This Burrata Bruschetta layers creamy burrata cheese and marinated tomatoes on top of crispy garlic toast. It’s an impressively easy appetizer recipe that only takes 30 minutes to make.
Bruschetta is easily one of my favorite party appetizers. Not only does it look beautiful and impressive on a platter but it’s also surprisingly easy to make.
And making bruschetta with burrata cheese makes it even more amazing.
Creamy and spreadable, burrata is the best cheese for bruschetta. Its rich, milky flavor contrasts nicely with the acidic tang of the marinated tomato-basil topping.
I love serving this burrata bruschetta recipe on Christmas and throughout the summer when my garden tomatoes are ripe and juicy.
Today, I’m walking you through how to make the best burrata bruschetta, including which ingredients to use, tips for success, and some of my favorite ways to serve with this easy appetizer.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy Appetizer- Burrata bruschetta is a delicious Italian appetizer that’s impressive, but still so easy to make.
- Ready in 30 Minutes- Perfect for a last-minute party, these easy bruschetta toasts are ready in just 30 minutes.
- Fresh & Flavorful Ingredients- Creamy burrata cheese pairs with crispy ciabatta bread and marinated tomatoes for the freshest, most flavorful bruschetta you’ll ever taste.
- Marinated Tomatoes- Giving the tomatoes a few minutes to marinate before serving adds so much flavor to the bruschetta.
Ingredient Notes
Here are some notes on key ingredients. For a full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.
- Burrata Cheese- Look for fresh burrata cheese in the specialty cheese section of your grocery store. Burrata cheese is sold as a ball in a small tub of liquid.
- Ciabatta Bread- A rustic Italian white bread, ciabatta bread works perfectly as a bruschetta bread. Cut it into 1-inch thick slices. Additionally, avoid using any slices with too many holes to prevent the toppings from falling through.
- Tomatoes- While any tomato variety can be used, I prefer to make bruschetta with heirloom, globe, or plum-style tomatoes. Dice the tomatoes into small, uniform pieces with the seeds removed.
- Garlic- Grating or finely mincing the garlic for the tomato mixture helps distribute the flavor more evenly. I also love rubbing each toast with raw garlic for an extra burst of garlic flavor.
- Basil- Basil lends a fresh, peppery, anise-like flavor to the marinated tomato mixture.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar- Balsamic vinegar adds acidity to the bruschetta, which contrasts nicely with the rich and creamy burrata cheese.
- Kosher Salt- Opt for kosher salt as it does not typically contain added sugar or anti-caking agents like table salt often does.
- Black Pepper- Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor.
🌱 Sustainability Tip: Grow your own basil and tomatoes in your garden or a container. This reduces food and packaging waste and makes for the freshest, most delicious bruschetta.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few ways you can customize this easy burrata bruschetta recipe to fit your diet and taste preferences.
Substitutions
- Burrata Cheese- Swap burrata cheese for fresh mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, goat cheese, feta cheese, or cream cheese.
- Ciabatta Bread- Substitute ciabatta bread with baguette, focaccia, or sourdough bread.
- Tomatoes- Use quartered cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes if preferred. For tomato-free bruschetta, try roasted red peppers or olives instead.
- Garlic- Substitute the garlic in the tomato-basil topping for ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. You can also sprinkle a little garlic powder on each piece of toast or use garlic-infused olive oil.
- Basil- Replace fresh basil with about one tablespoon of dried basil. You can also use other fresh herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil- Melted butter may be substituted for olive oil on the ciabatta bread. In the marinated tomato topping, try swapping olive oil for avocado oil or walnut oil.
- Balsamic Vinegar- Substitute balsamic vinegar with lemon juice, red or white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar. Alternatively, omit vinegar from the tomato mixture and drizzle the finished bruschetta with balsamic glaze.
Variations
- Grilled- Grill the ciabatta bread slices and tomatoes for a deliciously smoky flavor.
- Roasted- For a sweeter variation, use roasted tomatoes and roasted garlic in place of fresh.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes- Swap fresh tomatoes for marinated sun-dried tomatoes to give the bruschetta a sweeter, more intense tomato flavor.
- Pesto- Mix a bit of pesto in with the tomatoes for a bold, herbaceous flavor.
- Fruity- Mix the tomatoes with diced peaches or strawberries to make sweet bruschetta.
- Spicy- Add a few shakes of red pepper flakes to the tomato-basil mixture to give this burrata cheese bruschetta a spicy kick.
How to Make Burrata Bruschetta
Here is how to make bruschetta with burrata cheese.
Step 1: Marinate the tomatoes. Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic to the bowl. Toss to coat, allowing the mixture to marinate while you prepare the bread.
Step 2: Toast the bread. Brush both sides of the ciabatta slices with olive oil. Place the slices on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Toast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. While still warm, rub each slice with the halved garlic clove.
Step 3: Assemble the bruschetta. Divide and spread burrata cheese evenly on each slice of toasted bread. Top generously with the marinated tomato-basil mixture, straining any excess liquid. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success
Make this bruschetta burrata toast recipe successfully the first time using these helpful kitchen tips.
- Choose ripe tomatoes. Opt for the freshest, ripest tomatoes you can find. In-season tomatoes will provide the best taste and texture for the tomato-basil topping.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. High-quality burrata, ciabatta, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar will significantly enhance the flavor of your dish.
- Marinate the tomatoes. Allow the tomatoes to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Use crusty, rustic bread. Ciabatta works well due to its sturdy crust and rustic texture. Avoid slices with large holes for the best results.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy burrata bruschetta immediately after assembling to preserve the crispy texture of the bread and the creamy consistency of the burrata.
What to Serve With Burrata Bruschetta
In Italy, bruschetta is typically served as an appetizer or antipasto dish. However, it can also be served as a side dish alongside a variety of main dishes.
For a classic Italian meal, pair this burrata bruschetta with lasagna al forno, linguine bolognese, meatballs, fettuccine alfredo, pesto salmon, or stuffed portobello mushrooms.
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, serve this tomato bruschetta with burrata alongside your favorite salad. Some of my favorites include spinach caprese salad, pesto orzo salad, kale salad, and arugula quinoa salad.
Storage and Reheating
How to Store
If you plan to store bruschetta, keep the toppings separate from the bread.
- Room Temperature- Store leftover toasted ciabatta slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator- Store the tomato-basil topping in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Burrata can only be stored for 1-2 days once opened.
How to Store Burrata Cheese
Due to its short shelf life, keep unopened burrata in its original packaging until ready to use.
Enjoy burrata as soon as possible after opening. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container and enjoy within one or two days at most.
How to Reheat
Reheat toasted ciabatta bread slices in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy. Alternatively, use a toaster or skillet as a faster alternative to the oven.
The tomato topping and burrata are intended to be served cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Burrata bruschetta is best enjoyed as soon as it’s prepared. However, the tomato mixture can be prepared a day or two ahead of time. The flavors will meld even more if you allow the tomato mixture to marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
Bruschetta can be made using many types of bread. However, rustic bread with a sturdy crust and neutral flavor is best. Some great options include ciabatta, sourdough bread, baguette, and focaccia.
Ensure the tomato mixture is well-drained before topping the bread. If there's excess liquid, strain it out to avoid sogginess. Only top the bread just before serving for best results.
This tomato burrata bruschetta contains fiber, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is a nutritionally well-balanced dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.
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📖 Recipe
Burrata Bruschetta
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Tomato-Basil Topping
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 globe or plum tomatoes diced small, seeds removed
- ¼ cup fresh basil chiffonade (thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic grated or finely minced
For the Burrata Bruschetta
- 8 slices ciabatta bread cut into 1-inch thick slices
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic halved
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
Instructions
For the Tomato-Basil Mixture
- Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic to the bowl. Toss to coat, allowing the mixture to marinate while you prepare the bread.2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 4 globe or plum tomatoes, ¼ cup fresh basil, 2 cloves garlic
For the Burrata Bruschetta
- Brush both sides of the ciabatta slices with olive oil. Place the slices on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Toast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. While still warm, rub each slice with the halved garlic clove.8 slices ciabatta bread, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 clove garlic
- Divide and spread burrata cheese evenly on each slice of toasted bread. Top generously with the marinated tomato-basil mixture, straining any excess liquid. Serve immediately and enjoy!8 ounces burrata cheese
Notes
- Store: Leftover tomato-basil topping can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Use any leftover burrata cheese within a day or two.
Patricia says
One of my favorite appetizers! This one was so fresh, creamy, and flavorful. Thanks!
Ashley Petrie says
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Dawn says
These were amazing and enjoyed them with a nice glass of white wine.
Ashley Petrie says
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed 🙂