Burrata with Roasted Tomatoes and Pesto
An elegant, colorful appetizer featuring creamy Italian burrata cheese surrounded by warm roasted cherry tomatoes and basil pesto.
4.8 · 38 kitchen ratings
Published July 14, 2026 · By Julian Vance
The Indulgence of Fresh Burrata
Burrata has become a symbol of modern Italian dining. Originating in Puglia, this cheese represents the height of dairy craftsmanship.
We developed this plate to celebrate contrast. The heat of the roasted cherry tomatoes warms the outer shell of the burrata, while the interior remains cool and creamy. Drizzled with a punchy basil pesto and sweet balsamic, it is an effortless starter.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Beautiful Contrast: Warm, sweet roasted tomatoes paired with cold, creamy cheese.
- Restaurant Quality at Home: A sophisticated starter that takes minutes to prepare.
- The Ultimate Bread Dip: The creamy center of the cheese blends with tomato juice and pesto.
Health Benefits
- Lycopene Source: Roasted tomatoes deliver highly bioavailable lycopene.
- Healthy Monounsaturated Fats: Olive oil supports arterial and heart health.
- Clean Protein: Burrata provides rich calcium and protein.
Pro-Tips for Perfection
- Serve at Room Temp: Never serve burrata straight from the fridge. Let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes before serving to unlock its creamy interior.
- Collect the Pan Juices: Pour all the oil and tomato juice from the roasting dish onto the platter; it acts as a flavorful dressing.
- Balsamic Glaze: Choose a thick, aged balsamic glaze for a sweet contrast that cuts through the rich cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between mozzarella and burrata?
Burrata is a fresh cheese made from an outer mozzarella shell filled with soft, stringy curd and fresh cream (stracciatella), making it much richer than mozzarella.
Can I make this appetizer ahead of time?
You can roast the tomatoes ahead of time, but assemble the platter right before serving to prevent the burrata from turning watery.
What bread pairs best with burrata?
A crusty sourdough baguette, rubbed with garlic oil and toasted, is the best vehicle for spreading the creamy burrata.
Burrata with Roasted Tomatoes and Pesto
10m
15m
4
260 kcal
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories
- 260 kcal
- Protein
- 12 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Carbs
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Estimates only—values vary by brand and portion. Disclaimer
Ingredients
- 1 ball of fresh Burrata cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes on the vine
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Flaky sea salt and black pepper
- 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2
Place the cherry tomatoes in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 12-15 minutes until they burst and release juices.
- 3
Let the roasted tomatoes cool slightly (they should be warm, not boiling hot).
- 4
Place the burrata ball in the center of a serving platter.
- 5
Arrange the warm roasted tomatoes and their juices around the burrata.
- 6
Drizzle the basil pesto and balsamic glaze over the burrata and tomatoes.
- 7
Garnish with fresh basil leaves, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and serve with toasted baguette slices.
Kitchen Notes
Private notes stored in your browser (substitutions, timing tweaks, serving ideas). Not published publicly.
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