I’m thrilled with my Tomato Burrata Bruschetta creation. Imagine an 8 oz burrata cheese ball crowned with halved cherry tomatoes, delicate garlic slices, and a handful of torn basil leaves. Extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper accent these vibrant flavors. This dish is a delightful appetizer worthy of sharing.
I recently experimented with a Baked Burrata dish that honestly surprised me with its bold flavors and simplicity. I took an 8 oz whole burrata cheese ball, and paired it with halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced garlic, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
When I sprinkled a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper, it transformed into something so eye-catching and delicious. I then baked everything until it was beautifully softened and aromatic.
I love topping it off with a handful of roughly torn fresh basil leaves. The end result is a dish that’s perfect as a creamy burrata bruschetta, or even as an ideal summer salad topper.
It’s definitely one of those recipes that makes me excited to invite friends over because it’s a real conversation starter. I hope you get a chance to try it out and love it just as much as I do.
Why I Like this Recipe
I like this recipe because the creamy burrata mixed with the roasted cherry tomatoes and garlic creates such a satisfying combo. It makes my mouth water every time I take a bite.
I also really enjoy how easy it is to make. I don’t need a bunch of fancy ingredients or complicated steps, which means I can whip it up even when I’m in a rush.
Another thing that makes it one of my favorites is the burst of flavor from the fresh basil at the end. It adds a light, fresh note to the rich and savory flavors of the dish.
Lastly, I love how versatile it is. I can serve it by itself as an appetizer or even toss it on top of a summer salad. This recipe fits perfectly into any part of my meal without feeling like too much extra work.
Ingredients
- Burrata cheese is rich in protein and boosts calcium intake for a creamy delight.
- Cherry tomatoes bring a burst of natural sweetness and offer vitamins and antioxidants.
- Garlic provides a zesty punch and has natural antibacterial benefits for extra flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil is loaded with healthy fats that can help support heart health.
- Salt enhances flavors but should be used sparingly to maintain a balanced taste.
- Pepper adds a mild spicy kick, complementing the dish in a unique way.
- Fresh basil infuses a fragrant freshness and offers antioxidants to boost overall flavor.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 whole burrata cheese ball (around 8 oz)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
How to Make this
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. In a small ovenproof dish, toss together the halved cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced garlic with the two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Place the whole burrata cheese ball right in the center of the tomato and garlic mixture.
4. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the burrata if you want extra richness.
5. Carefully put the dish into the oven and bake it for about 10 to 12 minutes until the tomatoes begin to blister and the cheese starts to warm up.
6. Remove the dish from the oven using oven mitts because it will be very hot.
7. Sprinkle a handful of roughly torn fresh basil leaves over the baked burrata and tomatoes once its out of the oven.
8. Let it cool for a moment so you dont burn your mouth, then serve it immediately as an appetizer or a topping for your summer salad.
Equipment Needed
1. Oven – For preheating to 400°F so the heat will help blister the tomatoes and warm up the cheese, which can also help keep some of the nutrients intact.
2. Small ovenproof dish – A dish that can go from countertop to oven without any issues; essential for cooking the tomatoes and garlic with the burrata right in the center.
3. Oven mitts – Handy for safely taking out the hot dish from the oven and preventing any burns.
4. Knife – Necessary for slicing the garlic thinly and halving the cherry tomatoes properly for even cooking.
5. Cutting board – A stable and clean surface for prepping the tomatoes and garlic.
6. Spoon or spatula – Useful for tossing the tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and seasonings together evenly before baking.
FAQ
Baked Burrata Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Burrata cheese ball: You could swap it with fresh mozzarella, maybe adding a spoonful of cream to mimic that creamy center.
- Cherry tomatoes: Grape tomatoes or even diced plum tomatoes would work if you cant find the cherry ones.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Avocado oil is a good alternative if you want a slightly different flavor profile.
- Garlic cloves: If you dont have fresh garlic, try using garlic paste (use about a teaspoon per clove) instead.
- Fresh basil leaves: You can use spinach or arugula for a twist if you dont have basil on hand.
Pro Tips
1. Try letting the burrata rest at room temperature for a bit before baking so it heats more evenly; this way you keep that creamy texture without it turning all runny.
2. Keep a close eye on the tomatoes in the oven; if they start drying out too much, pull the dish a minute early so you still get that juicy burst in every bite.
3. If you like a kick, sprinkle a little red pepper flakes over the top once out of the oven, but be careful not to overdo it – you wanna taste the cheese and basil too.
4. For an extra layer of flavor, use a really good quality olive oil and give everything a light drizzle right before serving; it definitely makes a difference in taste.
Baked Burrata Recipe
My favorite Baked Burrata Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven – For preheating to 400°F so the heat will help blister the tomatoes and warm up the cheese, which can also help keep some of the nutrients intact.
2. Small ovenproof dish – A dish that can go from countertop to oven without any issues; essential for cooking the tomatoes and garlic with the burrata right in the center.
3. Oven mitts – Handy for safely taking out the hot dish from the oven and preventing any burns.
4. Knife – Necessary for slicing the garlic thinly and halving the cherry tomatoes properly for even cooking.
5. Cutting board – A stable and clean surface for prepping the tomatoes and garlic.
6. Spoon or spatula – Useful for tossing the tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and seasonings together evenly before baking.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole burrata cheese ball (around 8 oz)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. In a small ovenproof dish, toss together the halved cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced garlic with the two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Place the whole burrata cheese ball right in the center of the tomato and garlic mixture.
4. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the burrata if you want extra richness.
5. Carefully put the dish into the oven and bake it for about 10 to 12 minutes until the tomatoes begin to blister and the cheese starts to warm up.
6. Remove the dish from the oven using oven mitts because it will be very hot.
7. Sprinkle a handful of roughly torn fresh basil leaves over the baked burrata and tomatoes once its out of the oven.
8. Let it cool for a moment so you dont burn your mouth, then serve it immediately as an appetizer or a topping for your summer salad.