How to Make a Burrata Appetizer with Tomatoes

You’ve probably ordered burrata as an appetizer at your local Italian restaurant and marveled at its buttery richness as you dragged crostini through its creamy center. Like a classic Caprese salad or a pizza Caprese, a burrata appetizer can be served chilled or warmed to gooey perfection.

We’ve already shown you how to master the burrata Caprese, so now we’re here to add a bit more warmth to your next burrata adventure. These burst cherry tomatoes with burrata are going to be a must-have on your next charcuterie spread or as an easy party appetizer.

How to Make Roasted Tomatoes with Burrata

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces burrata cheese, cut into quarters
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
• Crostini, optional

Directions

TMB Studio

Step 1: Cook the aromatics

In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add chopped shallot. Cook and stir until the shallot is tender, three to five minutes. Add garlic and cook for one minute longer.

Step 2: Add tomatoes

Stir in the tomatoes, vinegar and salt. Cook until the tomatoes begin to burst, about four to five minutes. Cook and stir the burst tomatoes until juices begin to evaporate and thicken slightly, about 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 3: Finish with burrata

Top the roasted tomatoes with burrata. For the most even melt, tear the ball of burrata into four chunks and spread over the tomatoes. Remove the skillet from heat and let stand for five minutes to warm the cheese. Sprinkle with basil and pepper.

Step 4: Spread on crostini

This step is optional, but you can spread this appetizer on crostini for the perfect snack. Learn how to make a baguette if you’re feeling up to it, or purchase a fresh loaf to slice and toast at home.

Tips for Making This Burrata Appetizer

What kind of tomatoes should you use?

Cherry tomatoes are a fantastic option for this burrata appetizer because of their sweet flavor and ability to burst upon roasting. If you can’t find them, though, grape tomatoes could also work. Plum tomatoes might be a bit large for this recipe, but they roast well, so they would work in a pinch!

What else can you serve with this burrata appetizer?

This burrata appetizer is sure to be the star of the dinner table, so serve with bright salads and simple spaghetti dishes. A pinot grigio or a fruit-forward zinfandel would be a good wine pairing to balance the acidity in the tomatoes.

Can you save leftovers of this burrata recipe?

Because of the nature of burrata cheese, it is best eaten as soon as possible. If there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to five days, but keep in mind that the texture and buttery freshness of the burrata might be lost as it sits in the juices from the roasted tomatoes.