Imagine a dish that bursts with vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and a creamy surprise that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Our Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata is not just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet masterpiece. Perfect for summer gatherings, intimate dinners, or when you want to elevate your appetizer game, this Italian-inspired dish promises to be the star of any meal.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Wash cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water. Pat dry with clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Carefully slice cherry tomatoes in half using a sharp knife, ensuring even and clean cuts. Place halved tomatoes in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Pour the prepared marinade over the halved cherry tomatoes, gently tossing to ensure each tomato is evenly coated. Let the tomatoes marinate at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to absorb flavors.
- While tomatoes are marinating, remove burrata cheese from refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
- Arrange marinated tomatoes on a serving platter, creating an attractive scattered pattern.
- Carefully tear burrata cheese into rustic pieces and place them strategically over the marinated tomatoes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped, to add a vibrant aromatic touch.
- Serve immediately at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to be at its creamiest.
Tips
- Choose the freshest cherry tomatoes possible—look for bright, firm tomatoes with vibrant color and no blemishes.
- Allow the tomatoes to marinate at room temperature to maximize flavor absorption. The 15-20 minute marination time is crucial for developing depth.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar for the most authentic and rich taste.
- Let the burrata cheese sit at room temperature for exactly 10 minutes before serving to achieve the perfect creamy texture.
- For a more intense flavor, consider adding a small minced garlic clove or some fresh herbs like oregano to the marinade.
- Serve immediately after plating to enjoy the optimal temperature and texture of both tomatoes and cheese.
- If you can't find burrata, fresh mozzarella can be a good substitute, though it won't have the same luxurious creamy center.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 45mg
