Burrata with Pesto and Tomatoes.

Creamy burrata topped with homemade pesto, halved multicolored cherry or grape tomatoes, freshly ground black pepper, sea salt and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. A simple, gorgeous and fresh appetizer to celebrate all the summer flavors. In fact, this might be the only summer appetizer you will ever need.

Of course, this Creamy Burrata with Pesto and Tomatoes appetizer would be even more over the top if we used our homegrown tomatoes. But, we have at least another month until these beauties, started from seed by my mother-in-law (thanks Coral!) bear any fruit. Until then, we’ll make due with their ok supermarket counterparts.

If you have homegrown or farmer’s market tomatoes, use those for this summer appetizer. Even larger tomatoes will do, just dice them up. If you have the time, make the pesto yourself (it’s easy!).  If you don’t, the store bought version will do just fine.

How do you make this easy burrata with tomatoes recipe?

It’s so simple.

1. Place your burrata on a small serving plate
2. Top the burrata with pesto (homemade or store-bought) and spread the rest of the pesto around the burrata
3. Add halved tomatoes
4. Add sea salt and freshly ground pepper
5. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze, if desired
6. Serve with whole grain crackers or toasted baguette slices

How do you make homemade pesto?

Here’s an easy homemade pesto recipe:

• 1 bunch fresh basil
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted if you’d like
• 1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic

Add the above ingredients to a food processor. While blending, drizzle in:

• 1/4 – 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil, more if needed

Process until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

 

What is burrata?

Burrata is mozzarella that has been formed into a pouch and then filled with strings of mozzarella and cream. It is very rich. It is heavenly. And it is the perfect match for summer tomatoes and basil or pesto. You can find burrata in the specialty cheese section of your local grocery store. And, if you can’t find it, regular mozzarella will work, you’ll just want to slice the mozzarella prior to plating it, so it’s easily served.

Serve this as an appetizer for your upcoming Fourth of July bbqs with toasted baguette slices or crackers. It’ll be gone in a split second.

Here’s how to make this Creamy Burrata with Pesto and Tomatoes:

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