If there’s one thing I would eat on repeat all summer, it’s this Creamy Burrata Bruschetta with juicy tomatoes and fresh basil. It’s one of my favorite summer appetizers, plus it’s quick to make and so refreshing! Perfect for a light meal during summer, or as a starter to share with friends.

One cuisine we often make at home is Italian. It’s easy, uses simple ingredients and just tastes so comforting! My mom would often make delicious Italian treats as part of our picnics and they were always a hit. Another Italian treat she would make was these Cranberry and Pistachio Biscotti.   

WHAT IS Bruschetta?

Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that starts with crusty bread, topped with simple ingredients like tomato, olive oil and basil. It’s often served in Italian restaurants and in Italian homes. This recipe offers a little twist with creamy Burrata cheese, a popular fresh Italian cheese with a soft creamy center. It pairs well with the juicy tomatoes and fresh herbs to give a delicious treat!

INGREDIENTS YOU'LL NEED

This recipe is made with simple ingredients. You’ll need: 

• Crusty Bread: A rustic loaf like sourdough bread or some crusty baguette works best. I like to use bread that is small enough to hold when sliced. This makes it easier to eat! You can also use ciabatta bread if you prefer.   
• Burrata Cheese: A delicious ball of burrata cheese is the star of the show! But please be aware that not all Burrata is vegetarian - it is often made with animal rennet. Be sure to check the labels, and look for rennet-free or vegetarian-certified versions. You may find it in the specialty cheese section of the grocery store. 
• Fresh Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet cherry tomatoes are my favorite to use, but you can use any fresh tomatoes like roma tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes. For the best results, use ripe tomatoes. Grape tomatoes can also work well.  
• Fresh Garlic: Some fresh garlic is rubbed onto the toasted bread for an additional depth of flavor. 
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra-virgin olive oil adds wonders to this dish. I wouldn’t recommend using other oils for this recipe. Drizzle some into the tomato mixture and some additional on top!  
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Freshly chopped basil leaves add a burst of freshness and vibrant color.  A dash of dried basil can also work but keep in mind that it won’t have the same brightness or fresh flavor.
• Balsamic Vinegar: I like to add a small spoonful of balsamic vinegar into the tomato mixture for a subtle tang and acidity, then finish the bruschetta with a drizzle of balsamic glaze to add a touch of sweetness.   
• Seasoning: You’ll also need black pepper and salt to season the bruschetta! Use sea salt, kosher salt or flaky salt.        

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking!

HOW TO MAKE this tomato burrata bruschetta

Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through the recipe, for the full recipe card and the full list of ingredients, please scroll to the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200 C / 390 F and set aside a baking sheet. You can optionally line it with parchment paper. 

Step 2: Slice the bread into thick slices, about 2cm thick, and place onto the tray. Brush or drizzle the bread with some olive oil and toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes. 

You can alternatively toast the bread in a toaster or on a grill pan or regular skillet. Simply place the slices of bread in the pan with a drizzle of olive oil and toast for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. If using a grill pan, you should have nice grill marks on your toast.  

Step 3: While the bread is toasting, in a mixing bowl add the chopped tomatoes, basil leaves, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Set aside for a few minutes to let the tomatoes marinate and absorb the flavors.    

Step 4: Once the toasted bread is out of the oven or pan, take the garlic clove and rub it on the toasted bread slices. Then mince the rest of the garlic, and add it to the tomato mixture. Taste and adjust for seasoning.   

Step 5: Carefully add a small spoonful of the tomato mixture onto each slice of bread. 

Step 6: Add a small piece of burrata on top of each toast.

Step 7: Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You can also top with additional sea salt and olive oil if you wish. 

Step 8: Serve and enjoy! It is best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled!

EXTRA TIPS AND VARIATIONS

Play around with other ingredients. Finely chopped red onions can be mixed into the tomatoes for extra depth and a bit of sharpness. I personally like to leave them out to keep the flavors lighter and let the burrata shine, but they’re a great option. Feel free to experiment with other additions too, like a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat, or swap the tomatoes for peaches!

Use another kind of cheese. Burrata cheese tastes great, but it may be hard to find everywhere. You can try another cheese if you prefer. Goat cheese, fresh mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese or even feta could work well here. Just try your own twist, this recipe is versatile.  

Strain excess water. Tomatoes can release a lot of water, if your mixture becomes too juicy, strain some of the excess liquid before topping the toasts. 

HOW TO SERVE this delicious bruschetta

This Burrata Bruschetta can be served in several ways. Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

• As a light meal: Pair it with a crisp salad for a satisfying summer meal and enjoy it with a glass of wine, sparkling water or even your favorite summer spritz!
  
• As a delicious appetizer: Serve it as a starter for dinner parties or family gatherings. It goes together with many Italian dishes (like this Pasta Al Pesto or Summery Pasta Salad)  
  
• As part of a larger potluck or picnic: It’s easy to assemble and perfect for sharing, making it a great addition to any summer spread or outdoor feast.

FAQs

STORAGE

If you have leftovers of the bruschetta, you can store them in an airtight container in a single layer. Try to eat it within the next day as the assembled bruschetta usually doesn’t keep well, and the bread can become soggy.

If you’re planning to prep ahead of time, I recommend storing the tomato mixture separately in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, but after that it doesn’t stay as fresh. Keep the burrata chilled in its original packaging or a sealed container, and toast the bread just before serving for the best texture.

Creamy Burrata Bruschetta with Tomato (Easy Recipe)

This Creamy Burrata Bruschetta is one of my favorite summer appetizers, plus it’s quick to make and so refreshing! Perfect for a light meal during summer, or as a starter to share with friends.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Cuisine Italian

Servings 10 slices

Ingredients

 

• 10 slices crusty bread of your choice
• ¾ cup cherry tomatoes chopped
• 2 tablespoon fresh basil leaves chopped
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil and more for drizzling
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 small garlic clove
• 1 large ball of burrata cheese around 150g
• 1-2 tablespoon balsamic glaze for drizzling

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 200 C / 390 F and set aside a baking sheet. You can optionally line with parchment paper.
• Slice the bread into thick slices, about 2cm, and place onto the tray.
• Brush or drizzle the bread with some olive oil and toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes.

  You can alternatively toast the bread in a toaster or on a grill pan or regular skillet. Simply place the slices of bread on the pan with a drizzle of olive oil and toast for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. If using a grill pan, you should have nice grill marks on your toast.
• While the bread is toasting, in a mixing bowl add the chopped tomatoes, basil leaves, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Set aside for a few minutes to let the tomatoes marinate and absorb the flavors.
• Once the toasted bread is out of the oven or pan, take the garlic clove and rub it on the toasted bread slices. Then mince the rest of the garlic, and add it to the tomato mixture. Taste and adjust for seasoning.
• Carefully add a small spoonful of the tomato mixture onto each slice of bread.
• Add a small piece of burrata on top of each toast and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You can also top with additional sea salt and olive oil if you wish.
• Serve and enjoy! It is best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled.

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