Burrata with Roasted Tomatoes

This Burrata with Roasted Tomatoes salad is a delicious appetizer for any party and comes together with less than 5 minutes of prep time! Perfect for dipping with toasted bread, this super creamy burrata dish is loaded with flavor and sure to be a hit!

One thing I love about summer is the deep red juicy tomatoes. The kind that just smell garden fresh even before you slice into them. During the cooler months, tomatoes are less vibrant and sometimes even taste bland. One great way to enhance tomato flavor when not in season is to roast them as I do in this burrata appetizer. The edges caramelize, and all their sweet flavors come out. Cherry tomatoes are naturally sweet and roast evenly, making them a great choice for this recipe but feel free to use what you have on hand.

If you've never tried burrata cheese, you're in for a treat. Burrata is an Italian cow milk cheese that is rich and luscious. It has a soft edible outer shell and, when opened, is full of cream that is perfect for dipping crackers or pieces of sliced bread. Whether you're enjoying this as an appetizer or a light meal, you'll appreciate how it's simple and full of flavor with minimal effort.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Simple- This recipe comes together in just a few minutes and has a total cook time of fewer than 30 minutes! Most of that's hands-off baking time while the tomatoes roast. It's a great option to add to your spread even at the last minute and won't leave you needing to do lots of prep.

Full of flavor- The flavor of roasted tomatoes is so deliciously unique. They are tart, sweet, and perfectly savory. The herbs enhance the dish, and it all comes together to make a perfect bite with the burrata. 

A perfect appetizer- This is an amazing appetizer to bring to the table. Plump tomatoes roasted with creamy cheese to dip in; what's not to love? This burrata appetizer recipe is best served with crackers and crusty bread. It's an excellent first course to an Italian dinner party, followed by my Chicken and Spinach skillet pasta!

Ingredients

Tomatoes- such as grape tomatoes, plum tomatoes, or Roma tomatoes. You can use all red or a colorful tomato medley. 

Burrata-Burrata is a semi-soft cheese made from fresh mozzarella and cream. It has a soft outer shell with a creamy, buttery center that pairs well with a variety of pasta, salads, and roasted vegetables. You can often find burrata in the specialty cheese section of grocery stores. If they aren't carried at your store, try a specialty store or Italian market.

Garlic-Garlic adds a delicious aromatic base to this recipe. It brings flavor to the burrata and the tomatoes but doesn't overpower them.

Olive oil- Extra virgin olive oil adds moisture to this recipe. It keeps the tomatoes from drying out when roasted as well. Be sure to choose an olive oil with a great flavor for the best results.

Oregano- Oregano is a strongly aromatic herb that adds flavor to this dish. If it's hard to find fresh oregano, feel free to use dried crushed oregano or freeze-dried oregano.

Basil- Basil has a naturally sweet flavor that takes this dish over the top. It adds a pop of freshness that elevates the roasted tomatoes and gives them a dimensional flavor. It also makes for a beautiful presentation.

Moire's Life Olive Oil

I used Moires PDO Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil for this recipe and highly recommend it. They have a protected designation of origin (PDO) distinction. Olive oils with this distinction are 100% authentic, and top quality imported from Kalamata, Greece.

This particular brand uses Koroneiki olives, which have an earthy and fruity flavor. It is very light, which is ideal for salad dressings. If you live on the East Coast, you can find it in stock at Whole Foods; if not, they ship. You should give them a try; I promise you will not feel disappointed.

How to make burrata with roasted tomatoes

This recipe comes together so easily! Preheat your oven and prepare a baking sheet. Gather your ingredients before you begin to help the recipe flow more easily. 

• First, slice your tomatoes in half and drizzle them with Moire's extra virgin olive oil. Place them on a rimmed baking sheet.
• Sprinkle the tomatoes generously with fresh garlic, oregano, and ground black pepper.  Fresh herbs are recommended, but dried seasoning blends work for this recipe as well.
• Sprinkle the tomatoes with salt and place into the oven. Roast in the oven for about 15 minutes. Add the burrata to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This is just enough to slightly warm the burrata. This salad tastes best when served immediately.

Tips

• Garnish-Top your finished roasted tomatoes with some thinly sliced fresh basil leaves and a bit more EVOO for a beautiful presentation. You can also add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar before serving.
• Choose your serving style-texture of the dish is very creamy, which makes for a delightful spread. You can enjoy family style and let everyone dip from a single serving dish or cut small pieces for guests to enjoy on appetizer plates.
• Get creative-I used toasted sliced french bread for this recipe, but crackers and just about any crunchy bread will taste great. Try a platter with lots of choices so you can see which you like the best. A possible variation would be to add this as a topping to garlic bread. I adore garlic bread, and it can be whipped up in a matter of minutes using the same ingredients. Both of these dishes are fun to assemble and great to make with family or friends.
• Add tasty drinks-I love a tart lemonade with dishes like this. If you are into that also, check out these options: How about a Classic Lemonade or Blueberry lemonade is also a fun variation!
• Need more party appetizers? Try my Burrata Crostini with Filet Mignon, Mediterranean Hummus Dip or my delicious Puff Pastry Asparagus rolls!

• Appetizers