Step 1

Heat the oven to 425°F with a rack in the middle position. Coat the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate with 2 tablespoons of oil. Sprinkle half of the garlic over the bottom. Arrange the tomatoes in concentric rings in the pie plate, shingling and tightly packing the slices.

Step 2

Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then tuck the herb sprigs into the tomatoes and scatter on the remaining garlic. Drizzle evenly with the remaining 4 tablespoons oil. Bake until the tomatoes are browned, bubbling and meltingly tender, about 1½ hours. Cool for about 15 minutes. Serve with crusty bread.

Step 3

Burrata cheese OR fresh mozzarella cheese OR flaky sea salt