Burrata Bruschetta is hands-down the appetizer that guarantees gasps of delight every time I bring it to the table. Imagine golden, crisp-edged bread piled high with juicy tomatoes, heaps of fresh basil, and that irresistibly creamy, decadent burrata—all drizzled with olive oil and a sweet balsamic glaze. It’s Italian summer on toast, bursting with color, flavor, and texture, and it’s shockingly easy to pull off in under 20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Show-Stopper Simplicity: Effortless to make, but looks (and tastes!) like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Fresh, Vibrant Flavors: Every bite is a burst of juicy tomato, fragrant basil, and luxurious burrata for a crowd-pleasing combination.
- Perfect for Sharing: Ideal as a party appetizer, a light lunch, or a snack to accompany your next glass of wine.
- Wildcard Adaptable: Easily tweaked for gluten-free, vegetarian, or creative flavor twists—there’s a version for everyone!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long shopping list to create swoon-worthy Burrata Bruschetta. Each ingredient plays a starring role: from the hearty crunch of rustic bread to the lush creaminess of burrata, and the garden-bright snap of tomatoes and basil. Together, they set the stage for the most irresistible share-plate around.
- Baguette or Italian loaf: This bread is the ultimate sturdy base—crisp outside, soft inside, and perfect for soaking up all those tomato juices without getting soggy.
- Olive oil: Reach for the good stuff—extra virgin adds rich, peppery flavor and gives the toasted bread a gorgeous golden finish.
- Garlic cloves: Rubbing toasted bread with fresh garlic infuses every bite with subtle, aromatic warmth. Trust me, don’t skip this!
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet, tart, and juicy, they’re basically sunshine in miniature—especially flavorful when in season.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced, red onion adds just the right punch and crunch for balance.
- Fresh basil: Nothing compares to the fragrance and freshness of torn basil leaves—this is what lifts the entire dish.
- Balsamic vinegar: A splash of this adds tang and a hint of sweetness that brings all the flavors together beautifully.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning both tomatoes and bread, ensuring every bite pops with flavor.
- Burrata cheese: The irresistibly creamy crown—break it open and let that luscious center drape over the toast.
- Flaky salt, balsamic glaze, extra basil: For that dreamy, restaurant-worthy finishing touch.
Variations
Burrata Bruschetta is delightfully customizable! You can tweak, add, or swap ingredients depending on what you’ve got in the fridge or the vibe you’re going for—so play around and make it your own.
- Switch Up the Base: Try gluten-free bread, crunchy sourdough, or even crackers for a party-friendly take.
- Cheese Swap: If burrata is elusive, sub in fresh ricotta, buffalo mozzarella, or even whipped cottage cheese for a lighter spin.
- Tomato Twist: Mix in heirloom, grape, or Roma tomatoes—or even a combo for extra color and flavor depth.
- Add-Ons Galore: Roasted red peppers, olives, lemon zest, artichoke hearts, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes bring unexpected excitement and a personal touch.
How to Make Burrata Bruschetta
Step 1: Toast and Rub the Bread
Lightly brush your bread slices with olive oil on both sides, then toast them in a hot skillet, grill pan, or right under the broiler until crisp and golden. Rub a peeled garlic clove on one side of each warm toast—the aroma is incredible and sets the stage for every flavor to come.
Step 2: Make the Tomato Mixture
In a bowl, gently combine halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, torn or chopped basil, a swirl of olive oil, a generous pour of balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Give it a taste—add more salt, pepper, or basil if your heart (and your senses) say so.
Step 3: Layer on the Burrata
Place the toasted, garlicky bread on a platter, garlic side up. Gently break open the burrata and divide that creamy middle among the bread. Don’t fuss with perfection—rustic swirls and dollops add to the charm.
Step 4: Assemble & Finish
Spoon heaps of the tomato-basil mixture over each burrata-slathered toast. Drizzle with more olive oil, a glossy balsamic glaze, sprinkle on flaky salt, and scatter extra basil on top. Serve immediately—you’ll want to eat these while the bread is still crisp and the burrata is at its dreamiest.
Pro Tips for Making Burrata Bruschetta
- Bread Crunch Level: Toast until deeply golden—if you like extra crunch, grill for a hint of char that transforms each bite.
- Room Temperature Burrata: Let your burrata sit out for 15 minutes before serving. The flavors and texture bloom as it warms—truly worth the small wait!
- Tomato Draining Secret: If your tomatoes are super juicy, let them sit in a colander for a few minutes before assembling, so the bread stays crispy.
- Last-Minute Assembly: Always build Burrata Bruschetta just before serving for ultimate crunch-meets-creaminess magic—no soggy toasts allowed!
How to Serve Burrata Bruschetta
Garnishes
This is your moment to get a little fancy! Shower the finished bruschetta with extra torn basil, a crack of freshly ground black pepper, a pinch of flaky sea salt, and an artful drizzle of balsamic glaze. If you’re feeling bold, a grating of lemon zest or a handful of microgreens makes it feel and taste like a restaurant appetizer.
Side Dishes
Burrata Bruschetta plays so nicely with a crisp, tangy green salad, a simple bowl of marinated olives, or even an antipasto platter loaded with cured meats and pickled veggies. For lunch, pair it with a bowl of soup or alongside your favorite pasta for a true Italian feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the tomato and burrata mixture onto a big wooden board or platter, family-style, so everyone can help themselves. Or make individual mini bruschettas for cocktail parties—just slice the bread a bit smaller. For an elegant twist, layer everything into little jars or ramekins for a picnic-friendly presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have extras (honestly, it’s rare), store the tomato mixture, burrata, and toasted bread separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The tomatoes will keep for a day or two, but the bread is best enjoyed fresh and crisp.
Freezing
Bruschetta isn’t ideal for freezing, as the fresh tomatoes and delicate cheese lose their magic after thawing. However, you can freeze extra toasted bread—just re-toast from frozen to refresh before serving.
Reheating
To revive your toasts, pop them in a toaster oven or dry skillet for a minute or two until crisp again. Assemble with burrata and tomato topping just before serving for best results.
FAQs
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Can I make Burrata Bruschetta ahead of time for a party?
Prep the components in advance—toast your bread and make the tomato mixture earlier in the day. Store separately, then assemble with burrata and garnishes right before serving for the best texture and taste.
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What can I use if I can’t find burrata?
If burrata isn’t available, substitute with fresh ricotta, buffalo mozzarella, or even whipped cottage cheese. Each option offers a creamy element, though burrata’s oozy center is uniquely luscious!
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Is Burrata Bruschetta gluten-free?
The classic version uses baguette or Italian bread, but you can easily swap in your favorite sturdy gluten-free loaf or crackers for a gluten-free adaptation that’s still totally delicious.
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How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Toast until deeply golden, assemble right before serving, and if your tomato mixture is extra juicy, let it drain a bit before spooning on top. This helps preserve that craveable crunch!
Final Thoughts
Honestly, Burrata Bruschetta is pure joy food. Whether you’re treating yourself, impressing guests, or just capturing a taste of summer on a random Tuesday, you’ll fall in love with every fresh, creamy bite. Set out a platter, pour a glass of wine, and get ready for rave reviews—this is one recipe you’ll keep coming back to!
PrintBurrata Bruschetta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Toast, Assemble
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Burrata Bruschetta recipe is a delightful appetizer featuring creamy burrata cheese atop toasted bread slices, topped with a flavorful cherry tomato and basil mixture. It’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors that will impress any guest.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 Baguette or Italian loaf – sliced into 1/2-3/4″ (1-2cm) thick slices
- 3 tbsp Olive oil – divided
- 1–2 Garlic cloves – peeled
Tomato Basil Mixture:
- 2–3 cups Cherry tomatoes – cut in half
- 1/4 Red onion – very thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Basil – Chopped or torn
- 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt and black pepper – to taste
- Flaky salt, balsamic glaze, olive oil and more basil for garnish
Instructions
- Toast bread: Rub the sliced bread with 1 tbsp olive oil. Toast or grill the bread, then rub a garlic clove on one side of each slice.
- Toss: In a bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, red onion, basil, 2 tbsp olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine and adjust seasoning.
- Burrata: Break open the burrata. Place toasted bread on a platter, top with burrata.
- Assemble: Add tomato mixture on top of burrata. Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic glaze, flaky salt, and basil. Enjoy!
Notes
- See the recipe post above for step-by-step photos.
- Fun additions: Red peppers, roasted garlic, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, olives, artichoke hearts, or capers can be added for extra flavor.
- Bread: Experiment with different bread types like sourdough or gluten-free options.
- Burrata: If unavailable, ricotta or buffalo mozzarella can be used as substitutes.
- Tomatoes: Other varieties like heirloom or Roma tomatoes can be used.
- Red onions: Optional if preferred.
- Fresh Basil: No direct substitute, but parsley can be used.
- Olive Oil: Opt for high-quality extra-virgin olive oil.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Lemon or lime juice can be alternatives.
- Flaky salt: Substitutable with kosher or sea salt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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