Easy Burrata Bread Appetizer with Roasted Tomatoes

This burrata bread recipe with roasted tomatoes is a must-make appetizer for any gathering.

Sweet, flavourful roasted tomatoes pair beautifully with the creamy burrata.

Layered on crispy toast, it’s a delicious appetizer that can be made anytime of year!

While I love the freshness of tomatoes in this fresh tomato and peach crostini appetizer, the flavor combination of roast tomatoes and burrata is absolutely something you must try.

It’s the perfect appetizer for sharing and makes a great starter to any get-together. If you’re a huge fan of bruschetta, this is an easy recipe to level up and enjoy a divine, fresh Italian cheese too.

What is burrata cheese?

Burrata cheese is a mild cheese generally made from Italian cows or buffalo milk. While it has an exterior similar to mozzarella, the best part is when you cut into it to find a creamy center. The creamy center is called stracchiatella, a combination of shreds of mozzarella and cream  It’s buttery, rich and has a slight milky taste and subtle sweetness.

Why you’ll love this burrata and fresh tomato appetizer

• This appetizer uses simple ingredients that pack a flavour punch!
• It’s a simple recipe and a delicious way to enjoy creamy burrata cheese.
• Make it as an appetizer for anytime of year, especially in the Spring and Summer seasons.
• You can make most of the recipe ahead of time and simply assemble it when guests arrive!

Ingredients needed to make this burrata bread appetizer recipe

Burrata cheese: if you can, use a good quality burrata cheese from Italy for the best texture and flavor

Tomatoes: use fresh tomatoes – baby, sweet cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes to roast for the best burrata bread topping

Olive oil: extra virgin olive oil is needed for roasting the tomatoes

Red wine vinegar: just a little splash of red wine vinegar help flavor the roast tomatoes

Seasonings: garlic powder, dried thyme, dried, oregano, kosher salt and chili flakes are the best seasonings for the roast tomatoes

Fresh herbs: I love a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves to tie all of the flavours of this appetizer together

Bread: toasted bread is key for serving this burrata and tomato appetizer; I like to use a crusty bread like baguette but you could also use sourdough bread or a crusy italian bread, just make sure to slice larger pieces of bread in half for serving.

Step by step process to make this appetizer

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375F. Line a small rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Add the whole tomatoes (baby, cherry or grape tomatoes) to the parchment lined baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the tomatoes. Then, sprinkle the seasonings over the tomatoes. Toss to combine and make sure the tomatoes are well coated.

Step 3: Roast the tomatoes for 18-22 minutes or until tomatoes are just starting to burst.

Step 4: Remove the tomatoes from the oven and set aside.

Step 5: Make the toasted bread: To another baking sheet add the slices of bread. Brush the bread slices with olive oil on one side and place in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5-7 minutes until toasted. Set aside.

Step 6: Assemble the appetizer: In a low bowl or on a plate, add the ball of burrata cheese. Place the roasted tomato mixture around the burrata. Garnish the appetizer with fresh basil. Serve with the toasted bread and allow guest to scoop the creamy cheese onto the top of each slice of bread and then top with the roasted tomatoes.

Expert tips for making these burrata bread bites

• Keep burrata stored in the liquid it comes in until ready to use. Make sure to take the burrata out 30-60 minutes before serving this appetizer. Burrata is best enjoyed at room temperature.
• Get a head start on this recipe by roasting the tomatoes and toasting the bread ahead of time. Store the tomatoes in the fridge and remove from the fridge 30-60 minutes before assembling the appetizer (at the same time you take the burrata out of the fridge). Store the crostini at room temperature until ready to serve.
• Variations – different ways to enjoy this appetizer:
  • Grill the bread instead of using the oven during the summer season.
  • Keep the tomatoes fresh instead of roasting and season according to the recipe to make more of a cherry tomato bruschetta as a topping.
  • Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or pesto sauce to the burrata cheese before serving to enhance the flavours of the burrata bread appetizer further.

Common questions

Where can I find burrata?
Many local grocery stores sell burrata. If you cannot find burrata, the closest substitute is fresh mozzarella cheese. Generally you can find fresh mozzarella balls packed in water or whey. Fresh mozzarella has the closest flavour in any substitute for burrata. However, please note mozzarella will not have the same creamy texture as burrata. If using fresh mozzarella instead of burrata I recommend adding a sprinkle of salt on the cheese before serving to enhance the flavour. In a pinch you could also serve this appetizer with fresh ricotta.

What is the best way to serve burrata?
Burrata is best enjoyed at room temperature so make sure to take it out of the fridge 30-60 minutes before making this burrata bread recipe.

Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?
If you don’t have red wine vinegar you can use balsamic vinegar for the roast tomatoes.

How to store this burrata bread recipe

This burrata bread appetizer is best enjoyed the day it’s made. However, if you have leftover burrata and tomatoes, store them in their own air-tight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. The toasted bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days as well.

More delicious appetizers to love from the blog

Easy Baked Feta Appetizer with Tomatoes and Peppers

Roasted Plum Crostini Appetizer with Goat Cheese

Sun Dried Tomato Goat Cheese Pesto Appetizer