These Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata are a celebration of fresh, simple flavors! Juicy cherry tomatoes are marinated in a vibrant mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, champagne vinegar, honey, garlic, and fresh herbs, creating a delicious and flavorful topping for creamy burrata cheese. I love how this dish is incredibly easy to make, yet it looks and tastes incredibly elegant. It’s perfect as an appetizer, a light meal, or a side dish, and it’s sure to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love These Marinated Tomatoes with Burrata
- Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of marinated cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata, and fresh basil is a classic Italian flavor pairing.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and just a few simple ingredients.
- Elegant Presentation: The vibrant colors of the tomatoes and the creamy white burrata make this dish a beautiful addition to any table.
- Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, a light meal, or a side dish.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can marinate the tomatoes ahead of time.
Ingredients for Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Marinade
- Extra virgin olive oil (Oil)
- Balsamic vinegar (Acid)
- Champagne or apple cider vinegar (Acid)
- Honey (Sweetener)
- Garlic, grated (Aromatic)
- Fresh basil, chopped (Herb)
- Chopped fresh thyme (Herb)
- Kosher salt (Seasoning)
- Black pepper (Spice)
- Chili flakes (Spice)
Serving
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (Vegetable)
- Burrata cheese, at room temperature (Dairy)
- Grilled bread or crackers (for serving) (Bread)
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
I love this Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata recipe as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:
- Add Other Vegetables: Toss in some sliced cucumbers, red onion, or bell peppers.
- Different Herbs: Use fresh oregano, parsley, or mint instead of basil and thyme.
- Make it Spicy: Add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Different Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or ricotta instead of burrata.
- Add Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the finished dish for added sweetness and tang.
How to Make Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata
Let me show you how easy it is to make this Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata:
Make the Marinade
- In a bowl, I whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, champagne vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), honey, grated garlic, chopped basil, and chopped thyme.
- I season the marinade to taste with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
Marinate the Tomatoes
- I add the halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl with the marinade.
- I toss everything to combine, making sure the tomatoes are well coated.
- I allow the tomatoes to marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or up to overnight in the fridge. If marinating overnight, I bring the tomatoes to room temperature before serving.
Assemble and Serve
- To serve, I break the balls of burrata over a serving bowl.
- I arrange the marinated tomatoes around the burrata.
- I serve immediately with grilled or toasted bread or crackers for dipping.
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Marinated Tomatoes
Here are my secrets for making this dish truly exceptional:
- Use Ripe Tomatoes: Ripe, flavorful cherry tomatoes are essential for this recipe.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and thyme add a bright, herbaceous flavor to the marinade.
- Room Temperature Burrata: Letting the burrata come to room temperature enhances its creamy texture and flavor.
- Marinate for at Least 30 Minutes: Allowing the tomatoes to marinate for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together.
- Good Quality Olive Oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
How to Serve
These Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata are perfect for:
- Appetizer: A delicious and elegant starter for a dinner party or gathering.
- Light Meal: Enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner with a side salad.
- Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled meats, fish, or poultry.
- Bruschetta Topping: Use the marinated tomatoes and burrata as a topping for toasted bread.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can marinate the tomatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving. The assembled dish is best served immediately.
FAQs about Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata
- What if I can’t find burrata?
- You can substitute fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or ricotta cheese.
- Can I use a different type of tomato?
- Yes, you can use any type of ripe tomato you like, such as Roma tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes.
- Can I make this without the vinegar?
- Yes.
Enjoy this simple yet elegant Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata! It’s a flavorful and beautiful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
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Marinated Cherry Tomatoes with Burrata
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
This simple yet elegant dish features juicy cherry tomatoes marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, vinegars, honey, and herbs, served with creamy burrata cheese and crusty bread. It’s a perfect appetizer, light meal, or side dish.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 1/2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (chili flakes), to taste
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 1/2 (8 ounce) balls burrata cheese, at room temperature
- Grilled bread, toasted bread, or crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Make Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, champagne vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), honey, grated garlic, chopped basil, and chopped thyme.
- Season Marinade: Season the marinade generously with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Marinate Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl with the marinade. Toss gently to coat the tomatoes evenly.
- Marinate Time: Allow the tomatoes to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for up to overnight. If refrigerating, bring the tomatoes back to room temperature before serving.
- Assemble and Serve: To serve, arrange the marinated tomatoes on a serving platter or in individual bowls. Break the burrata balls open and place them among the tomatoes. Drizzle any remaining marinade from the bowl over the burrata and tomatoes. Serve immediately with grilled bread, toasted bread, or crackers for dipping.
Notes
- Tomatoes: Use ripe, flavorful cherry tomatoes for the best results. You can use a mix of different colors for visual appeal.
- Burrata: Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese with a creamy center. If you can’t find it, fresh mozzarella is a good substitute. Make sure it is at room temperature for optimal creaminess.
- Vinegar: Champagne vinegar adds a delicate flavor, but apple cider vinegar is a good substitute.
- Herbs: Feel free to adjust the amounts of basil and thyme to your preference. You can also add other fresh herbs, such as oregano or parsley.
- Make-Ahead: The tomatoes can be marinated several hours or even a day in advance. The flavors will meld and deepen over time.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is delicious as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a side dish.