Charred Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata

There’s something magical that happens when juicy cherry tomatoes hit a hot skillet. They blister, burst, and release this incredible sweetness that you can’t quite get any other way. Now imagine pairing those charred gems with luxuriously creamy burrata, a drizzle of good olive oil, and just a kiss of balsamic. This recipe is all about bold flavors, silky textures, and rustic elegance served up in one gorgeous plate.

Behind the Recipe

This dish was born out of one of those evenings where you want something special but don’t feel like doing much. A crusty loaf of bread on the counter, a pint of cherry tomatoes looking a little too ripe, and a ball of burrata waiting in the fridge. It was the perfect excuse to throw together something simple, yet totally worthy of a dinner party. One bite, and I was hooked — and now, it’s a go-to for both quick lunches and dinner starters alike.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Charred tomatoes have long been a favorite in Mediterranean kitchens, especially in Italian cooking. Their concentrated sweetness and smoky notes make them the perfect base for pastas, bruschetta, or just eaten with a fork. Burrata, a cheese that hails from Puglia, Italy, is essentially mozzarella on the outside with a rich, creamy center. Pairing the two creates this divine contrast of warm and cool, smoky and milky, rustic and luxurious.

Why You’ll Love Charred Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata

There’s a lot to love about this one. Here’s why it belongs in your recipe rotation:

Versatile: Serve it as a starter, side dish, or light lunch with grilled bread.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients with fancy results.

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes from skillet to table.

Customizable: Add herbs, switch up the cheese, or even toss in roasted garlic.

Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for entertaining, it always impresses.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can char the tomatoes a few hours in advance.

Great for Leftovers: If you happen to have any, it makes an amazing sandwich spread.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

You don’t need to be a pro to pull this off like one. Here are a few tricks I swear by:

1. Use a Cast Iron Skillet: It gives the tomatoes that perfect blister and char without sticking.
2. Don’t Stir Too Soon: Let the tomatoes sit and sizzle so they can develop color and flavor.
3. Serve Burrata at Room Temp: Cold burrata won’t melt into the tomatoes the same way.
4. Drizzle Olive Oil Last: For the richest flavor, use a good extra virgin olive oil right before serving.
5. Add a Pinch of Flaky Salt: It wakes up all the flavors and adds that final touch of texture.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Keep it simple, but don’t skip the essentials:

Cast Iron Skillet: Ideal for getting that deep char without burning.

Tongs or Wooden Spoon: For stirring the tomatoes gently without crushing them.

Serving Platter or Bowl: Choose something that shows off the colors of the dish.

Small Knife: To slice basil or prep your garlic.

Paper Towels: Helpful for blotting moisture off the burrata if needed.

Ingredients in Charred Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata

The ingredients here come together like a little orchestra. Each one plays a vital role in making this dish sing:

1. Cherry Tomatoes: 2 cups. These sweet, juicy gems blister beautifully and provide the base flavor.
2. Burrata Cheese: 1 large ball (about 8 oz). Creamy and rich, it contrasts perfectly with the hot tomatoes.
3. Garlic Cloves: 2, thinly sliced. Adds aromatic depth and a little kick.
4. Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. For cooking and drizzling, it adds richness and brings everything together.
5. Fresh Basil Leaves: A handful, sliced into ribbons. Brings freshness and a hint of peppery bite.
6. Balsamic Glaze: 1 tablespoon. Adds sweetness and acidity to balance the creaminess.
7. Flaky Sea Salt: To taste. Enhances all the flavors with that delicate crunch.
8. Black Pepper: Freshly cracked, to taste. Adds warmth and depth.

Ingredient Substitutions

Need to mix it up or work with what you have?

Burrata: Fresh mozzarella or whipped ricotta.

Cherry Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes or chopped Roma tomatoes.

Fresh Basil: Chopped parsley or arugula.

Balsamic Glaze: A splash of balsamic vinegar and a touch of honey.

Garlic: Garlic powder (½ tsp), if you’re out of fresh.

Ingredient Spotlight

Burrata: This Italian cheese is mozzarella on the outside with a dreamy, creamy interior. It melts beautifully into hot dishes or stands alone on a plate.

Cherry Tomatoes: Small and sweet, they’re ideal for charring because their skins blister quickly, intensifying their natural flavor.

Instructions for Making Charred Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata

Let’s make something beautiful together. Grab a skillet, turn up the heat, and get ready to be wowed.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high until very hot but not smoking.
2. Combine Ingredients: Toss cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Add the tomatoes and garlic to the hot skillet in a single layer.
4. Assemble the Dish: Once the tomatoes are blistered and soft, remove from heat. Spoon them onto a platter.
5. Cook to Perfection: Let the garlic brown slightly with the tomatoes for 5–7 minutes total. Stir only once or twice.
6. Finishing Touches: Tear the burrata and place it gently over the tomatoes. Drizzle remaining olive oil and balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with basil, flaky salt, and extra pepper.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with toasted sourdough, focaccia, or a spoon straight from the dish.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This dish is all about contrast. The tomatoes are blistered on the outside but burst with sweet juice inside. Burrata, with its creamy center, mellows the sharpness of garlic and balsamic. Each bite gives you warm, roasted brightness and cool, milky richness with a hint of peppery basil.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Let tomatoes sit untouched for maximum char.
• Always bring burrata to room temperature.
• Add a few chili flakes for gentle heat.
• Use day-old bread, toasted, to soak up all that goodness.

What to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pan: It’ll steam instead of char the tomatoes.
• Using cold burrata: It won’t spread or melt nicely.
• Stirring too often: You’ll miss out on that perfect char.
• Overcooking garlic: It can get bitter if it burns.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 2
Calories per serving: 320

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can char the tomatoes a few hours ahead of time and let them cool at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Burrata is best added fresh, but leftovers can be gently reheated or turned into a sandwich or pasta topper. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the cheese will not hold up.

How to Serve Charred Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata

Serve warm or room temp on a platter, with crusty bread on the side. It also makes a great topping for grilled chicken, crostini, or even stirred into warm pasta with an extra drizzle of olive oil.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Tomato Toast: Spread leftovers on grilled bread and top with herbs.
• Quick Pasta Toss: Mix with warm penne or spaghetti and a little pasta water.
• Savory Grain Bowl: Spoon over quinoa or farro with roasted veggies.

Additional Tips

• Finish with a touch of lemon zest for brightness.
• A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a little kick.
• Use different colored cherry tomatoes for a visual pop.
• Don’t skip the basil — it brings everything to life.

Make It a Showstopper

Use a wide, shallow dish so everything spreads naturally. Let some burrata spill over the tomatoes for that oozy, irresistible look. Finish with a flourish of basil and an artful drizzle of glaze for a dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Variations to Try

• Caprese Twist: Add sliced heirloom tomatoes and pesto drizzle.
• Herby Upgrade: Mix in thyme or oregano before roasting.
• Spicy Version: Add Calabrian chili paste to the tomatoes.
• Mediterranean Touch: Add olives and capers for briny contrast.
• Vegan Version: Use cashew cheese instead of burrata.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry?

A1: You can, but chop them small and cook until they blister nicely.

Q2: What can I use instead of burrata?

A2: Fresh mozzarella or whipped ricotta are great options.

Q3: Is this dish served hot or cold?

A3: Ideally warm or room temperature so the flavors can shine.

Q4: Can I grill the tomatoes instead of using a skillet?

A4: Absolutely, grilling adds even more smoky flavor.

Q5: What bread pairs best with this?

A5: Sourdough or rustic country loaves are perfect for soaking up the juices.

Q6: Can I make this in advance?

A6: You can char the tomatoes ahead, but add burrata fresh.

Q7: Does this work as a main dish?

A7: For a light meal, yes. Add grains or greens to bulk it up.

Q8: Is this gluten-free?

A8: Yes, the dish itself is gluten-free. Just skip the bread or use GF options.

Q9: Can I use dried herbs?

A9: Fresh is best, but dried basil can work in a pinch.

Q10: What kind of olive oil should I use?

A10: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds the best flavor finish.

Conclusion

Charred Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is effortless to make. It’s comforting, vibrant, and always a conversation starter. Trust me, you’re going to love this. Whether it’s a weeknight indulgence or a starter for guests, it’s worth every bite.

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