Imagine biting into a tomato that tastes like it soaked up all the summer sunshine—sweet, rich, and full of flavor. Today, we’re exploring how to make homemade sun-dried tomatoes, a simple yet powerful ingredient that can transform everyday meals. Sun-dried tomatoes are perfect for pasta, salads, sandwiches, and even roasted dishes.

By slowly drying the tomatoes, we concentrate their natural sugars and deepen their savory notes. Traditional sun-drying in Italy took days under the hot sun, but we can easily replicate that rich flavor using an oven. Not only is this faster, but it also allows us to enjoy sun-kissed tomatoes year-round.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what we’ll need for about 48 sun-dried tomatoes:

- 2 pounds (about 900 g) small tomatoes, such as Campari or cherry tomatoes

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt

- Optional: a few sprigs of fresh thyme or thinly sliced garlic for extra aroma

These ingredients are simple, yet they combine to create a deep, sweet, and savory flavor that will enhance any dish.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Trays

1. Preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C).

2. Place two racks in the oven to divide the space into thirds. This ensures even air circulation for all the tomatoes.

3. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help them dry evenly.

This setup is crucial because the tomatoes need gentle, consistent heat for hours to concentrate their flavor without burning.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes

1. Wash the tomatoes and remove any stems.

2. Cut each tomato in half horizontally, exposing the juicy interior.

3. Place the tomato halves in a large mixing bowl.

4. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over them.

5. Sprinkle 1 ½ teaspoons of kosher salt evenly over the tomatoes.

6. Optional: Add thyme or thinly sliced garlic for extra aroma.

7. Gently toss to coat each tomato evenly with oil and salt.

The olive oil helps the tomatoes retain a soft texture during drying and adds richness, while salt enhances their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Arrange Tomatoes on Baking Sheets

1. Using your hands or a slotted spoon, carefully place the tomato halves on the prepared baking sheets, cut side up.

2. Make sure each tomato has space around it for air circulation. Crowding will slow down the drying process.

Even spacing is key to achieving a uniform texture. Partially dried tomatoes will be slightly soft in the center, while fully dried ones should be completely shriveled.

Step 4: Dry the Tomatoes in the Oven

1. Slide the trays into the preheated oven.

2. Switch the trays between racks roughly every hour to ensure even drying.

3. Drying times:

- Partial drying: 5–6 hours, until edges are dry but centers remain soft.

- Fully drying: 7–8 hours, until tomatoes are completely shriveled and moisture-free.

4. Let the tomatoes cool completely on the baking sheets once done.

Slow drying is essential—it’s what transforms fresh tomatoes into concentrated bursts of flavor.

Step 5: Storing Sun-Dried Tomatoes

- Partial dried: If we don’t plan to use them immediately, we freeze them. Once cooled, transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. They last up to six months and are easy to thaw as needed.

- Fully dried: For short-term use, store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to one week. For longer storage, cover the fully dried tomatoes with olive oil in a pint-sized jar and refrigerate. This prevents bacteria growth and maintains flavor for up to six months.

Proper storage ensures we can enjoy these sun-dried tomatoes in multiple meals over time without losing quality.

Step 6: Delicious Ways to Use Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Our homemade sun-dried tomatoes are versatile and delicious. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy them:

- Roll them into pinwheels or wraps with cheese or other fillings.

- Mix them into pasta dishes, creamy sauces, or stews.

- Stuff them inside Portobello mushrooms for a savory side dish.

- Chop them finely and sprinkle into salads, grain bowls, or even on avocado toast for an extra burst of flavor.

They bring a natural sweetness and depth to every dish we add them to.

Sun-Kissed Flavor at Home

Lykkers, making homemade sun-dried tomatoes takes some patience, but the results are incredible. We capture the sweet, concentrated flavor of summer right in our kitchens.

With just a few simple ingredients, an oven, and some careful timing, we can enjoy these flavorful tomatoes all year long. Whether used in pasta, salads, or as a snack, they bring a sun-kissed touch to every meal we prepare.