The main meal can sometimes be the easy part of meal planning but deciding what to have for an appetizer can be a bit of a stumbling block. Thankfully, I’ve been asked to bring an appetizer so often that I know my way around the first course. Some of my favorites are easy dips like Greek 7-Layer Dip or Creamy Corn Dip.

This Warm Burrata Cheese with Balsamic Tomatoes is what I like to refer to as a fancy version of a dip. It has super creamy Burrata cheese balls with warm and juicy tomatoes in a basil balsamic glaze using easy toasted crostini or crackers to dip. Everything about this appetizer not only tastes fantastic but is a show-stopper that is perfect for guests or parties. This is my favorite dish to have before the Christmas meal.

What is Burrata?

Burrata is a type of Italian cheese that has a firmer outer shell of mozzarella and a deliciously creamy inside called stracciatella with clotted cream. Once you cut into the Burrata, it bursts open and so smooth and creamy. The flavor is rich and milky with a slight hint of sweetness.

Ingredients

• Burrata– These cheese balls can come in a few different sizes. I used 2- 4 ounce Burrata balls for the pictures but you could use a larger one or a few smaller balls. It is up to you how much cheese you prefer. I found them at Aldi but I have seen it in other grocery stores like Kroger in the fresh cheese section near the Mozzarella balls.
• Cherry or Grape Tomatoes– Once these are baked, they soften and the juices start to burst out. You can mash them with a fork or allow them to be whole.
• Olive Oil– A bit of olive oil brings together all the flavors to marinate the tomatoes. I add a little drizzle of olive oil over the burrata balls when I am ready to serve it for a nice look but that’s just for fun. If you feel like your tomatoes aren’t very juicy, add a little more olive oil to the tomatoes.
• Balsamic Vinegar– This type of vinegar has a strong and robust flavor with a hint of sweetness. It makes the best marinade for the tomatoes and tastes so delicious.
• Minced Garlic, Italian Seasoning, and Salt– This combination combined with vinegar and oil makes the marinate for the tomatoes that is similar to Caprese salad. You can add more or less of each of these to your desired preferences.
• Fresh Basil– This is optional but I think it brings all the flavors together and adds a little extra pop of color to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Burrata: Take the Burrata balls out of the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature while preparing the tomatoes.
2. Marinate: Whisk olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt in a medium bowl. Add in the tomatoes and stir to cover. Let this sit and marinate while preheating the oven.
3. Roast: Pour the tomatoes into a small baking dish or pie pan and roast for about 15-20. They should be much softer with the juices overflowing.
4. Serve: Allow the tomatoes to cool for about 5 minutes before adding the Burrata balls. Slice into them and then add fresh basil. Enjoy!