Blistered Cherry Tomatoes with Creamy Burrata

This burrata appetizer recipe is a celebration of summer flavors, showcasing sweet bursting cherry tomatoes and juicy grapes, complemented by fragrant fresh herbs and luxurious mounds of creamy burrata cheese. It’s an effortless yet impressive dish that promises to be the star of any gathering.

Is your garden overflowing with plump, ripe cherry tomatoes? Or perhaps you’re simply craving a dish that embodies the fresh, vibrant spirit of summer? Look no further! We’ve crafted the perfect seasonal appetizer: bursting cherry tomatoes and succulent grapes, mingled with aromatic fresh herbs and topped with irresistibly ooey-gooey burrata cheese. This dish is not only bursting with flavor but also offers a beautiful splash of color, making it an ideal choice for backyard BBQs, patio dinners, or any occasion where you want to elevate your spread without adding stress to your cooking schedule.

This burrata appetizer is designed for sharing, offering a delightful combination of textures and tastes. It’s incredibly delicious when scooped up with homemade crostini or your favorite crusty bread, ensuring every bite is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and creamy.

Essential Ingredients for an Unforgettable Burrata Appetizer

Crafting this incredible appetizer starts with selecting high-quality, fresh ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Cherry Tomatoes: These small, sweet spheres are perfect for roasting. Their thin skins burst beautifully in the heat, releasing their concentrated juices and creating a luscious, jammy sauce that coats every bite. Any variety of cherry or grape tomatoes will work wonderfully, bringing a natural sweetness to the dish.
• Grapes: While they might seem like an unconventional addition, grapes are truly the secret ingredient that elevates this appetizer to new heights. When roasted alongside the tomatoes, they soften and sweeten, developing a subtle caramelized flavor that perfectly complements the tanginess of the tomatoes and the richness of the burrata. Red or black grapes are ideal for their vibrant color and inherent sweetness.
• Garlic and Shallot: The foundational aromatics of this recipe. Minced garlic and thinly sliced shallots provide a pungent, savory base that infuses the entire dish with depth and warmth. Their gentle sautéing creates a fragrant beginning that hints at the deliciousness to come. Feel free to swap the shallot for a finely diced sweet onion if preferred.
• Burrata Cheese: The undeniable star of the show. Burrata is a delicate, fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. Its outer shell is solid mozzarella, but the inside contains a rich, soft, stringy curd (stracciatella) mixed with fresh cream, creating an exquisitely creamy and indulgent center. When broken open, it spills its luxurious contents, making it perfect for scooping up with the warm tomato and grape mixture.
• Fresh Herbs: A crucial element for brightness and aroma. We love fresh mint for its cool, peppery notes, but fresh basil is another fantastic option, offering a classic Italian flavor profile. Other herbs like fresh oregano or a sprinkle of chives could also add wonderful dimensions. These herbs are added at the end to preserve their vibrant color and fresh taste.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is essential for sautéing and finishing the dish. It adds a fruity, peppery note and contributes to the luxurious texture.
• White Wine Vinegar: A splash of this provides a touch of acidity, brightening the flavors of the tomatoes and grapes and balancing the richness of the burrata.
• Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other ingredients, bringing out their best qualities.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Burrata Appetizer

Every exquisite dip and scoopable appetizer deserves a glorious vessel to transport its deliciousness. This bursting burrata dish is no exception! Here are some of our favorite dipping and serving ideas to ensure you savor every last bite:

• Homemade Crostini: Thin slices of baguette, brushed with olive oil and lightly toasted, are the quintessential companion. Their crisp texture provides a perfect contrast to the soft burrata and jammy tomatoes.
• Crusty French Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of French bread, torn or sliced, is ideal for soaking up all the flavorful juices.
• Pita Bread: Lightly toasted or warmed pita bread, cut into wedges, offers a soft and chewy option that complements the dish beautifully. Naan bread or even warm tortillas can also work.
• Crackers: A variety of crackers, from simple water crackers to artisanal seeded crackers, can add different textures and flavors to each bite.
• Vegetable Sticks: For a lighter, gluten-free option, serve with crisp cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or even celery sticks.
• Grilled Bread: Take your bread game up a notch by grilling it for a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the roasted elements.
• As a Side Dish: This appetizer is so versatile, it can easily double as a vibrant side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or even a simple pasta.
• Pasta Topper: Any leftovers (if there are any!) can be tossed with warm pasta for a quick and flavorful light meal.

Recommended Cookware

Cast Iron Pan

A good quality cast iron skillet is truly a kitchen essential. Its ability to retain and distribute heat evenly is perfect for achieving those beautifully bursting tomatoes and grapes. It’s definitely worth the investment to add a durable and versatile cast iron pan to your kitchen collection!

Buy Now

Effortless Elegance: Simple, One-Skillet Instructions

One of the best aspects of this burrata appetizer is its incredible simplicity. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can transform fresh ingredients into a gourmet-looking dish, all in a single skillet! Follow these straightforward steps for a delicious result:

1. Sauté Shallot and Garlic: Begin by heating your large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers and becomes fragrant, add the sliced shallot to the pan and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon of salt. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. Then, add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Roast Cherry Tomatoes and Grapes: Introduce the cherry tomatoes, grapes, and fresh thyme sprigs to the skillet. Drizzle them with white wine vinegar. Toss all the ingredients gently to ensure they are well coated and combined.
3. Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to medium. Sprinkle the remaining salt over the ingredients and give them another toss. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the tomatoes and grapes to cook for 10 minutes. This initial covered cooking period helps them heat up and begin to burst, releasing their juices.
4. Develop the Jammy Sauce: After 10 minutes, remove the lid and toss the ingredients again. Continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid has cooked off and the mixture has reduced into a thick, jammy sauce. You want a concentrated flavor, not a watery consistency. If there’s still too much liquid, simmer for another 5 minutes uncovered.
5. Rest and Prepare for Burrata: Once the tomatoes and grapes have achieved their perfect jammy texture, remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld further and the mixture to cool slightly before adding the cheese.
6. Add Burrata Cheese & Fresh Toppings: Gently tear the burrata cheese balls into large, irregular pieces and artfully arrange them over the warm tomato and grape mixture in the skillet. Drizzle the burrata generously with a little extra olive oil, season with freshly cracked black pepper, and scatter a generous amount of fresh mint (or basil) over the top. Serve immediately with toasted sourdough bread or your preferred dipping accompaniment.

Easy Ingredient Substitutions & Customizations

While this recipe is perfect as written, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Don’t hesitate to get creative with substitutions to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

• Tomato Varieties: If your garden is overflowing with larger tomatoes, feel free to use them! Just chop them into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the skillet. Heirloom tomatoes can also add a beautiful array of colors and unique flavors.
• Cheese Alternatives: Can’t find burrata? No problem! A fresh ball of mozzarella, torn into pieces, will also work. For a tangier profile, try soft goat cheese or even a creamy ricotta, dolloped generously over the warm tomatoes. Feta cheese, crumbled over the top, would also add a salty, briny kick.
• Herb Variations: While mint and basil are fantastic, explore other fresh herbs. Rosemary sprigs can be roasted with the tomatoes for a woody aroma, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives at the end can add a different kind of freshness.
• Add a Touch of Sweetness or Acid: For a deeper, richer flavor, drizzle your finished appetizer with a balsamic glaze. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can also brighten all the flavors.
• Introduce Some Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic and shallots will provide a subtle warmth.
• Boost the Texture: For added crunch, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or a handful of crispy breadcrumbs over the finished dish.
• Different Vinegars: Instead of white wine vinegar, try a good quality red wine vinegar or even a cider vinegar for a slightly different acidic note.

Storage and Enjoying Leftovers

This bursting burrata appetizer is undeniably at its best when served immediately, with the burrata still fresh and creamy, and the tomatoes and grapes warm and fragrant. The contrasting temperatures and textures are what make it truly special.

However, should you find yourself with leftovers (a rare but possible occurrence!), you can certainly store them. Transfer any remaining appetizer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, you can:

• Reheat Gently: Warm the tomato and grape mixture gently in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Add fresh burrata if you have it, or simply enjoy the warmed tomato mixture.
• Serve Cold: The leftovers are also delicious served chilled or at room temperature. The flavors meld further, making it a fantastic addition to a light lunch, a topping for salads, or even mixed into scrambled eggs.
• Transform into a Pasta Sauce: Combine the chilled tomato and grape mixture with cooked pasta for a quick and flavorful lunch or light dinner. Stir in a little pasta water to create a sauce.

★
★
★
★
★

5 from 3 votes

Bursting Cherry Tomato and Burrata Appetizer

Elevate your summer entertaining with this simple yet sophisticated burrata appetizer, featuring garden-fresh cherry tomatoes, sweet grapes, fragrant herbs, and creamy burrata cheese.

By: Lee Funke

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 20 mins

Total: 30 mins

Servings: 6

Save
Pin
Print

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, +more for drizzle
• ¼ cup sliced shallot
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt, separated
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup red or black grapes
• 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
• 16 oz. burrata cheese, ours came in 2 8-oz. balls
• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
• ½ cup fresh mint, or chopped fresh basil

Instructions

1. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When the olive oil is fragrant, add the shallot to the pan and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon of salt. Sauté the shallot for 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Add the garlic to the shallot and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes. Add the tomatoes, grapes, and the sprigs of thyme to the pan and drizzle them with white wine vinegar. Toss all of the ingredients together.
   
3. Turn the heat to medium and sprinkle the remaining salt over the ingredients and toss. Cover the pan. Let the tomatoes and grapes cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, toss the ingredients and uncover the pan. Cook for an additional 10 minutes to allow any remaining liquid to cook off, creating a jammy sauce. If there is a lot of watery liquid left, simmer for another 5 minutes uncovered.
   
4. Remove the pan from the heat and let the tomatoes and grapes rest for 10 minutes.
5. Tear the burrata into large pieces and place it on top of the grapes and tomatoes. Drizzle the burrata with olive oil and season with freshly cracked pepper. Add the fresh mint (or basil) over the burrata and serve immediately with toasted sourdough bread or crostini.
   

Tips & Notes

• We cover the pan initially to ensure the tomatoes and grapes heat thoroughly and begin to burst, then uncover it to allow the excess liquid to evaporate, creating that perfect jammy consistency. The exact simmering time uncovered may vary depending on how juicy your tomatoes are.

Watch It

Watch a quick video tutorial on how to make this delicious burrata appetizer:

Nutrition

Calories: 288 kcal, Carbohydrates: 9 g, Protein: 14 g, Fat: 26 g, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 6 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Love this recipe? Share your thoughts below!

Don’t forget to tag your posts on social media with the hashtag #fitfoodiefinds – we’d absolutely love to see your delicious creations!