Imagine the juiciest, most flavorful cherry tomatoes mingling in a zesty marinade, cozied up to ribbons of creamy burrata—this, my friend, is Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata. It’s a sun-drenched celebration of freshness, perfect for everything from backyard gatherings to your most spontaneous snack cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Burst of Flavor: Every bite is packed with sweet, tangy, garlicky, and herby notes—truly summer in a bowl.
- Simple Yet Show-Stopping: Minimal effort, maximum results—this looks as impressive as it tastes, and it’s secretly so easy.
- Ultra Versatile: Serve as a stunning appetizer, picnic centerpiece, or even as a light meal with crusty bread.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The marinated tomatoes only get better with time, making entertaining a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of vibrant, quality ingredients—the kind that let every flavor shine. Each one is chosen to add either luscious creaminess, bold umami, zippy brightness, or pops of vibrant color to your Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Go for a colorful medley if you can—sweet, juicy, and bursting with summer energy.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Brings silkiness and rounds out the acidity—try to use the best you have.
- Balsamic Vinegar: For depth and a gentle sweetness that dances with the tomatoes and honey.
- Champagne or Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a bright, lightly tangy contrast to the balsamic.
- Honey: Just a touch to balance the acidity, amplifying the tomatoes’ natural sugars.
- Garlic: Grate it fresh for a punch of savory flavor that seeps into every tomato half.
- Fresh Basil: Chopped generously for aromatic, summery elegance.
- Fresh Thyme: Earthy and herby, it gives complexity to the marinade.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential to bring every taste to life—don’t be shy!
- Chili Flakes: For a subtle kick that wakes up your taste buds (adjust to your spice comfort level).
- Burrata Cheese: The dreamy heart of this dish: decadently creamy with a mozzarella shell and oozy center.
- Grilled Bread or Crackers: The irresistible vessel for scooping up every last drop.
Variations
This recipe is delightfully flexible—swap ingredients, adjust to your cravings, or tailor it for dietary needs. The beauty of Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata is how easily you can make it your own in just a few simple tweaks.
- Add Roasted Red Peppers: For an extra layer of smoky sweetness and color, sliced roasted peppers work beautifully with the marinade.
- Try Different Herbs: Swap or combine basil with fresh oregano, dill, or chives depending on what’s in your garden or fridge.
- Make It Vegan: Replace the burrata with a creamy plant-based cheese, and use maple syrup in place of honey if needed.
- Use Heirloom Tomatoes: Dice ripe heirloom tomatoes for a rustic twist and even more complex tomato flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add more chili flakes or a few slices of fresh chili for those who like a fiery bite.
How to Make Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata
Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the olive oil, both vinegars, honey, grated garlic, chopped basil, and thyme. Give it a taste and season with a generous pinch of salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of chili flakes to your spice preference. The marinade should be lively and well-balanced—a little zingy, sweet, and savory all at once.
Step 2: Marinate the Tomatoes
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to your bowl of marinade. Toss gently so every tomato is kissed by those flavorful juices. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes so the tomatoes soak up maximum flavor—or cover and refrigerate overnight if you’re prepping ahead. Don’t forget to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
Step 3: Plate with Burrata and Serve
When you’re ready to serve, tear or gently break open the burrata balls over a wide serving bowl or platter. Spoon those glossy, marinated tomatoes and all their delectable juices around and over the burrata. Scatter fresh basil over the top if you’d like, and serve right away with warm grilled bread or your favorite crackers for ultimate dipping.
Pro Tips for Making Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata
- Tomato Selection Matters: Use the ripest, juiciest cherry tomatoes you can find—farmer’s market or garden-fresh make this truly unforgettable.
- Don’t Rush the Marinate: The magic happens as the tomatoes mingle with the marinade—let it sit at least 30 minutes, but don’t be afraid to prep it the night before.
- Room Temperature Burrata: Serve your burrata at room temp for peak creaminess; cold cheese won’t deliver the dreamy, oozing effect you want.
- Grill the Bread: Brushing bread lightly with olive oil and grilling or toasting it gives you irresistible crunch (and helps soak up all those juices!).
How to Serve Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata
Garnishes
Just before serving, shower your Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata with extra fresh basil leaves, microgreens, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a hit of texture. A light drizzle of olive oil or an extra crack of black pepper is always welcome for that last layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as the centerpiece of a summery spread, but it’s also stunning alongside grilled meats, simple pastas, or a big green salad. For a more substantial meal, pair with prosciutto, olives, or even a chilled glass of white wine.
Creative Ways to Present
To really wow your guests, serve Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata on a big, rustic wooden board with the toast stacked alongside, or layer everything in individual mason jars or glasses for a picnic-friendly take. For the holidays, nestle the tomatoes and burrata in spoons or tiny bowls as a colorful, bite-sized appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover marinated tomatoes and burrata (if there are any!) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The tomatoes will continue to mellow and soak up the flavors, but the burrata is at its best within the first day.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata, as the tomatoes and burrata will lose their lovely texture and fresh flavor after thawing. Enjoy it fresh and vibrant—it’s truly meant for the moment!
Reheating
This recipe is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. Just let leftovers sit out for 10–15 minutes to take the chill off before serving again, and you’re all set.
FAQs
-
Can I use regular mozzarella instead of burrata?
Absolutely! Mozzarella (preferably the soft, fresh kind) makes a great substitute if burrata is hard to find. While it won’t be as creamy in the center, it still pairs deliciously with marinated cherry tomatoes.
-
How far in advance can I prepare the marinated tomatoes?
You can prepare the marinated cherry tomatoes up to a day ahead. In fact, an overnight rest infuses even more flavor—just let them warm to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
-
What if I have leftover marinade?
Don’t toss it! The leftover marinade is liquid gold—use it as a salad dressing, drizzle over roasted veggies, or spoon it onto grilled meats for an instant flavor boost.
-
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata itself is gluten-free. Just serve with your favorite gluten-free bread or crackers to keep the entire spread gluten-free for everyone to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Don’t be surprised if Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata becomes your go-to for every picnic, party, or weekend treat—it never fails to delight with its luscious, sunlit flavors. Grab those tomatoes, slice up some bread, and treat yourself (and your lucky guests) to something truly special.
Print
Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion, these Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata are a burst of flavors. The juicy cherry tomatoes paired with creamy burrata cheese create a harmonious blend that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp champagne or apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp honey
- 1–2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chili flakes, to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2–3 balls burrata cheese, at room temperature
- Grilled bread or crackers, for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, prepare the marinade: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, champagne vinegar, honey, garlic, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
- Add the tomatoes: Toss the halved cherry tomatoes in the marinade until well combined. Allow to marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight.
- Serve: Place the burrata in a serving bowl, break it open, and arrange the marinated tomatoes around it. Serve with grilled or toasted bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
