If you’ve never tried Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata, you’re in for a treat that captures the very heart of summer on one plate. This recipe transforms juicy cherry tomatoes and ultra-creamy burrata cheese into an appetizer that’s incredibly fresh, vibrantly flavorful, and just as perfect for a dinner party as for a spontaneous weeknight craving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Showcase of Seasonal Flavors: The juicy, sweet, and tangy marinated tomatoes are truly the stars of summer and pair perfectly with luxurious burrata.
- Effortless Entertaining: With just a handful of steps and ingredients, this dish looks ultra-impressive but is secretly so easy to pull off—even at the last minute.
- Versatile for Every Occasion: Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata can be served as a vibrant appetizer, a party showstopper, or even as the centerpiece of a no-cook summer dinner.
- Crowd-Pleasing Combination: Creamy cheese, fresh herbs, and zingy vinaigrette will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds—trust me!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component in this Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata recipe is intentional, coming together for the most mouthwatering crate-to-plate experience. The ingredients are simple, but each one plays a unique role in creating a burst of color, flavor, and creamy texture.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use the best-quality olive oil you can find; its peppery, fruity notes form the foundation of your marinade.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds a subtle sweetness and deep, tangy complexity that pairs beautifully with tomatoes.
- Champagne or apple cider vinegar: For brightness and a touch of acidity that lifts the dish, giving a lovely contrast to the creamy cheese.
- Honey: Just a spoonful balances the tang and makes the tomatoes glisten with summery sweetness.
- Fresh garlic: Grated for a mellow garlicky bite that infuses the vinaigrette with warmth and depth.
- Fresh basil: Chopped basil brings herbal fragrance and a pop of green—don’t skimp!
- Fresh thyme: Adds earthy, savory undertones that ground all the bright flavors.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Seasoning is key to drawing out all those tomato juices!
- Chili flakes: For just a whisper of heat—totally adjustable if you want to tame or amp up the spice.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet, snappy, and vividly colored, halved so they soak up every drop of marinade.
- Burrata cheese: Creamy, dreamy, and decadently rich. Make sure it’s at room temperature for ultimate spoonability!
- Grilled bread or crackers: Essential for scooping up the cheese and tomatoes—choose a hearty rustic bread or your favorite artisan crackers.
Variations
One of the best things about Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you’re working with what’s in the fridge or tailoring it to different tastes, these swaps and tweaks keep things endlessly fresh and exciting!
- Swap in different herbs: Try fresh oregano, chives, tarragon, or mint for a new flavor dimension.
- Change up your vinegar: Use sherry, red wine, or white balsamic vinegar to nudge the dressing in a new, delicious direction.
- Make it vegan: Omit the burrata and serve the tomatoes over a creamy plant-based cheese or a rich almond ricotta.
- Add extra color: Use a mix of different color cherry tomatoes—or include diced heirloom tomatoes for a truly showstopping platter.
- Go classic Caprese-style: Add thinly sliced mozzarella or even little balls of bocconcini for a slightly different cheese experience.
How to Make Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata
Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade
In a spacious bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, both vinegars, honey, grated garlic, chopped basil, and fresh thyme. Grab a whisk and blend it all together until the marinade is glossy and beautifully emulsified. At this point, season generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes—taste and tweak until the flavors sing.
Step 2: Marinate the Tomatoes
Add your halved cherry tomatoes right into the bowl with the marinade. Toss everything thoroughly, making sure every piece is well-coated and glistening. Let the tomatoes sit and marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature (or cover and refrigerate up to overnight). If chilling, remember to bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Step 3: Plate and Serve with Burrata
When you’re ready to serve Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata, arrange the burrata balls in the center of a big, shallow serving bowl or platter. Gently break them apart a bit so the creamy centers ooze out. Spoon the marinated tomatoes (and every drop of the marinade!) around and over the burrata. Bring to the table with plenty of grilled bread or crackers for the dreamiest, most scoopable bite.
Pro Tips for Making Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata
- Choose the Ripest Tomatoes: The fresher and riper your cherry tomatoes, the more intensely sweet and flavorful your final dish will be—so don’t be shy about sampling at the market!
- Don’t Skip the Marination: Letting the tomatoes soak up the marinade—even for just 30 minutes—turns good tomatoes into absolute flavor bombs.
- Serve Burrata at Room Temp: Taking your burrata out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving ensures it’s sumptuously creamy and easy to scoop.
- Toast the Bread for Texture: A good char or grill mark on your bread adds irresistible crunch that balances the creamy cheese and juicy tomatoes.
How to Serve Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata
Garnishes
For a burst of color and extra freshness, scatter torn basil leaves or microgreens over the platter just before serving. A light drizzle of more olive oil or a finishing sprinkle of flaky sea salt can really make the Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata pop both visually and in flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish shines with simple accompaniments—think crusty sourdough, grissini, or even homemade focaccia. It’s also a beautiful side for grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or a platter of charcuterie and olives for a truly Mediterranean vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata into individual appetizers by layering them on little crostini or spooning into small jars for picnics. For parties, build a “burrata bar” with assorted breads, olives, and veggies so everyone can design their own bites!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), store the marinated tomatoes and leftover burrata separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The tomatoes will hold beautifully for up to 2 days; the burrata is best enjoyed within a day for the creamiest texture.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata. The tomatoes become mealy and watery, and the burrata loses its luscious texture—trust me, this one’s best savored fresh!
Reheating
This recipe is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. If you’ve refrigerated the tomatoes, simply let them return to room temperature before arranging with burrata and serving—no reheating needed!
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought marinated tomatoes?
You can, but making a batch from scratch for this Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata recipe gives you better control over flavors and freshness. Homemade really makes a difference here!
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What can I use instead of burrata if I can’t find it?
Fresh mozzarella (especially if you can find mozzarella di bufala) is a great alternative; you could also try whipped ricotta for something extra creamy.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! The tomatoes can marinate overnight, and you can have everything chilled and ready to assemble just before serving. Just keep the burrata separate until you’re ready to enjoy.
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Is Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata gluten-free?
The core dish is gluten-free—just be sure to serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers if you’re serving someone who avoids gluten.
Final Thoughts
This is one of those dishes you’ll crave again and again—Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata truly tastes and looks like summer on your table. Give it a try, and you just might discover your new favorite way to celebrate tomato season and impress everyone around you. Happy slicing, marinating, and indulging!
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, Side Dish
- Method: Marinating, Assembling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the refreshing flavors of summer with this easy and elegant recipe for Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata. Bursting with fresh herbs and creamy burrata cheese, this dish is perfect for a light appetizer or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Marinated Cherry Tomatoes:
- 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
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
Additional Ingredients:
- 2–3 balls burrata cheese, at room temperature
- grilled bread or crackers, for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, champagne vinegar, honey, garlic, basil, and thyme. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
- Add tomatoes and toss to combine. Allow the tomatoes to marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or up to overnight in the fridge. Bring to room temp before serving.
- To serve, break the balls of burrata over a serving bowl. Arrange the tomatoes around the burrata. Serve with grilled or toasted bread.
Notes
- You can customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili flakes.
- For a twist, try adding a drizzle of aged balsamic glaze before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
