This Baked Burrata Recipe is an easy, decadent appetizer that will appeal to the masses. Garnished with roasted tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and topped with fresh basil, it is fragrant and savory… perfect for creamy Burrata Bruschetta or as a summer salad topper.
Serve on crostini for an appetizer that you’ll eat so much of, it may become the main course.
This incredible burrata appetizer is a great way to start a get-together. Set it out and all of your guests will gather to enjoy creamy cheese and roasted tomatoes.
While it’s incredibly easy to throw this burrata appetizer together, it still feels elegant and special. The colorful cherry tomatoes and fresh basil speak of warm summer nights and garden fresh flavors.
You can actually use fresh mozzarella or burrata cheese for this recipe. I wanted to make this dish as flexible as possible – something you can throw together for entertaining on a whim!
It’s fresh, flavorful, beautiful and effortless. It’s one of the best summer appetizers and I know you’re going to enjoy it!
If you love cheese in your appetizers as much as we do, try some of my other delicious appetizers made with cheeses. Goat Cheese Crostini with Fig Appetizer, Brie and Preserves Appetizer, and Easy Pear Appetizer with Blue Cheese and Walnuts are all appetizer favorites! And of course, don’t skip this incredible Mozzarella Bruschetta.
Burrata is often used in an array of appetizer displays with veggies and crostini. It spreads easily and adds a creamy depth, and it works beautifully in this recipe!
This burrata appetizer is a bruschetta, it’s a dip, it’s a salad topper, it’s great for sandwiches… this baked burrata is all the things. And I know you’re going to love it!
What’s the Difference Between Mozzarella and Burrata?
At first glance fresh mozzarella and burrata look the same – white balls of Italian soft cheese. They are both made from cow’s or water buffalo’s milk and both are delicious. However, they are different and so are used differently.
Fresh mozzarella is a soft, creamy cheese. It is molded into balls and placed in whey or brine for storing. Fresh mozzarella isn’t processed or aged so it should be eaten soon after it’s made. It is moist and can be stretched apart into chunks, yet it is also firm enough to slice.
The mild, delicate flavor of fresh mozzarella complements fresh salads and sandwiches. This cheese adds a creamy, salty, and slightly tangy flavor to dishes without being overpowering.
Fresh mozzarella will soften when heated, making it good on sandwiches and pizza. However, it won’t melt down into a creamy sauce like aged mozzarella.
Burrata is actually made with fresh mozzarella as an outside layer or casing. Then cream and curds are placed inside the mozzarella casing. When the mozzarella layer is cut open, the rich and creamy filling spills out.
It mingles with the other ingredients on your plate and is so delicious! Burrata actually means butter in Italian. That gives you an idea of how rich and indulgent burrata is!
Why You’ll Love this Burrata Recipe
- Easy and Fast
- Garden Fresh Summer Style
- Authentic Italian Flavors
- Great for Entertaining
- Light but still Filling
Baked Burrata Ingredients
- Cherry Tomatoes, halved – The acidity of the tomato mixes perfectly with the creaminess of the cheese. Can use other variety of tomatoes if desired.
- Olive Oil – Brings out the robust Italian flavor.
- Garlic Cloves, sliced – Can chop into small pieces if you desire.
- Sea Salt – Sea salt highlights the flavor of the tomatoes. You can substitute with other varieties of salt.
- Oregano, fresh – Fresh has the best flavor, but you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
- Fresh Mozzarella or Burrata – Use the freshest you can find. Mozzarella is available at most grocery stores and is delicious with the tomato confit.
- Basil, fresh – Basil and tomato are a classic Italian combination.
- Balsamic Glaze -Just a little of this sweet, tangy, and pungent glaze amplifies the dish.
- Crostini – This is the vessel for the Mozzarella Burrata. Use any variety of thin-loaf bread you like. You can also use crackers or pitas.
Variations
- Use any variety or combination of small tomatoes, cut in half or smaller for this burrata recipe. For example, use grape, pear, other cherry varieties, etc.
- Drizzle pesto on top instead of balsamic glaze for this burrata appetizer.
How to Make this Baked Burrata in Just 3 Easy Steps
- Roast tomatoes, garlic, oregano, olive oil and salt. This softens the tomatoes and enhances the flavors.
- Pour tomato confit around mozzarella or burrata on a dish.
- Garnish with basil and balsamic glaze. Serve on crostini.
Serving Suggestions
- Appetizer – Serve baked burrata cheese with a plate of crostini as a classic burrata bruschetta, or use crackers, pita chips, etc.
- Salad – Serve this burrata recipe beside a bowl of greens so diners can add a serving to their salad. Have other salad options like croutons, olives, and onions.
- Dessert – Skip the tomato confit and serve the baked burrata with berries and honey or raspberry sauce. Scoop small amounts onto a cookie – like lemon shortbread cookies – or cinnamon pitas, etc. This results in a dessert that is indulgent but not overly sweet.
Burrata Bruschetta Tips
- Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. This allows the tomatoes to release their juice and mix with the salt and other flavors.
- Pour some of the tomato mixture on top of the cheese. This begins to soften the cheese, making it melty and gooey.
- This dish is naturally low carb. To meet the needs of guests with dietary restrictions, serve with crunchy dipping vegetables like celery sticks, sliced peppers, carrots and more.
Shortcuts
- Bottled minced garlic
- Dried oregano
- Canned diced or crushed tomatoes
Frequently Asked Questions
Fresh mozzarella has fewer calories and less sodium than some other cheeses. It also contains proteins and probiotics. It is a healthy cheese, however you still want to use moderation.
Of course! While burrata is traditionally used in a recipe like this, you can use either. The creamy interior of burrata melts beautifully, but mozzarella can also mix well with the tomatoes and other ingredients around it.
This burrata appetizer recipe uses mozzarella interchangeably so you have an option that is lower in fat, calories, and price and will still satisfy a cheese, tomato, and basil craving.
If your local grocer doesn’t carry it, see if you have an Italian deli or Italian grocery in your city! It’s worth the extra effort to find fresh burrata cheese.
Make Burrata Bruschetta Ahead
- Roast the tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, and oregano up to 2 weeks before using. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator. Warm before serving.
- Make the crostini up to 1 week before using. Store at room temperature in bag or airtight container.
How to Store
- At Room Temperature – Leave at room temperature while serving. Place in fridge after 2 hours.
- Refrigerate – Fresh mozzarella and burrata will last five days in the fridge after opening. Store in airtight container.
- Freeze – Fresh mozzarella and burrata should not be frozen. It will freeze the moisture inside of them and change the consistency and texture.
What to Do with Leftovers
- Cut up and mix into a salad – greens or pasta!
- Slice and press between bread for a panini.
- Cut into small cubes and top a homemade pizza.
Dietary Considerations
- Gluten Free
- Nut Free
Baked Burrata Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a small baking dish combine tomatoes, olive oil, garlic and oregano. Roast 25 minutes.
- In a small serving dish or platter, place mozzarella in the middle. Surround with tomato confit and garnish with basil and balsamic glaze.
- Serve with crostini.
Julie’s Tips
Make it Ahead
- Roast the tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, and oregano up to 2 weeks before using. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator. Warm before serving.
- Make the crostini up to 1 week before using. Store at room temperature in bag or airtight container.
How to Store
- At Room Temperature – Leave at room temperature while serving. Place in fridge after 2 hours.
- Refrigerate – Fresh mozzarella and burrata will last 5 days in the fridge after opening. Store in airtight container.
Video
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Hi! Should be delicious! Nutrition Information says
Calories: 148kcal. Is this for 100gr serving? Can you define kcal in gr? Thanks
Huge hit at our recent dinner party! Everyone wanted the recipe!!!
So happy to hear that, Jenny! I hope you try more of my easy entertaining appetizers!
An amazingly simple and flavor packed recipe! This was a huge hit!!!! Now one of my favs!
This was amazing! Beautiful, light and flavorful. Best of all VERY easy to make. Rave reviews by men and women alike🥰
So glad you enjoyed it, Holly! I hope you try more of my easy recipes!
Delicious! Next time it’s the main course. 😊
Hi Cathy!
Thanks so much for your kind words, I love to hear that!
Have a wonderful week,
Julie