Ingredients:
- 2 pints (500g) cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves (20g) garlic, smashed
- 3 tbsp (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp (6g) kosher salt
- ½ tsp (1g) cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp (2g) dried oregano
- 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella pearls
- 1 tbsp (15ml) balsamic glaze
- ¼ cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
- 1 tbsp (15ml) melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a 9x9 inch ceramic baking dish, toss the cherry tomatoes, smashed garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano, ensuring the tomatoes are arranged in a single layer.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until tomato skins are shriveled and split, garlic is softened, and some tomatoes have a deep mahogany-colored char.
- Remove from oven and use a spatula to gently press down on the largest tomatoes to release their juices. Scatter the mozzarella pearls evenly across the top.
- Return to the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is velvety and bubbling.
- Remove from oven, drizzle with balsamic glaze in a zig-zag pattern, and scatter fresh basil over the cheese. Let the dish rest for 2 minutes before serving.