Save This vibrant appetizer transforms sweet cherry tomatoes through roasting with garlic, olive oil, and aromatic herbs until blistered and juicy. The softened tomatoes become a bed for creamy burrata that warms just enough to become luscious while maintaining its delicate texture. Finished with fresh basil and tangy balsamic glaze, it creates an irresistible combination of temperatures and flavors. The dish comes together quickly with minimal prep—the oven does most of the work, concentrating the tomatoes' natural sweetness. Perfect for gatherings, it's an impressive yet stress-free starter that invites dipping and sharing.
Last summer, my friend Sarah brought this to our rooftop gathering and I literally couldn't stop eating it. The way those sweet blistered tomatoes mix with that creamy burrata—it's absolute magic. Everyone kept asking what was in it, and honestly, it's barely anything but tastes like something from a fancy Italian restaurant.
I made this for my parents' anniversary dinner recently, and my dad—who's usually skeptical about anything that isn't his classic salsa—went back for thirds. The balsamic glaze at the end is absolutely essential, don't skip it.
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes: These little gems concentrate their natural sugars when roasted, becoming burstingly sweet and juicy
- Garlic: Thinly sliced garlic roasts alongside the tomatoes, mellowing into sweet, savory notes without any harsh bite
- Extra-virgin olive oil: This helps the tomatoes roast evenly and creates this gorgeous infused oil at the bottom of the dish
- Sea salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the tomatoes' natural sweetness
- Dried oregano: Adds an earthy, Italian market quality that ties everything together
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to make things interesting, totally optional if you're sensitive to spice
- Burrata: The star of the show—this creamy, mozzarella-wrapped cheese gets warm and dreamy nestled into those hot tomatoes
- Fresh basil: Tear it by hand for the most aromatic finish, that bright herbal note cuts through all the richness
- Balsamic glaze: The tangy finish that makes every bite sing, provides this gorgeous acidic contrast
Instructions
- Get your oven nice and hot:
- Preheat to 200°C (400°F)—you want that high heat to really blister and concentrate those tomatoes quickly
- Prep your tomatoes:
- Toss halved cherry tomatoes and sliced garlic in your baking dish with olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes until everything's coated
- Let the oven work its magic:
- Roast for 25 to 30 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered, juicy, and starting to caramelize at the edges
- Add the burrata:
- Give those roasted tomatoes a gentle stir, then tuck pieces of burrata into the hot mixture, letting it warm and soften for just 2 to 3 minutes
- Finish it off:
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and scatter fresh torn basil all over—serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and gooey
Save This dish has become my go-to for whenever I need to feed a crowd but don't want to be stuck in the kitchen. There's something so communal about gathering around a warm dish of bubbling tomatoes and cheese, tearing off pieces of crusty bread and diving in together.
Make It Your Own
Some nights I'll add a handful of pine nuts or sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs over the top for this incredible crunch factor. The toasted nuts add this nutty richness that takes it to a whole new level.
What To Serve With It
Crusty sourdough or baguette slices are classic, but I've also served this with crostini, flatbread crackers, or even roasted vegetables for dipping. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
Storage And Timing
This is best served immediately while the cheese is warm and gooey and the tomatoes are still hot from the oven. That said, the roasted tomato base can be made ahead and reheated—just add the burrata at the very end.
- Don't assemble more than 30 minutes before serving or the burrata will lose that luscious texture
- If you have leftovers, they're still delicious the next day—just don't expect the same creamy consistency
- Room temperature ingredients roast more evenly, so don't use fridge-cold tomatoes
Save There's something so satisfying about a dish that looks impressive but comes together with such minimal effort. This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen magician.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare the tomatoes ahead of time?
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Yes, roast the tomatoes up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before adding the burrata and serving.
- → What should I serve with this dish?
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Crusty bread, baguette slices, focaccia, or crackers work perfectly. You can also serve with vegetable crudites for lighter dipping options.
- → Can I use regular mozzarella instead of burrata?
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Fresh mozzarella works but won't provide the same creamy interior texture. For best results, use high-quality burrata or stracciatella cheese.
- → How do I know when the tomatoes are done roasting?
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The tomatoes should be blistered, softened, and releasing their juices. They typically take 25-30 minutes at 200°C (400°F) to reach the right consistency.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
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Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly. For a vegan alternative, use plant-based mozzarella and omit the burrata, or try cashew cream instead.
- → Can I add other toppings?
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Roasted pine nuts, toasted breadcrumbs, chopped olives, or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent additions for extra texture and flavor depth.
