Crispy, golden crostini topped with luscious burrata, vibrant basil pesto, and sweet, blistered cherry tomatoes—this appetizer brings the rustic charm of Italian cuisine straight to your table. Elegant yet easy to prepare, these burrata crostini are perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or anytime you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These burrata crostini are the perfect blend of textures and flavors—crunchy, creamy, tangy, and herbaceous. The roasted cherry tomatoes bring a subtle sweetness and depth, while the pesto adds a punch of freshness. It’s an easy yet sophisticated appetizer that comes together quickly and delivers big on taste. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this dish is consistently crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ball of burrata cheese (about 4 oz)
- 1/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Toast in the oven for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside.
- In a bowl, toss halved cherry tomatoes with balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until caramelized and slightly blistered.
- Tear the burrata into small pieces.
- To assemble: top each toasted crostini with a spoonful of burrata, followed by a dollop of basil pesto, and finish with 2–3 roasted cherry tomato halves.
- Optionally, garnish with a fresh basil leaf for added color and aroma.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 12 crostini, serving 4 to 6 people as an appetizer. The total time required is about 30 minutes—10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for roasting.
Variations
- Add prosciutto: For a more savory touch, add a thin slice of prosciutto on top of the burrata before the pesto.
- Use different pesto: Swap basil pesto for sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto for a different flavor profile.
- Add a balsamic glaze drizzle: A sweet and tangy balsamic reduction can enhance the flavor of the roasted tomatoes.
- Grill the bread: For a smoky flavor, grill the baguette slices instead of toasting them.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cherry tomatoes before roasting for a bit of heat.
Storage/Reheating
These crostini are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the components separately:
- Baguette slices: Store toasted bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Roasted tomatoes: Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
- Burrata and pesto: Store burrata in its liquid in the refrigerator and use within 2 days. Pesto can be refrigerated for up to a week.
Assembled crostini do not store well, as the bread can become soggy.
FAQs
What is burrata cheese?
Burrata is an Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. The outer shell is solid mozzarella, while the inside contains stracciatella and cream, giving it an incredibly soft and creamy texture.
Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
Yes, while burrata offers a creamier texture, fresh mozzarella can be used as a substitute if burrata is unavailable.
Can I make these crostini ahead of time?
You can prepare the individual components in advance, but for the best texture, assemble the crostini just before serving.
What type of bread is best for crostini?
A French baguette is ideal due to its firmness and ability to crisp up well when toasted.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely. Store-bought pesto works well, but you can also make your own for a fresher taste.
How do I keep the crostini from getting soggy?
Assemble them just before serving and ensure the bread is well-toasted to maintain crispness.
Are these crostini served hot or cold?
They can be served warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
What wine pairs well with burrata crostini?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir pairs nicely with the creamy and herbaceous flavors.
Can I use other tomatoes?
Yes, grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes can be used if cherry tomatoes are not available.
Are these crostini vegetarian?
Yes, as long as the pesto does not contain animal rennet, this dish is vegetarian-friendly.
Conclusion
Burrata crostini with roasted cherry tomatoes and basil pesto are an elegant, flavorful appetizer that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. With their beautiful presentation and well-balanced taste, they’re ideal for entertaining or enjoying a special night in. Prepare the components ahead, assemble just before serving, and savor every bite of this delightful dish.
Print
Burrata Crostini with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes & Basil Pesto
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 crostini 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy toasted baguette slices topped with creamy burrata, herby pesto, and oven-roasted cherry tomatoes—an irresistible Italian-inspired appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ball of burrata cheese (about 4 oz)
- 1/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Toast in the oven for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside.
- In a bowl, toss halved cherry tomatoes with balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until caramelized and slightly blistered.
- Tear the burrata into small pieces.
- To assemble: top each toasted crostini with a spoonful of burrata, followed by a dollop of basil pesto, and finish with 2–3 roasted cherry tomato halves.
- Optionally, garnish with a fresh basil leaf for added color and aroma.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can use homemade pesto for extra freshness.
- Serve immediately after assembly to maintain the crispness of the crostini.
- Great as an appetizer for parties or gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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