The Dreamiest Pesto Burrata Appetizer Recipe with Juicy Tomatoes

Crafting a mouthwatering pesto burrata appetizer sparks pure culinary magic in kitchens everywhere.

Creamy cheese nestles beneath vibrant green sauce, creating an irresistible harmony of flavors.

Italian ingredients dance together, promising a simple yet elegant starter.

Roasted tomatoes add a burst of sunshine-like sweetness to this delightful dish.

Fresh herbs and rich textures make every bite an adventure for your palate.

Soft, pillowy burrata provides a luxurious backdrop for the zesty pesto.

Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor – this appetizer will become your new go-to recipe for impressing guests.

Why Pesto Burrata Appetizer Topped With Juicy Roasted Tomatoes Is A Flavor Explosion

• Savor Gourmet Simplicity: Elevate your appetizer game with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, creating a restaurant-quality dish at home without complex techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by switching pesto varieties, trying different tomato types, or adding personal garnish touches to match your taste preferences.
• Impress Without Stress: Create a stunning appetizer that looks sophisticated yet requires straightforward preparation, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a special moment.
• Sensory Delight Experience: Combine vibrant colors, rich textures, and layers of taste – juicy roasted tomatoes, creamy burrata, and herbaceous pesto create a mouthwatering sensory experience.

Ingredients For Pesto Burrata Appetizer Topped With Juicy Roasted Tomatoes

• Burrata: A soft, creamy Italian cheese with a rich and luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.
• Tomatoes: Fresh cherry or grape tomatoes that will be roasted to bring out their natural sweetness and juiciness.
• Pesto: A vibrant green sauce made from fresh herbs that adds a burst of flavor to the appetizer.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: A classic blend of spices that enhance the natural flavors of the roasted tomatoes.
• Olive Oil: A key ingredient that helps roast the tomatoes and adds a smooth, rich undertone to the dish.

• Balsamic Glaze, Fresh Basil Leaves, Crusty Bread: Ingredients that provide a sweet drizzle, fresh garnish, and a perfect vehicle for enjoying the creamy burrata and roasted tomatoes.

How To Prepare Pesto Burrata Appetizer Topped With Juicy Roasted Tomatoes

Step 1: Transform Tomatoes into Flavor Bombs

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Roast the tomatoes until they become soft, juicy, and develop caramelized edges, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Canvas

Position the burrata right in the center of a beautiful serving plate. Generously spoon pesto around the cheese, creating a vibrant green background that screams deliciousness.

Step 3: Layer with Roasted Goodness

Gently place the roasted tomatoes on top of the burrata. Let those incredible tomato juices cascade over the pesto, infusing extra flavor into every bite. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.

Step 4: Add the Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves across the top for a burst of color and herbaceous aroma. Serve immediately alongside crusty bread, crostini, or crispy crackers for dipping and enjoying this incredible appetizer.

Pro Tips For Pesto Burrata Appetizer Topped With Juicy Roasted Tomatoes

• Opt for ripe, in-season cherry or grape tomatoes to ensure maximum flavor and sweetness during roasting.
• Allow burrata to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance its creamy texture and taste.
• Experiment with different pesto variations like sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto for unique flavor profiles.
• Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze to elevate the overall appetizer's taste and richness.
• Use a sharp knife to cut into the burrata just before serving, letting the creamy center ooze out beautifully onto the pesto and roasted tomatoes.

Creative Variations For Pesto Burrata Appetizer Topped With Juicy Roasted Tomatoes

• Mediterranean Olive Variation: Replace roasted tomatoes with a mix of Kalamata and green olives, marinated in herbs and olive oil.
• Spicy Pepper Variation: Swap roasted tomatoes for roasted red and yellow peppers seasoned with smoked paprika and chili flakes.
• Prosciutto Crisp Variation: Add thin, crispy prosciutto slices on top of the burrata before placing roasted tomatoes for a salty crunch.
• Truffle Honey Variation: Drizzle white truffle honey over the burrata instead of balsamic glaze for a luxurious, earthy sweetness.

Pairing Ideas For Pesto Burrata Appetizer Topped With Juicy Roasted Tomatoes

• Perfectly Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc's zesty citrus notes and high acidity beautifully complement the creamy burrata and bright pesto flavors, cutting through the richness while enhancing the roasted tomatoes' sweetness.
• Elevate with Rustic Sourdough: Toasted artisan sourdough bread provides a perfect crunchy vessel for scooping up the creamy burrata, pesto, and juicy roasted tomatoes, adding delightful textural contrast to each bite.
• Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light arugula salad with fresh herbs like parsley and mint, dressed in lemon vinaigrette, to balance the appetizer's richness and provide a peppery, refreshing counterpoint.

Storage Instructions For Pesto Burrata Appetizer Topped With Juicy Roasted Tomatoes

• Store the assembled appetizer covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate the burrata, pesto, and roasted tomatoes if possible to maintain freshness.
• Gently warm roasted tomatoes in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 30-45 seconds to restore their juicy texture.
• Remove the appetizer from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to come to room temperature and enhance flavor profiles.
• If the burrata looks dry after refrigeration, drizzle with extra olive oil and fresh basil to revive its creamy texture before serving.

FAQs About Pesto Burrata Appetizer Topped With Juicy Roasted Tomatoes

• What type of tomatoes work best for this recipe?

Cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal due to their sweetness and small size, which roast quickly and develop intense flavor without becoming mushy.

• Can I make this appetizer ahead of time?

Roast the tomatoes and prepare the pesto in advance, but assemble the dish just before serving to keep the burrata fresh and prevent the bread from getting soggy.

• Is there a dairy-free alternative for burrata?

You can substitute burrata with vegan mozzarella or a plant-based cheese alternative that has a creamy texture similar to traditional burrata.

• How do I know when the tomatoes are perfectly roasted?

The tomatoes are ready when they’re soft, slightly caramelized around the edges, and have released their natural juices, which typically takes 15-20 minutes at 400F.

Pesto Burrata Appetizer Topped with Juicy Roasted Tomatoes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Gourmet Pesto Burrata Appetizer delivers Italian charm with creamy cheese and roasted tomatoes. Guests will savor rich flavors and elegant presentation that showcase Mediterranean culinary magic.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 ball fresh burrata cheese (about 8 ounces or 227 grams)
• 1/4 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes (473 milliliters)

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Accompaniment and Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• Crusty bread, crostini, or crackers

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C), preparing a baking sheet for the tomato transformation.
2. Slice tomatoes in half, arranging them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Generously coat tomatoes with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even distribution.
4. Roast tomatoes for 15-20 minutes until they become soft, caramelized, and release their juicy essence.
5. Select a serving plate and position the burrata at its center, creating an elegant focal point.
6. Artfully spread pesto around the burrata, creating a vibrant green canvas beneath the cheese.
7. Carefully nestle the roasted tomatoes atop the burrata, allowing their rich juices to mingle with the pesto.
8. Enhance the appetizer with a delicate drizzle of balsamic glaze, introducing a subtle sweet complexity.
9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, providing a final burst of color and aromatic freshness.
10. Serve immediately alongside crusty bread or crostini for an irresistible dipping experience.

Notes

• Choose ripe, in-season cherry or grape tomatoes for the most intense, sweet roasted flavor.
• Experiment with different pesto varieties like sun-dried tomato, roasted red pepper, or herb-infused versions to add unique twists.
• Toast pine nuts or add a sprinkle of chili flakes to enhance the appetizer’s complexity and provide extra crunch.
• For a lighter version, substitute traditional burrata with low-fat mozzarella or plant-based cheese alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg