There’s something pure joy-inducing about a bowl of juicy, tangy marinated cherry tomatoes with burrata—especially when the tomatoes practically burst with summertime flavor and the burrata brings its dreamy, creamy magic! This vibrant, unfussy dish is a showstopper for any gathering or simply for savoring those golden hour evenings, bread in hand and good company nearby.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Summer Flavor: Every bite of Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata delivers a sun-kissed sweetness and juicy tang you’ll crave long after tomato season ends.
- Ready in Under an Hour—Mostly Hands-Off! The marinating time does all the heavy lifting, so you can enjoy more time with friends and family (or pour yourself that extra glass of wine).
- Effortlessly Elegant: This dish feels rustic and comforting yet gorgeous enough for entertaining, with a color pop that turns every table into a party.
- Incredibly Versatile: Serve it as a starter, side, light main, or picnic hero—the possibilities are endless!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata comes down to a handful of truly fresh, vibrant ingredients. Each one serves a purpose—bringing their own spark of flavor, fragrance, or lusciousness that makes the finished dish absolutely unforgettable.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use the good stuff here; it forms the foundation of the marinade and brings a fruity, peppery richness that soaks right into the tomatoes.
- Balsamic vinegar: Its deep, sweet complexity balances the acidity and brightens the flavor of the dish.
- Champagne or apple cider vinegar: A splash of one of these lifts the marinade, making every bite light and zippy on the palate.
- Honey: Just a drizzle rounds out any sharpness and brings subtle floral sweetness.
- Garlic, grated: Fresh garlic gives the marinade backbone and a savory edge that pairs beautifully with creamy burrata.
- Fresh basil: Torn or chopped, this adds a burst of pure summer herbiness that’s absolutely essential.
- Fresh thyme: Earthy and aromatic, a little goes a long way in adding depth and fragrance to the marinade.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: To season every layer and make those flavors pop.
- Chili flakes: Just a hint adds a surprise sparkle of gentle heat (adjust to your liking!).
- Cherry tomatoes: Choose a mix of colors for extra visual wow—halved to soak up all that tangy-sweet marinade.
- Burrata cheese, at room temperature: The star! Its creamy, delicate center mingles with the juicy tomatoes for maximum swoon-factor.
- Grilled bread or crackers: The perfect vehicle for scooping up every last drop of tomatoey, cheesy goodness.
Variations
What’s fabulous about Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata is its forgiving, playful spirit. You can easily mix things up depending on what’s in your fridge, your garden, or your heart’s desire—go ahead and make it your own!
- Add Roasted Garlic: Swap in a few cloves of roasted garlic for a mellow, buttery bite if raw garlic isn’t your thing.
- Try Different Herbs: Experiment with fresh oregano, chives, or even mint for a unique twist—each herb brings its own lovely personality.
- Make it Vegan: For a dairy-free version, use creamy plant-based “mozzarella” or thick cashew cheese in place of burrata.
- Packed with Veggies: Add sliced cucumbers, roasted red peppers, or grilled corn for a jazzed-up, salad-meets-bruschetta feel.
How to Make Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata
Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, champagne or apple cider vinegar, honey, grated garlic, chopped basil, and fresh thyme. Whisk it all together until well blended—taste and adjust with kosher salt, black pepper, and chili flakes as you like. The aroma already hints at what’s to come!
Step 2: Marinate the Tomatoes
Add your halved cherry tomatoes to the marinade and toss to coat every piece thoroughly. If you’ve got a colorful medley of tomatoes, all the better. Let them sit and soak up the flavor for at least 30 minutes at room temp, or cover and refrigerate for up to a day (just bring them back to room temp before serving for the juiciest flavor).
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
When you’re ready, arrange the burrata balls (let them come to room temp for that ultra-creamy texture) on a platter or shallow bowl. Gently tear into the burrata so each person can scoop a bit. Spoon the marinated cherry tomatoes generously around and over the cheese, making sure to drizzle all that glorious marinade over the top. Serve with charred, crusty grilled bread or crisp crackers, and watch everyone go weak at the knees!
Pro Tips for Making Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata
- Pick Peak-Season Tomatoes: The flavor truly shines when you use the freshest, sweetest cherry tomatoes—farmers market finds or straight from your garden are incredible.
- Room Temperature Burrata: Take the burrata out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving for the softest, creamiest texture—it makes a world of difference!
- Don’t Rush the Marination: Giving your tomatoes at least 30 minutes to soak ensures all those tangy, herby notes infuse deeply—overnight is even better if you can plan ahead.
- Custom Heat Level: Love a little extra kick? Don’t be shy—add more chili flakes to the marinade, or keep it mild for a more classic flavor profile.
How to Serve Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata
Garnishes
A generous scattering of fresh basil ribbons or microgreens makes this platter even more irresistible. Try a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the top, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even a bit of additional freshly cracked pepper for simple, vibrant finishing touches.
Side Dishes
Serve marinated cherry tomatoes with burrata alongside grilled seafood, roasted chicken, or a crisp arugula salad for an effortlessly chic meal. Pile it high on toasted sourdough or tuck it next to paper-thin prosciutto for an elevated appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this dish into stunning bruschetta by spooning the marinated cherry tomatoes and burrata onto crostini, or set up a DIY appetizer board with the marinated tomatoes, burrata, grilled bread, olives, and charcuterie. For casual gatherings, let everyone assemble their perfect bite right at the table—it’s interactive and so much fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover marinated cherry tomatoes with burrata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors only get richer, but the burrata is best enjoyed fresh—store the cheese separately if you can.
Freezing
It’s best to avoid freezing, as both the tomatoes and burrata don’t hold up well to low temperatures—the tomatoes will lose their pop and the burrata’s texture can become grainy. Enjoy this one at its freshest!
Reheating
No reheating needed here—marinated cherry tomatoes with burrata is meant to be served at room temperature for peak flavor and creamy consistency. If chilled, simply let everything sit out for about 20-30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
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Can I make marinated cherry tomatoes with burrata ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the tomatoes up to a day in advance, storing them covered in the fridge. Just allow them to come fully to room temperature before assembling with the burrata so that all the flavors shine through.
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What’s the best bread to serve with this dish?
Grilled or toasted sourdough is a classic and works beautifully, but baguette slices, rustic Italian loaf, or even sturdy crackers also make fantastic scooping partners. The bread’s main job: catch all that flavorful marinade and creamy cheese!
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Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
You can! While burrata is unrivaled for its creamy center, a good quality fior di latte mozzarella or even a plant-based creamy cheese can stand in if burrata is unavailable. Just be sure to use something soft and mild to best complement the tomatoes.
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What other veggies can I add to marinated cherry tomatoes with burrata?
Feel free to toss in thinly sliced cucumbers, blanched green beans, or roasted peppers for a heartier salad. Roasted corn kernels also add sweetness and texture—the more color, the better!
Final Thoughts
I hope you find as much joy in sharing marinated cherry tomatoes with burrata as I do! It’s the kind of recipe that feels like summer on a platter—fresh, welcoming, and absolutely delicious. Serve it up for your next gathering, and don’t be surprised if it becomes everyone’s new seasonal favorite.
Print
Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Marinating
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata recipe is a perfect blend of fresh flavors, featuring juicy cherry tomatoes marinated in a delightful mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, herbs, and spices, served with creamy burrata cheese. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that is sure to 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:
- 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, grated garlic, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
- Marinate the tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the marinade and toss to combine. Let the tomatoes marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the fridge. Bring them to room temperature before serving.
- Serve: Break the balls of burrata over a serving bowl and arrange the marinated tomatoes around them. Serve with grilled or toasted bread.
Notes
- You can customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili flakes.
- For a sweeter flavor, you can add a bit more honey to the marinade.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
