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:

  1. 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.
  2. Bake for 15–20 minutes until tomato skins are shriveled and split, garlic is softened, and some tomatoes have a deep mahogany-colored char.
  3. 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.
  4. Return to the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is velvety and bubbling.
  5. 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.