A burrata platter is a delightful fusion of fresh ingredients and rich flavors, perfect for summer gatherings and celebrations. This vibrant dish features creamy burrata cheese paired with an array of juicy heirloom tomatoes, making it an ideal appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual picnic, a festive barbecue, or an elegant dinner party, this platter will impress your guests with its stunning presentation and taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal cooking involved, this platter comes together quickly, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of friends and family.
- Flavorful Combination: The creamy burrata pairs beautifully with the ripe tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs, creating a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile Serving: This dish can be served as a light meal, appetizer, or part of a buffet spread, making it suitable for various occasions.
- Beautiful Presentation: The colorful arrangement of ingredients makes for an eye-catching centerpiece on any table.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh produce and wholesome fats from olive oil and cheese, this platter is both nutritious and satisfying.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing your burrata platter is simple with the right tools. Having everything organized will help you assemble this beautiful dish effortlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Platter or serving board
- Small bowls for olives and pickled peppers
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Platter or serving board: A large surface allows for beautiful arrangement of ingredients while providing ample space for all components.
- Cutting board: Keeps your workspace tidy while ensuring safe slicing of tomatoes and other ingredients.
Ingredients
A burrata platter is the summer version of a cheese board or charcuterie platter, for tomato lovers!
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces burrata cheese
– 2-3 large heirloom tomatoes
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes
– 1/2 cup assorted olives
– 1/2 cup pickled peppers
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 lb salami, chicken ham, prosciutto, or other sliced meat
– lettuce or micro-greens
– fresh herbs
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 Tbsp lemon juice
– 3 Tbsp red or white apple vinegar
– 1 tsp Italian herb seasoning
– 1 tsp sugar
– good pinch of coarse salt and pepper
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Burrata Platter
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Place the olives in a small bowl and arrange the pickled peppers next to them on one end of your platter.
- Add a light bed of greens to the other side of the platter to form a base for the tomatoes.
Step 2: Slice Your Tomatoes
- Wash and slice your heirloom tomatoes. Halve cherry tomatoes.
- Whisk together your dressing using olive oil, lemon juice, apple vinegar, Italian herb seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Taste to adjust flavors if needed.
Step 3: Arrange the Platter
- Arrange the sliced heirloom tomatoes in an overlapping pattern on the platter.
- Top with halved cherry tomatoes for additional color and flavor.
Step 4: Add Additional Ingredients
- Tuck in sliced onions around the tomatoes.
- Add slices or rolled meats into any blank spots on the platter.
Step 5: Finish with Burrata
- Slice open the burrata cheese to reveal its creamy interior.
- Drizzle all ingredients with your dressing. Serve immediately for maximum freshness.
How to Serve Burrata Platter
Serving a burrata platter is a delightful way to showcase fresh ingredients and enjoy a taste of summer. This dish not only looks stunning but also provides a variety of flavors that will impress your guests.
Family Style
- Large Serving Board: Arrange everything on a big wooden board for a rustic touch. Guests can help themselves and create their own combinations.
- Individual Plates: For a more formal occasion, serve small portions on individual plates. This adds elegance and makes for easy cleanup.
Pair with Bread
- Crusty Baguette Slices: Offer toasted baguette slices for spreading the creamy burrata or layering with tomatoes.
- Grissini Sticks: These crunchy breadsticks can add texture and are perfect for dipping into olive oil or dressing.
Add Dips
- Balsamic Reduction: Drizzle balsamic reduction over the platter for an extra sweet and tangy flavor.
- Pesto: A small bowl of basil pesto can complement the burrata beautifully, adding an herby note.
Include Garnishes
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley around the platter for color and added freshness.
- Edible Flowers: For a pop of color, consider adding edible flowers like nasturtiums or pansies.
How to Perfect Burrata Platter
To elevate your burrata platter, consider these simple tips. They will help you achieve the best presentation and flavor.
- Bold Colors: Use vibrant heirloom tomatoes and colorful olives to make your platter visually appealing.
- Seasoning Matters: Don’t skimp on seasoning; it enhances the flavors of the ingredients. Coarse salt and fresh cracked pepper should be generously added.
- Temperature Check: Serve the burrata at room temperature to fully enjoy its creamy texture. Take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving.
- Balance Flavors: Combine sweet, salty, and acidic elements in your platter for a well-rounded taste experience.
Best Side Dishes for Burrata Platter
A burrata platter pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its Mediterranean flair. Here are some great suggestions to serve alongside:
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil makes an excellent accompaniment.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar offers classic Italian flavors.
- Mediterranean Couscous: Fluffy couscous mixed with cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese adds a hearty element.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized bring warmth to your platter.
- Antipasto Skewers: Skewers filled with salami, cherry tomatoes, olives, and cheese provide easy-to-eat bites.
- Hummus: Smooth hummus served with pita chips or veggies adds creaminess and complements your meal nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating a burrata platter can be simple, but there are pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Overcrowding the Platter: It’s easy to want to fill every inch, but overcrowding can make it hard for guests to serve themselves. Choose a balanced selection of ingredients instead.
- Using Unripe Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes are key to a great burrata platter. Always choose heirloom or cherry tomatoes that are in season for the best flavor.
- Neglecting Presentation: A beautiful presentation enhances the experience. Take time to arrange the ingredients thoughtfully; overlapping tomatoes and colorful olives can make all the difference.
- Ignoring Seasoning: A sprinkle of salt or herb seasoning elevates the flavors. Don’t forget to season your dressing and check if your dish needs a little extra kick!
- Serving at the Wrong Temperature: Burrata cheese is best served at room temperature. Let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving for optimal creaminess.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 2-3 days for the best quality.
- Keep burrata cheese separate from other ingredients if possible.
Freezing Burrata Platter
- Freezing is not recommended as it affects the texture of burrata.
- If necessary, freeze meats and veggies separately.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag.
Reheating Burrata Platter
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm meats for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat leftovers on low power in short bursts, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Lightly sauté meats over medium heat until warmed through, taking care not to overcook.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Burrata Platter?
A burrata platter is a delightful arrangement of fresh ingredients centered around creamy burrata cheese, typically featuring tomatoes and assorted accompaniments.
Can I Customize My Burrata Platter?
Absolutely! You can add different vegetables, nuts, or even fruits like figs or peaches to suit your taste.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers from My Burrata Platter?
Leftovers should be consumed within 2-3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What Should I Serve with a Burrata Platter?
Pair your burrata platter with crusty bread, crackers, or even grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Is a Burrata Platter Suitable for Vegetarians?
Yes! This dish is primarily vegetarian as it focuses on cheese and vegetables, making it perfect for meat-free gatherings.
Final Thoughts
The burrata platter is not just a summer delight; it’s versatile enough for any occasion. With its mix of colors and flavors, this dish invites customization based on personal preferences. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a casual dinner at home, don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and make it your own!
Burrata Platter
A burrata platter is the perfect summer appetizer that showcases the delightful combination of creamy burrata cheese and fresh, vibrant ingredients. This dish features juicy heirloom tomatoes, assorted olives, and pickled peppers beautifully arranged on a serving board, making it an eye-catching centerpiece for any gathering. With minimal preparation involved, you can whip this platter together in no time, allowing you to enjoy more moments with friends and family. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or elegant dinner parties, the burrata platter not only delivers on taste but also brings a touch of sophistication to your table.
- Total Time: 6 minute
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
- 2–3 large heirloom tomatoes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup assorted olives
- 1/2 cup pickled peppers
- 1/4 red onion
- 1/4 lb sliced meats (salami, prosciutto)
- Lettuce or micro-greens
- Fresh herbs (basil, parsley)
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Apple vinegar
- Italian herb seasoning
Instructions
- Arrange olives and pickled peppers on one end of a large serving platter.
- Create a bed of greens on the other side.
- Slice heirloom tomatoes and halve cherry tomatoes; whisk together dressing ingredients.
- Layer sliced heirloom tomatoes on the platter; add halved cherry tomatoes for color.
- Fill in gaps with sliced onions and rolled meats.
- Place burrata in the center and drizzle with dressing before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No cooking involved
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of platter (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Customize your platter by adding seasonal vegetables or fruits like figs for added sweetness. For extra flavor, consider drizzling balsamic reduction or serving with crusty bread.
