Authentic Cretan Roasted Tomatoes
With Basil and Goat's Cheese

Introduction to this Classic Authentic Cretan Roasted Tomatoes Recipe

Authentic Cretan Roasted Tomatoes with Basil and Goat's Cheese

This authentic Cretan roasted tomatoes recipe is part of a series of recipes from the Cretan Diet on the Greek Island of Crete. As with all the ingredients that make up recipes from the Cretan Diet, the roasted tomatoes recipe is very simple, tasty and nutritious.

All the ingredients for Cretan Diet recipes are locally sourced, entirely natural without artificial additives or preservatives. The traditional simple ways of combining ingredients, cooking and serving are the key to tasty food packed with goodness, flavour and taste.

This has to be the simplest yet roasted tomatoes dish ever. The key to its success however lies in the quality and freshness of the tomatoes. Look for the best - it will really make a difference to the taste.

This is such a simple but tasty light lunch dish or you could serve it at dinner with grilled meat with warm crusty bread or grilled fish and lemon potatoes for a more substantial meal. It gives a real taste of Crete and the Greek islands.

Ingredients for Authentic Cretan Roasted Tomatoes

8 -10 medium tomatoes
1 tsp. dried Greek basil
½ tsp dried Greek oregano
½ tsp dried marjoram
2 tablespoon of crumbled goat's cheese (you could use Feta cheese)
1 tablespoon of Cretan olive oil
2 tsp. quality Balsamic vinegar
Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper
2 cloves of garlic
Fresh parsley to garnish

Fresh tomatoes on a white plate with parsley, surrounded by small dishes of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, herbs, salt, and creamy cheese, prepared for a roasted tomato recipe.

Here's What To Do to Create Authentic Cretan Roasted Tomatoes

Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F - gas mark 6).
Wash tomatoes and cut into halves if small and quarters if large and place into a plastic bowl.
Peel and crush the garlic cloves and grind together with the basil, oregano, and marjoram and mix with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add this mix to the tomatoes to completely coat them. Add more olive oil if necessary.
Place tomatoes and oil mix in a roasting tin and place in the oven for 5-10 minutes until the tomatoes are starting to soften.
Remove from oven and allow to cool for around 10 minutes. Season the tomatoes to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with goat cheese and garnish with chopped parsley.

The Role of Tomatoes in the Cretan Diet

A close-up of bright red, juicy tomatoes with green stems, showcasing their fresh and vibrant appearance.

Few ingredients are as essential to the Cretan way of eating as the humble tomato. Bursting with sun-ripened flavour, tomatoes form the heart of many traditional dishes, from fresh salads to rich, slow-cooked stews. But their importance goes beyond taste—tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, including lycopene, which supports heart health and overall well-being.

From Vine to Table: A Staple of Cretan Cooking

The Mediterranean climate of Crete creates the perfect conditions for growing tomatoes—long, hot summers and nutrient-rich soil produce fruit that is intensely flavoured and naturally sweet. Cretans use tomatoes at every stage of ripeness, from firm and fresh in a classic Greek salad to slow-roasted and caramelised in dishes like Authentic Cretan Roasted Tomatoes.

Slow-roasting brings out the deep, rich sweetness of the tomatoes, concentrating their natural flavours and enhancing their umami depth. It’s a time-honoured method that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.

Why Tomatoes Are So Good for You

Cretans have long understood the health benefits of their local produce, and tomatoes are no exception. They are naturally high in:

Lycopene – A powerful antioxidant linked to heart health and reduced inflammation
Vitamin C – Boosts the immune system and promotes healthy skin
Potassium – Helps regulate blood pressure and supports muscle function

When paired with high-quality Cretan olive oil, these nutrients become even more bioavailable, ensuring every bite is as nourishing as it is delicious.

Expert Tip
For the best results, use ripe, locally sourced tomatoes when making Authentic Cretan Roasted Tomatoes. Look for fruit that is deep red, slightly soft to the touch, and rich in aroma—these will have the best natural sweetness and depth of flavour.

Pairing Roasted Tomatoes with Other Cretan Dishes

Cretan cuisine is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients brought to life with time-honoured techniques. Authentic Cretan Roasted Tomatoes are no exception—bursting with flavour and versatility, they complement a range of traditional dishes, adding depth, sweetness, and a rich umami quality that enhances every bite.

A Classic Mezze Essential

Roasted tomatoes are a staple in the traditional mezze spread, often served alongside tangy feta cheese, marinated olives, and warm, crusty bread. Their natural sweetness perfectly balances the briny, salty notes of Cretan dairy and olives, making them a favourite on the island’s shared platters.

Best Pairings:

Fresh mizithra cheese with roasted tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil
A simple bruschetta made with barley rusks, roasted tomatoes, and oregano
Roasted tomatoes served with a selection of Cretan cured meats

Enhancing Traditional Cretan Main Dishes

Roasted tomatoes add richness to many classic Cretan dishes, intensifying flavours and bringing a new dimension to slow-cooked meals.

Dakos with a twist – Swap out fresh tomatoes for roasted ones for a deeper, caramelised flavour.
Stifado (Cretan Beef Stew) – Stir in roasted tomatoes towards the end for a bolder, more intense sauce.
Vegetable Gemista (Stuffed Vegetables) – Mix roasted tomatoes into the stuffing for added depth and sweetness.

A Perfect Match for Seafood

The island’s coastal heritage means that seafood is a prominent part of Cretan cuisine. Roasted tomatoes bring warmth and richness to delicate fish and shellfish dishes.

Grilled sardines with roasted tomatoes and lemon zest
Octopus stew with a base of slow-roasted tomatoes
Baked sea bass served with roasted tomatoes and fresh thyme

Bringing Warmth to Salads

Cretan salads are known for their bold, rustic flavours, and adding roasted tomatoes can give them a delicious new dimension.

Horiatiki (Greek Salad) – Toss roasted tomatoes with cucumbers, olives, and feta for a more robust version of this classic.
Lentil and barley salad – Mix in roasted tomatoes for an earthy sweetness.
Grilled halloumi salad – Layer roasted tomatoes with warm halloumi and fresh greens for a hearty yet refreshing dish.

Final Thoughts

Whether served as part of a mezze, stirred into slow-cooked stews, or paired with fresh seafood, Authentic Cretan Roasted Tomatoes bring out the best in traditional island dishes. Their rich, caramelized flavour enhances everything from rustic salads to hearty mains, making them an essential ingredient in Cretan cuisine.

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