Cozy Roasted Tomato Burrata Bruschetta Recipe, Made Simple
There’s something truly comforting about the way warm, roasted tomatoes fill the kitchen with their sweet, toasty aroma. Toss in a creamy burrata, a hint of fresh basil, and a drizzle of rich balsamic glaze, and you have an appetizer that feels both elegant and effortlessly inviting. I love how this Roasted Tomato Burrata Bruschetta Recipe marries rustic charm with fresh summer flavors that satisfy on a cozy evening or any gathering.
If you’ve ever hesitated over bruschetta because you thought it’d be complicated or fussy, this recipe is here to surprise you. You’ll find it’s straightforward, with each step building to a crisp, buttery base topped by juicy roasted tomatoes that burst with flavor. The creamy burrata adds a silky contrast, creating a perfect balance in every bite.
This is one of those recipes I keep returning to—not only for its delicious results but for the cozy moments roasting tomatoes always brings to the kitchen.
What Makes This Recipe Special
- Balanced flavors: Sweet, rich, and thoughtfully textured.
- Friendly technique: Clear steps built for home success.
- Easy to personalize: Swap in seasonal twists without stress.
- Make-ahead smart: Prep components to save time on busy days.
Ingredient Lowdown
- Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness intensifies with roasting, turning juicy and bursting with flavor. You can swap grape tomatoes if that’s what you have on hand.
- Burrata cheese: Creamy, cool, and silky; it balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly. If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella is a softer substitute.
- Shallot: Adds mild onion fragrance without overpowering; finely chopped to melt into the roasted juices.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for fragrant depth; roasting temp softens its bite and mellows the sharpness.
- Olive oil: Look for extra virgin for the best flavor and smooth richness that coats the tomatoes beautifully.
- Fresh basil: Bright, herbaceous notes bring freshness to finish the bruschetta with a lovely pop of green.
- Baguette (optional): Crisp, golden toasty slices make the perfect vehicle for scooping up the juicy topping.
- Balsamic glaze: Adds a glossy, sweet tang that complements both the cheese and tomatoes effortlessly.
Set Up for Success
Before you dive into roasting, take a moment to set up your kitchen for smooth cooking. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)—this temperature coaxed the tomatoes into softness without drying them out. Grab a medium baking dish for the tomatoes to mingle with shallots and garlic, making sure there’s enough room for everything to roast evenly. No need to oil the pan beforehand; the olive oil tossed with the tomatoes does the trick.
Tools & Kitchen Gear
Helpful tools that make this Roasted Tomato Burrata Bruschetta Recipe smooth from start to finish—plus optional extras for efficiency and precision.
Step-by-Step: Roasted Tomato Burrata Bruschetta Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate temp is perfect for coaxing the tomatoes into a tender, juicy state without turning them mushy.
- Combine cherry tomatoes, shallot, garlic, and olive oil in your baking dish. Toss gently until every tomato glistens, coated in fragrant garlic and silky olive oil. I like to spread them out so they roast rather than steam.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, triggering the tomatoes to soften and start bursting, releasing a rich, vibrant juice that smells heavenly. Keep an eye on them—you want just enough caramelization to deepen their natural sweetness.
- Turn your oven to high heat and roast an extra 2-3 minutes to brown and intensify the tomato tops. That little char adds a touch of smoky depth I adore.
- Remove from the oven and let the tomatoes cool for about 5 minutes. This rest allows the juices to settle, so they won’t flood the bruschetta later.
- Sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the tomatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper to bring out layers of flavor. The basil’s brightness lifts the rich, roasted mix beautifully.
- Place your burrata ball gently on top of the tomato mixture. Its lusciously creamy center melts slightly into the warm tomatoes, creating a buttery, luscious mouthfeel.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over everything just before serving. This sticky, sweet tang rounds out the flavors and adds a bit of glossy, rich color that looks stunning on the plate.
- Serve with toasted baguette slices, crostinis, or crackers. That crisp bread holds the soft tomato and cheese topping perfectly, adding just the right crunch to every bite.
Chef’s Notes & Success Tips
For the best texture, avoid overcrowding the tomatoes in the baking dish—crowding causes steam, which prevents that lovely caramelized edge. Also, letting the roasted mixture rest before topping helps keep your bruschetta from getting soggy. When you add burrata, be gentle; its creamy texture is delicate but key to contrast the warm tomatoes.
Flavor Twists for Roasted Tomato Burrata Bruschetta Recipe
- Add roasted red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the creamy burrata.
- Try fresh thyme or oregano in place of basil for a more earthy, herbaceous aroma.
- Swap cherry tomatoes for halved plum tomatoes for a meatier bite and richer juice.
- Include a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top for unexpected crunch and nuttiness.
- Mix in a touch of lemon zest to elevate the brightness and add a fresh aroma that feels perfect for spring and summer.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store roasted tomatoes separately: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; burrata is best fresh but can be refrigerated for a day.
- Freeze the tomato mix: Without the cheese, roasted tomatoes freeze well—thaw gently and reheat to keep that juicy texture.
- For parties: Roast the tomatoes and prep the garlic and basil earlier in the day—assemble the bruschetta just before serving to maintain that fresh, inviting bite.
- Toast your bread on demand: Slices turn stale fast, so crisp them right before guests arrive or just before serving.
Roasted Tomato Burrata Bruschetta Recipe FAQs
- Can I use a different cheese instead of burrata? Absolutely! Fresh mozzarella works well if burrata isn’t available, but it won’t be quite as creamy.
- What if I don’t have balsamic glaze? You can reduce balsamic vinegar on the stove until syrupy, or just lightly drizzle good quality balsamic vinegar for tang.
- Can this recipe be vegan? You could swap burrata with a creamy plant-based cheese or avocado slices for a rich texture.
- How do I keep the bread from getting soggy? Toast the bread well and add the roasted tomato topping just before serving. Resting the tomatoes after roasting helps too.
- Is this bruschetta served hot or cold? I like it warm enough so the burrata softens slightly, but it’s also great at room temperature. Avoid serving chilled for best flavor.
Roasted Tomato Burrata Bruschetta Recipe
A delightful Roasted Tomato Burrata Bruschetta featuring oven-roasted cherry tomatoes infused with garlic and shallots, topped with creamy burrata cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Perfect as a light appetizer or elegant snack served with toasted baguette slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-28 minutes
- Total Time: 35-38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Roasted Tomato Mixture
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Toppings and Serving
- 4 oz burrata cheese ball
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1 baguette, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes.
- Prepare Tomato Mixture: In a baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, finely chopped shallot, minced garlic, and olive oil. Toss everything together to coat the tomatoes evenly in the oil and aromatics.
- Roast Tomatoes: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until the tomatoes begin to burst and release their flavorful juices.
- Brown the Tomatoes: Increase the oven temperature to high heat and roast for an additional 2-3 minutes to slightly brown the tops of the tomatoes, adding a caramelized depth of flavor.
- Cool the Tomatoes: Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the tomato mixture to cool for about 5 minutes to make handling easier.
- Season and Assemble: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the roasted tomatoes, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Place the burrata cheese gently on top of the tomato mixture.
- Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the assembled bruschetta. Serve immediately with crostinis, crackers, or sliced baguette for a delicious appetizer.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the burrata with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Use a good quality balsamic glaze for the best flavor impact.
- To make crostinis, lightly toast baguette slices with olive oil until golden and crisp.
- You can prepare the roasted tomato mixture ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and balsamic glaze.
