If you love dishes that marry freshness with indulgence, then you are in for a treat with this Burrata Cheese with Cherry Tomatoes, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, juicy, and vibrant flavors all coming together in a dish that feels effortlessly elegant but is incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or craving a satisfying snack, this combination is guaranteed to impress and delight your taste buds with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, from the luscious creaminess of burrata to the bright, fresh pop of cherry tomatoes. The simplicity here allows each element’s natural flavors to shine while combining into a dish that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts.
- Fresh burrata cheese: The star of the dish, burrata offers a luscious cream-filled center that adds richness and texture.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved: Their juicy sweetness and vibrant red color brighten the plate and balance the creamy cheese.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky finish and subtle fruity notes that elevate the entire dish.
- Balsamic glaze: A sweet and tangy drizzle that compliments the cheese and tomatoes perfectly.
- Fresh basil leaves: Infuse the dish with their fragrant, herbaceous aroma and a burst of green color.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, they bring out the natural flavors and add a little zip.
How to Make Burrata Cheese with Cherry Tomatoes, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
Start by washing and halving your cherry tomatoes. Arrange them in a single layer on a pretty serving platter to create a colorful bed that will hold the burrata; their vibrant red hues provide a fresh, juicy contrast that is essential to this dish.
Step 2: Add the Burrata Cheese
Next, gently place a whole ball of fresh burrata in the center of your tomato arrangement. Handle it carefully as burrata is delicate—this creamy centerpiece is what makes this Burrata Cheese with Cherry Tomatoes, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Drizzle Olive Oil and Balsamic Glaze
Drizzle a tablespoon of silky olive oil evenly over the burrata and tomatoes, then add the balsamic glaze in an artful pattern. The olive oil adds a rich mouthfeel while the glaze delivers a subtle sweetness and tang that wakes up every bite.
Step 4: Season to Taste
Sprinkle salt and freshly cracked black pepper over the entire dish. This step is crucial—it helps to enhance and balance the flavor profiles, making every component sing harmoniously together.
Step 5: Garnish with Fresh Basil
Finish by scattering fresh basil leaves on top for that aromatic punch and a lovely pop of green that makes this dish as visually stunning as it is tasty.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it straight away with crunchy crackers, toasted crostini, or simply on its own as a light, delightful appetizer or snack.
How to Serve Burrata Cheese with Cherry Tomatoes, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh basil is classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with garnishes like a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch or a few flakes of sea salt for texture. A touch of lemon zest can also add a bright twist that enhances the fresh flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty rustic bread, garlic-infused crostini, or even a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. When you serve Burrata Cheese with Cherry Tomatoes, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe alongside these simple sides, you elevate a simple dish into a full, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, arrange the burrata and tomatoes on a wooden board or in a shallow bowl, drizzle the toppings in a zigzag, and cluster the basil in small piles. You can even add edible flowers to give it a gourmet touch that’s perfect for entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the burrata and tomatoes separately to maintain freshness. Keep the burrata in its original packaging or a sealed container in the refrigerator and place the tomatoes with any olive oil in another container. This helps preserve their texture and flavor for the next day.
Freezing
Burrata cheese does not freeze well due to its delicate, creamy interior and can become grainy or lose texture. Cherry tomatoes and basil also lose their freshness when frozen, so this dish is best enjoyed fresh and not frozen.
Reheating
Since this Burrata Cheese with Cherry Tomatoes, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe is typically served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. Instead, bring refrigerated components to room temperature before serving to allow the flavors to fully shine.
FAQs
Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
While mozzarella is a reasonable substitute, burrata offers a creamier, more decadent texture that is key to this recipe’s distinctive character. If you must, opt for fresh mozzarella for the best results.
Where can I buy fresh burrata cheese?
Fresh burrata is commonly found at well-stocked grocery stores, specialty cheese shops, or Italian markets. Look for it in the refrigerated cheese case, usually close to mozzarella or other fresh cheeses.
What is the best balsamic glaze to use?
Choose a high-quality balsamic glaze that has a balanced sweetness with subtle acidity. You can find pre-made glazes or easily make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar until syrupy.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the tomatoes and basil ahead but assemble and dress the burrata right before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.
Is this dish suitable for vegans?
This recipe relies on burrata cheese which is dairy-based, so it’s not vegan-friendly. However, you could experiment with a vegan cheese alternative, though flavor and texture will differ significantly.
Final Thoughts
This Burrata Cheese with Cherry Tomatoes, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe is truly a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients coming together effortlessly. I hope you give it a try soon because it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is so simple to make, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring all to yourself. It’s all about the joy of quality ingredients and the beautiful flavors they create — enjoy every bite!
Print
Burrata Cheese with Cherry Tomatoes, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and elegant recipe featuring creamy burrata cheese served with fresh cherry tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze, and garnished with fragrant basil leaves. Perfect as an appetizer or light snack, this dish takes only 10 minutes to prepare and highlights the rich, delicate flavors of burrata in a fresh, colorful presentation.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 1 ball of fresh burrata cheese
Produce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Condiments and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the tomatoes: Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes evenly on a serving platter, creating a colorful base for the burrata cheese.
- Place the burrata: Gently set the ball of fresh burrata cheese in the center of the arranged tomatoes to form an inviting focal point.
- Drizzle flavors: Pour the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the burrata and tomatoes, adding richness and a tangy sweetness that complements the creamy cheese.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the dish to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Garnish: Top with fresh basil leaves to add a fragrant, herbal note and a pop of green color.
- Serve: Present immediately with crackers, crostini, or simply enjoy as it is for a fresh, delicious appetizer.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Use high-quality olive oil and balsamic glaze for the best taste experience.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for optimal creaminess of the burrata.
- Pair with crusty bread or fresh vegetables for a more filling option.
