizer or make it a meal, this Italian grazing board with roasted tomatoes is food for the soul.
Sometimes food just tastes better heaped in eye-catching mounds like in this Italian grazing board with roasted tomatoes.
The homemade roasted tomatoes are the star of the show here. Topped with tons of garlic and thyme, drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, they roast and caramelize into sweet, jammy bursts of flavor.
And don’t let me catch you tossing out that lovely tomato oil that’s left in the pan after they’re roasted. Serve it with the tomatoes in a bowl, drizzle it on cheese topped crostini, or whisk it into a tomato forward salad dressing.
Now about this board….less is definitely not more here. Think lots of flavors, colors, and textures. I go crazy in this grazing board with hard and soft cheeses, marinated olives, artichokes, beans and peppers, prosciutto, salami, and ALL the carby breads and crackers and crisps.
There is something for everyone on this Italian grazing board (especially those homemade roasted tomatoes) and although I’m calling it an app, it has become dinner on more than one occasion. Mangia!
Let’s make roasted tomatoes!
- Halve cherry tomatoes and chop the garlic.
- Arrange the tomato halves, cut side up, on a parchment lined sheet and top with remaining ingredients.
- Roast at 400 degrees F for about 30 mins until soft and jammy.
- Serve in a bowl warm or at room temperature with the tomato oil for drizzling.
Tips for success
- Roasted tomatoes will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Don’t think you should only serve this on a platter. A large, rustic wood cutting board is a casual and eye-catching way to present your menu items.
- The ingredients for this grazing board are simply suggestions (and ones I love). Have fun and make it your own by adding your favorite items.
- This platter is made to be served casual family style and can be left at room temperature for an hour or two (if it lasts that long!).
Grazing Board Styling Tips
- Start with your stars (roasted tomatoes) and bigger items and build around them.
- Choose a theme (Italian) or color profile (colors like green, white, and red).
- Use different shapes and sizes. Cut up some cheeses while leaving some in whole rounds or wedges. Fold or roll meats, slice up veggies, and serve little tomatoes right on the vine.
- Springs of basil are great at filling in empty spaces, adding color, and are delicious paired with the roasted tomatoes, crostini, and mozzarella.
- Use little bowls or pieces of parchment for wet or greasy items.
- Think out of the box by adding crunchy parmesan crisps, marinated beans, fresh herbs, and loads of sweet and spicy peppers to complement the main ingredients.
More shareable appetizers to love
- Mediterranean Mezze Platter
- Grilled Onion and Swiss Flatbread
- Pigs in a Blanket (with a TWIST!)
- Tomato “Shortcake” with Whipped Ricotta
- Buffalo Cauliflower Bites with Blue Cheese Dip
Call it an appetizer or make it a meal, this Italian grazing board with roasted tomatoes is food for the soul.
- 2 cups mozzarella or bocconcini
- 1 cup parmesan chunks
- 1 cup marinated artichokes
- 1 cup mixed, marinated olives
- 1 cup marinated beans (white or fava)
- 2 cups hot or cherry peppers
- 1 cup pepperoncini
- 1/4 lb prosciutto
- 1/2 lb salami
- 1 cup parmesan crisps
- 1/2 loaf rustic Italian bread, fresh or toasted
- 2 cups taralli or crackers
- 1 bunch fresh basil
- 1/2 cup fig jam
- roasted tomatoes (recipe follows)
- 1 lb cherry tomatoes, halved
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
- 10 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a sheet tray with parchment or nonstick foil.
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Place the tomatoes on the sheet tray, cut side up and top with chopped garlic, being sure that each tomatoe halve is topped with some garlic.
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Scatter the thyme sprigs over the tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, and sprinkle with sugar, salt and pepper.
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Roast at 400 for 25-30 mins until softened and lightly caramelized. Serve warm or at room temperature with the tomato oil.
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Arrange all the ingredients on a large board or platter, being sure to mix up colors and flavors. Use small bowls, parchment paper, mini spoons and knives as needed.
- Roasted tomatoes will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Don’t think you should only serve this on a platter. A large, rustic wood cutting board is a casual and eye-catching way to present your menu items.
- The ingredients for this grazing board are simply suggestions (and ones I love). Have fun and make it your own by adding your favorite items.
- This platter is made to be served casual family style and can be left at room temperature for an hour or two (if it lasts that long!).
Grazing Board Styling Tips
- Start with your stars (roasted tomatoes) and bigger items and build around them.
- Choose a theme (Italian) or color profile (colors like green, white, and red).
- Use different shapes and sizes. Cut up some cheeses while leaving some in whole rounds or wedges. Fold or roll meats, slice up veggies, and serve little tomatoes right on the vine.
- Springs of basil are great at filling in empty spaces, adding color, and are delicious paired with the roasted tomatoes, crostini, and mozzarella.
- Use little bowls or pieces of parchment for wet or greasy items.
- Think out of the box by adding crunchy parmesan crisps, marinated beans, fresh herbs, and loads of sweet and spicy peppers to complement the main ingredients.
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