Metairie • New Orleans • Southeast Louisiana
What to Do With Summer Tomatoes: Easy Olive Oil Tomato Confit for Louisiana Kitchens
Turn peak-season tomatoes into a rich, versatile kitchen staple with premium olive oil, herbs, and a little patience.
Summer tomatoes in Louisiana deserve more than a quick slice for a sandwich. When gardens, farmers markets, and grocery stores are full of ripe tomatoes, a simple olive oil tomato confit is one of the best ways to make them last longer and taste even better.
Tomato confit sounds fancy. However, it is surprisingly easy. You slowly roast tomatoes in olive oil with garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper until they become soft, jammy, and deeply flavorful. Then, spoon them over grilled bread, shrimp, chicken, pasta, eggs, cream cheese, or a summer salad.
For cooks in Metairie, New Orleans, Kenner, Lakeview, Old Metairie, and across Southeast Louisiana, this recipe is especially useful during hot-weather entertaining. It can be prepared ahead, served at room temperature for a short time, and used in several meals throughout the week.
Quick Answer: What Is Tomato Confit?
Tomato confit is tomatoes cooked slowly in olive oil with seasonings until they are tender, concentrated, and spoonable. The finished tomatoes can be used as a topping, spread, sauce starter, or simple appetizer.
Why Olive Oil Makes Summer Tomatoes Taste Better
Tomatoes already have natural sweetness and acidity. Olive oil helps round out those bright flavors while carrying the taste of garlic, herbs, pepper, and sea salt into every bite. As the tomatoes cook slowly, they become richer without needing a heavy sauce.
For the best flavor, start with a fresh Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil. A mild or medium EVOO lets the tomatoes shine. On the other hand, a peppery oil can add extra character when you are serving the tomatoes with steak, grilled vegetables, or crusty bread.
Want a shortcut? A flavorful garlic, basil, Tuscan herb, or wild mushroom and sage infused olive oil can build flavor before you even add the first herb.
Easy Olive Oil Tomato Confit Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
- ¾ cup premium extra virgin olive oil
- 4 to 6 garlic cloves, peeled
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme, basil, oregano, or rosemary
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Optional: 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar for finishing
Directions
- Heat your oven to 300°F.
- Add tomatoes, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to a small baking dish.
- Pour in enough olive oil to coat the tomatoes generously. They do not need to be fully submerged.
- Roast for 60 to 75 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft, wrinkled, and beginning to burst.
- Let the dish cool slightly. Then, remove herb stems before serving.
- Finish with a few drops of balsamic vinegar, if desired.
DIY Tip:
Do not throw away the leftover olive oil. Once cooled, strain out any herb stems and use the tomato-infused oil for pasta, roasted vegetables, grilled bread, eggs, vinaigrettes, or a quick shrimp sauté.
Three Easy Ways to Serve Tomato Confit
1. Make a New Orleans-Style Tomato Toast
Toast French bread or sourdough. Next, spread on goat cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, or whipped feta. Add warm tomato confit, basil, and a pinch of finishing salt. This works for brunch, a light lunch, or a simple summer appetizer.
2. Spoon It Over Grilled Louisiana Seafood
Tomato confit is excellent with grilled shrimp, redfish, crab cakes, or salmon. For a brighter finish, add a light drizzle of white or rosé balsamic vinegar after plating.
3. Turn It Into a Five-Minute Pasta Sauce
Toss warm pasta with several spoonfuls of tomatoes and the flavored olive oil. Add parmesan, basil, a splash of pasta water, and grilled chicken or shrimp. As a result, dinner tastes slow-cooked without requiring a long night in the kitchen.
Olive Oil and Balsamic Pairings to Try
Classic Italian-Inspired
Use basil or garlic olive oil with traditional dark balsamic, fresh basil, and mozzarella.
Sweet Heat
Use chipotle olive oil with a dark balsamic and red pepper flakes for burgers, sausage, or grilled chicken.
Bright Seafood Pairing
Use lime olive oil with a white balsamic for shrimp, fish, avocado, and tomato toast.
Need help choosing a combination? Explore our olive oil and balsamic pairing guide for more ideas based on what you are cooking.
Summer Food Safety Tip for Louisiana Entertaining
Tomatoes in olive oil are delicious for outdoor gatherings. Still, any dish containing cheese, cooked seafood, or other perishable ingredients needs extra attention in Louisiana heat. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends refrigerating perishable foods within two hours, or within one hour when temperatures are above 90°F. Read the FDA’s outdoor food safety guidance before setting out your summer spread.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tomato Confit
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes. Cut Roma, Campari, or small heirloom tomatoes into large chunks. Cherry tomatoes are simply easier because they stay juicy and need less prep.
What olive oil is best for tomato confit?
A fresh extra virgin olive oil is the best choice. Mild and medium EVOOs work well for a classic result, while garlic, basil, or herb-infused oils make the recipe even easier.
How long does tomato confit last in the refrigerator?
Store cooled tomato confit in a covered container in the refrigerator and use it within several days. For the best quality and food safety, do not leave it out for extended periods during hot weather.
Can I freeze tomato confit?
Yes. Freeze cooled tomatoes in small portions for easy future meals. Thaw them in the refrigerator before using.
Where can I buy olive oil and balsamic vinegar in Metairie?
Visit Old Metairie Olive Oils & Vinegars at 103 Focis Street in Metairie, or browse the online shop for premium olive oils, balsamic vinegars, olives, sea salts, and gourmet pantry favorites.
Build Your Summer Tomato Pairing
Stop by Old Metairie Olive Oils & Vinegars for a taste before you buy. We can help you choose an olive oil and balsamic pairing for tomato season, seafood night, pasta, salads, and easy summer entertaining.
Shop Premium Olive Oil
Shop Balsamic Vinegar
Visit Our Metairie Store
More Olive Oil Inspiration
Keep exploring with our guides to storing olive oil in Louisiana heat, spotting high-quality olive oil, and finding the best olive oil recipes for your table.
