Homemade Tomato Stock Cubes Recipe: The Flavorful Hack Every Chef Uses

Imagine having rich, flavorful tomato stock ready to elevate any dish in just seconds. That’s exactly what homemade tomato stock cubes offer. This simple kitchen hack, often used by chefs, transforms everyday meals—soups, risottos, pasta sauces, or even braised meats—into something extraordinary. Made from roasted cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, aromatics, and a touch of olive oil, these cubes freeze perfectly and release a burst of natural tomato flavor whenever you need it. No more relying on store-bought bouillon or canned stock—this is fresh, versatile, and insanely flavorful.

What Are Tomato Stock Cubes?

Tomato stock cubes are concentrated portions of tomato puree and aromatic flavors frozen into convenient, ready-to-use cubes. Think of them as homemade bouillon with a punch of natural sweetness and complexity. Unlike commercial stock cubes, these are free from preservatives, artificial flavoring, and excess sodium, giving your dishes a fresher, more vibrant taste. They’re perfect for busy cooks who want restaurant-level flavor in minutes.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Instant Umami: Add one cube to transform simple soups or sauces.
• Homemade Freshness: Roasted cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes create a rich, natural flavor.
• Convenient and Freeze-Friendly: Freeze in ice cube trays for single-portion use.
• Versatile: Ideal for risottos, soups, stews, sauces, and even pan sauces for meat or fish.
• Chef’s Secret Hack: Used in professional kitchens to enhance flavor quickly without extra prep.

Tips for the Best Tomato Stock Cubes

• Choose Ripe Tomatoes: Sweet, ripe cherry tomatoes ensure a naturally flavorful base.
• Adjust Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or smoked paprika can add a unique flavor dimension.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Roast tomatoes in a single layer to achieve even caramelization.
• Label and Portion: Freezing in small, labeled cubes makes it easy to use exactly what you need.
• Use Quality Olive Oil: Adds richness and enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.

How to Use Tomato Stock Cubes

1. Soups & Stews: Melt one or two cubes into simmering liquids for instant umami.
2. Risottos & Pasta: Add cubes instead of liquid stock for depth and sweetness.
3. Sauces & Pan Juices: Enhance sauces for meats or fish with a concentrated tomato punch.

How to Store Tomato Stock Cubes

Keep your tomato stock cubes in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. They maintain flavor and texture perfectly and are ready to pop into any dish.

How to Make Homemade Tomato Stock Cubes

Step 1

Step 1

1. Roast the Tomatoes

1. Roast the Tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Halve the cherry tomatoes and place them on a baking tray with chopped shallot, garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Roast for 50–60 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft, slightly caramelized, and full of aroma. Roasting intensifies their natural sweetness and develops the rich, savory flavor that makes these cubes so special.

2. Simmer the Base

Transfer the roasted tomatoes to a small saucepan. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors into a smooth, concentrated mixture. Optional: add a pinch of ginger or a drop of vanilla for a subtle twist.

3. Blend Until Smooth

Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the mixture until silky smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove skins and seeds, ensuring a perfect texture for freezing.

Step 2

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Halve the cherry tomatoes and place them on a baking tray with chopped shallot, garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Roast for 50–60 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft, slightly caramelized, and full of aroma. Roasting intensifies their natural sweetness and develops the rich, savory flavor that makes these cubes so special.

4. Freeze into Cubes

Pour the strained tomato stock into ice cube trays or silicone molds. Let them cool completely before freezing. Once solid, transfer the cubes into a labeled freezer bag for easy, single-portion use.

Step 3

Step 3

2. Simmer the Base

5. Use Your Tomato Stock Cubes

Add cubes directly to risottos, soups, sauces, or pan sauces. Each cube is roughly equivalent to 1/2 cup of stock, giving your dishes an instant burst of flavor with zero effort.