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