This Easy 20-Minute Roasted Tomatoes and Burrata Crostini is the ultimate appetizer. There’s nothing quite like the combination of creamy burrata cheese, sweet roasted tomatoes, and crisp crostini to transport your taste buds straight to Italy. This simple yet elegant appetizer is perfect for entertaining or savoring as a special treat. With the rich flavors of burrata paired with the vibrant, caramelized sweetness of roasted tomatoes, this dish highlights the beauty of fresh, quality ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for the best burrata cheese pairings, this easy crostini recipe is a must-try for any occasion.
If you’re looking for some new Italian appetizer ideas, read on, grab your ingredients, and then meet me back here to run through the steps for making this simple and elegant appetizer.
Jump to RecipeTable of Contents
Burrata vs Mozzarella, and Why I Chose Burrata for This Dish
Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from cow’s milk. It consists of an outer shell of solid mozzarella filled with a creamy mixture of stracciatella (shredded mozzarella) and cream, giving it a rich, luxurious texture. Originating from the Puglia region of Italy, burrata is prized for its delicate flavor and indulgent, creamy center that oozes out when sliced. You can find burrata in most major grocery stores right next to the fresh mozzarella.
Differences between Burrata and Mozzarella:
- Texture: Mozzarella has a firm, elastic texture, while burrata has a softer outer shell and a creamy, liquid-like interior.
- Flavor: Mozzarella has a mild, milky flavor, while burrata is richer and more buttery due to its creamy filling.
- Use: Mozzarella is versatile for cooking (e.g., pizzas, salads), while burrata is often served fresh with simple accompaniments to highlight its creamy texture.
There are a couple reasons why I chose burrata for this roasted tomatoes and burrata cheese recipe. I love the contrast that the flavors, textures and even temperatures that different ingredients play on the palate. It’s a balance that I intentionally chase after in each recipe that I develop.
Since the burrata is not roasted, it remains relatively cool. It is only warmed by the residual heat of the baking dish and the roasted ingredients within. I also love the dramatic effect of the creamy center that rushes out to meet you like a perfectly cooked egg yolk. Visually, it’s just stunning. The burrata is also a nice, neutral companion to the roasted tomatoes and the bold flavors of the garlic, rosemary and olive oil. Additionally, its soft texture compliments the crunch of the crostini.
All About that Crostini
Crostini, meaning “little toasts” in Italian, are a staple of Italian cuisine. How could you not love these versatile, crunchy little bites? These two-bite toasts are made by slicing a baguette or rustic Italian bread into thin pieces, lightly brushing them with olive oil, and baking or grilling until golden and crisp. Crostini serve as a perfect canvas for a variety of toppings, from creamy cheeses and roasted vegetables to savory meats and spreads. Their simplicity allows the flavors of the ingredients to shine, making crostini a popular choice for appetizers, snacks, or even light meals.
The origins of crostini can be traced back to medieval Italy, where bread was a cornerstone of daily life. In many households, bread that had gone stale was often repurposed to minimize waste. Toasting the bread revived its texture, creating a base for various toppings, such as olive oil, garlic, or leftover meats and vegetables. Over time, crostini evolved into a beloved dish in Italian cuisine, often served during festive occasions and communal gatherings. Today, crostini is a staple that embodies the Italian tradition of turning humble ingredients into something truly delightful.
Once you know the basics of crostini, it’s easy to branch out and experiment. At its core, crostini is just sliced Italian bread that’s been brushed with olive oil and baked or grilled. So experiment with flavored oils, spices and herbs to create a perfect crostini to compliment any soup, appetizer or simply for tasty nibbling.
However, for this easy crostini recipe, we only need a light sprinkle of sea salt to tease out the natural flavors of the other roasted ingredients.
The Heart of this Roasted Tomatoes and Burrata Recipe
At its heart, this recipe is just a few simple ingredients. A glug of olive oil, a sliced garlic clove, a sprig of rosemary and fresh tomatoes come together in a single baking dish and are roasted for 7-10 minutes at 400 degrees F. The tomatoes will blister and their flavor will intensify, but they will still retain a juicy texture. The rosemary and garlic will release their savory notes into the olive oil beautifully. The burrata cheese is added at the end. The goal is not to cook the cheese, but just warm it up slightly so that it cuts a little easier.
This recipe is best served fresh and warm, so have your crostini prepared in advance and your burrata ready to add to the pan as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Let’s Get Social!
This roasted tomatoes and burrata recipe is more than just a dish; it’s an experience of textures and flavors that’s sure to impress your guests. Serve it alongside a crisp glass of white wine or a refreshing salad for the ultimate Italian-inspired appetizer. Whether you’re a burrata enthusiast or just discovering its creamy allure, this recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create culinary magic.
If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s easy to make, stunning to look at, and unforgettable in taste, this 20-Minute Roasted Tomatoes and Burrata Crostini is a must-try. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. If you’re looking for other Italian appetizer ideas, you may also enjoy this Roasted Pepper and Cannellini Bruschetta recipe as well.
Thank you for visiting MOstly Bakes! I’d like to invite you to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media via Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Thank you again, for visiting, and I look forward to connecting with you there! Don’t forget to share your creations and let us know your favorite way to enjoy this roasted tomatoes and burrata cheese appetizer!
Blessings & enjoy!
Easy 20-Minute Roasted Tomatoes and Burrata Crostini
Course: StarterCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes20
minutesCreamy burrata cheese, sweet roasted tomatoes, and crisp crostini come together for the perfect appetizer.
Ingredients
- For the crostini
1 fresh Italian or French baguette, cut into 1/4-inch slices
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 tsp. kosher or sea salt
- For the roasted tomatoes and burrata
2 burrata balls, rinsed and patted dry
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 sprig of rosemary
1 clove of garlic, peeled and sliced
1 cluster of tomatoes (approx. 6 ounces)
2 pinches each of salt and pepper
Directions
- Prepare the crostini
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Slice the baguette into 1/4 inch slices and arrange on a baking pan in one layer.
- Lightly brush with olive oil on both sides and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Bake at 400 degrees F. for 5 minutes on each side. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
- Prepare the tomatoes and burrata
- Rinse and pat dry the burrata. Set aside. See notes below.
- In a 9-inch baking dish, drizzle 2 Tbsp. of olive oil in the bottom of the dish.
- Add the tomatoes, sprig of rosemary and sliced garlic. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Bake at 400 degrees F. for 7-10 minutes in the center of the oven.
- Remove from the oven, place the burrata in the center of the dish and serve immediately with crostini.
Notes
- Why do I need to pat dry the burrata? Safety first! The burrata is wet from being submerged in water. When a wet ingredient hits hot oil it can cause the hot oil to splatter. For this reason, it’s important to rinse and pat dry the burrata so that it doesn’t splatter when it comes in contact with the hot oil that has been roasting along with the tomatoes in the baking dish.
