Roasted Garlic Tomato Burrata Caprese – The Ultimate Summer Appetizer

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, fresh ingredients, and creamy texture, look no further than Roasted Garlic Tomato Burrata Caprese. This delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad combines juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, sweet garlic, and creamy burrata cheese, all topped with fragrant fresh basil. The roasting of the tomatoes and garlic brings out their natural sweetness, while the creamy burrata adds an indulgent touch that will leave your taste buds craving more.

This dish is perfect for any occasion — whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a cozy meal at home, or impressing your guests with something fresh and flavorful. The combination of roasted tomatoes, garlic, and creamy burrata makes it a showstopper that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning. Let’s dive into how to prepare this irresistible recipe step by step!

---

What is Roasted Garlic Tomato Burrata Caprese?

At the heart of this dish lies the traditional Caprese salad concept, which usually features fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. However, the addition of roasted garlic and burrata cheese elevates it to a whole new level. Burrata, a soft cheese made from mozzarella and cream, has a rich and creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the sweet roasted tomatoes. The roasted garlic adds a savory depth of flavor that balances out the richness of the burrata. When you combine these ingredients, you get a dish that’s creamy, tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy—all in one bite.

The roasted tomatoes are particularly special in this dish, as their natural sugars caramelize during roasting, intensifying their flavor. The garlic, when roasted, softens and sweetens, losing its sharpness and becoming a smooth, spreadable paste that melds beautifully with the tomatoes. Together, they form a warm, flavorful mixture that complements the delicate burrata cheese.

This dish is not just a feast for the stomach but also for the eyes. The vibrant red tomatoes, lush green basil, and rich burrata create a colorful, mouthwatering presentation that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients for Roasted Garlic Tomato Burrata Caprese

To prepare this delightful Roasted Garlic Tomato Burrata Caprese, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic:

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes (washed and halved)
• 1 small shallot, peeled and quartered
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (for a hint of heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Assembling the Salad:

• 2 balls (8 oz total) fresh burrata cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
• Toasted ciabatta bread or your favorite crackers, for serving

Step-by-Step Directions to Prepare Roasted Garlic Tomato Burrata Caprese

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that the tomatoes will roast perfectly, bursting open and releasing their natural sweetness. The garlic will also soften and caramelize, adding an amazing depth of flavor to the dish.

2. Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic:

In a baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, quartered shallot, and peeled garlic cloves. Drizzle everything with extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

Roast the tomatoes and garlic in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and softened, and the garlic cloves are tender. The aroma of roasting garlic and tomatoes will fill your kitchen, creating anticipation for the dish!

3. Prepare the Garlic Paste:

Once the tomatoes and garlic have roasted, remove the dish from the oven. The garlic should be soft and golden, and the tomatoes should have released their juices, creating a flavorful sauce.

Remove the roasted garlic and shallot from the baking dish and place them on a cutting board. Use the side of a knife to mash the garlic and shallot into a paste. This will add a rich, savory element to the dish and bind the flavors together.

Return the mashed garlic paste to the baking dish with the roasted tomatoes. Stir everything together to combine, allowing the garlic paste to mix into the warm tomato mixture.

4. Assemble the Salad:

Now comes the fun part—assembling the salad! Place the fresh burrata cheese on a serving platter. Burrata is best served at room temperature to fully appreciate its creamy texture. Spoon the warm roasted tomato and garlic mixture over the burrata, allowing the cheese to melt slightly and soak up the flavors of the tomatoes.

Top the dish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. The basil adds a fresh, aromatic note that perfectly complements the creamy burrata and savory roasted tomatoes.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

This dish is best served immediately while the tomatoes and garlic are warm. For an added touch of crunch, serve with toasted ciabatta bread or your favorite crackers. The crispy bread is perfect for scooping up the warm tomato mixture and creamy burrata, making every bite an indulgence.

Why You’ll Love Roasted Garlic Tomato Burrata Caprese

There’s so much to love about Roasted Garlic Tomato Burrata Caprese. First and foremost, it’s a dish that combines simple ingredients in an extraordinary way. The roasted tomatoes, garlic, and burrata create an irresistible blend of flavors that are both comforting and refreshing at the same time. The roasted garlic and herbs add savory depth, while the burrata cheese brings a luxurious creaminess that makes this dish unforgettable.

Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. It can be served as a starter for a dinner party, a side dish to accompany grilled meats, or even as a light main course for a casual meal. It’s also a great dish to make in the summer when tomatoes are at their peak, but it can be enjoyed year-round thanks to the use of cherry tomatoes that are available in most grocery stores.

Roasted Garlic Tomato Burrata Caprese FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cheese instead of burrata?

While burrata is the star of this dish due to its creamy texture, you can substitute it with fresh mozzarella or goat cheese if you prefer. However, burrata’s rich, creamy texture is what makes this dish so special.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served immediately after assembling to ensure the burrata stays creamy and fresh. However, you can prepare the roasted tomatoes and garlic ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat the mixture before serving and assemble the salad with the burrata and fresh basil when ready to enjoy.

3. Can I make this dish without roasting the garlic and tomatoes?

Roasting the garlic and tomatoes is what gives this dish its deep, savory flavors. If you prefer a quicker version, you could try using fresh tomatoes and garlic, but it won’t have the same rich, caramelized taste.

4. Is this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Roasted Garlic Tomato Burrata Caprese is vegetarian as it contains burrata cheese. However, it is not vegan because burrata is made from dairy. If you’re looking for a vegan version, you can substitute burrata with a plant-based cheese alternative.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?

If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the roasted tomato mixture or drizzle some spicy olive oil on top before serving. Alternatively, a few dashes of hot sauce can add extra spice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Roasted Garlic Tomato Burrata Caprese is an irresistible dish that combines the best of fresh, flavorful ingredients with a luxurious twist. The roasted tomatoes, creamy burrata, and savory garlic paste come together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a starter, side dish, or main course, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Don’t forget to enjoy it with toasted ciabatta bread or your favorite crackers for the ultimate experience. This dish is a must-try for any fan of Mediterranean flavors, and it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!

Print