This Burrata Caprese Sandwich with Cherry Tomato Confit is a flavor sensation! It’s a gourmet twist on the classic Caprese salad, featuring creamy burrata, homemade pesto, peppery arugula, and a sweet and garlicky cherry tomato confit, all nestled inside a lightly toasted baguette. I love how this sandwich combines fresh, vibrant flavors with a variety of textures. It’s perfect for a special lunch, a picnic, or a light and elegant dinner. Get ready for a sandwich experience that’s truly unforgettable!
Why You’ll Love This Burrata Caprese Sandwich
- Gourmet Flavors: This sandwich is packed with delicious, high-quality ingredients that create a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
- Creamy and Fresh: The combination of creamy burrata, fresh pesto, and juicy cherry tomato confit is simply divine.
- Easy to Make: While it looks and tastes impressive, this sandwich is surprisingly easy to assemble.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s great for a special lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner.
Ingredients for Burrata Caprese Sandwich
Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing sandwich. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Fresh Pesto
- Fresh basil leaves (Herb)
- Toasted pine nuts (Nuts)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (Dairy)
- Garlic cloves (Aromatic)
- Salt (Seasoning)
- Olive oil (Oil)
- Water (optional, for a lighter texture) (Liquid)
Cherry Tomato Confit
- Garlic cloves, peeled (Aromatic)
- Olive oil (Oil)
- Cherry tomatoes (Vegetable)
- Sprig of rosemary (optional) (Herb)
- Kosher salt (Seasoning)
- Ground black pepper (Spice)
Additional Ingredients
- Baguette, lightly toasted (Bread)
- Burrata cheese (Dairy)
- Fresh arugula (Vegetable)
- Chili oil (optional) (Condiment)
- Balsamic glaze (Condiment)
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
I love this Burrata Caprese Sandwich as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:
- Add Prosciutto: Layer some thinly sliced prosciutto onto the sandwich for added salty, savory flavor.
- Different Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella or goat cheese instead of burrata.
- Add Roasted Red Peppers: Add some roasted red peppers for a sweet and smoky flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto or use a spicy chili oil.
- Different Bread: Use ciabatta, focaccia, or your favorite crusty bread instead of a baguette.
How to Make Burrata Caprese Sandwich
Let me show you how to assemble this gourmet Burrata Caprese Sandwich:
Make the Cherry Tomato Confit
- I preheat the oven to 335°F (170°C).
- In an oven-safe dish, I combine the garlic cloves, cherry tomatoes, rosemary (if using), olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- I bake for 30-40 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft.
Prepare the Pesto
- While the tomatoes are roasting, I make the pesto. In a food processor, I blend the basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and salt.
- I gradually add the olive oil while blending, until the pesto is smooth. I add water if needed for a lighter texture. (Alternatively, you can use a mortar and pestle.)
Assemble the Sandwich
- I spread pesto on the bottom half of the toasted baguette.
- I layer on the fresh arugula.
- Then, I slice and spread the burrata evenly over the arugula.
- I drizzle with chili oil (if using).
- I top with the cherry tomato confit.
- Finally, I finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- I cover with the top half of the baguette and serve immediately.
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Caprese Sandwich
Here are my secrets for making this sandwich truly exceptional:
- Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of the ingredients will really shine through in this simple sandwich.
- Homemade Pesto: If you have time, make your own pesto for the best flavor.
- Toast the Baguette: Lightly toasting the baguette adds a nice crunch and prevents it from getting soggy.
- Room Temperature Burrata: Let the burrata come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before using for the creamiest texture.
- Don’t Overload: While it’s tempting to pile on the ingredients, don’t overload the sandwich, or it will be difficult to eat.
How to Serve
This Burrata Caprese Sandwich is perfect for:
- Lunch: A delicious and satisfying lunch.
- Picnics: Easy to transport and enjoy outdoors.
- Light Dinner: A perfect light and flavorful dinner.
- Appetizer: Cut the sandwich into smaller pieces and serve as an appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make the cherry tomato confit and the pesto ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the sandwich just before serving.
FAQs about Burrata Caprese Sandwich
- What if I can’t find burrata?
- You can substitute fresh mozzarella or goat cheese.
- Can I use a different type of bread?
- Yes, you can use ciabatta, focaccia, or your favorite crusty bread.
- Can I make this without the pesto?
- Yes, you can
Enjoy this incredibly flavorful and elegant Burrata Caprese Sandwich with Cherry Tomato Confit! It’s a gourmet treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
PrintBurrata Caprese Sandwich with Cherry Tomato Confit
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 2-4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
This Burrata Caprese Sandwich is an elevated take on the classic Caprese salad. It features creamy burrata, homemade basil pesto, peppery arugula, and a sweet and garlicky cherry tomato confit, all layered on a toasted baguette.
Ingredients
For the Fresh Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1–2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2–3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for a lighter texture)
For the Cherry Tomato Confit:
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Sandwich:
- 1 baguette, lightly toasted and halved lengthwise
- 1 (8-ounce) ball burrata cheese, drained
- 3 tablespoons fresh arugula
- 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional)
- 2 teaspoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
-
Make the Cherry Tomato Confit:
- Preheat oven to 335°F (170°C).
- In a small, oven-safe dish, combine the whole peeled garlic cloves, cherry tomatoes, rosemary sprig (if using), olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the tomatoes are very soft and have released their juices. Remove from oven and set aside.
-
Prepare the Pesto:
- Food Processor Method (Recommended): In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and salt. Pulse a few times to combine. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until a smooth paste forms. If you prefer a lighter, thinner pesto, add the water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Mortar and Pestle Method: In a mortar, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic, and salt. Pound and grind with the pestle until a paste forms. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese and continue to grind. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, stirring to incorporate. If you prefer a lighter, thinner pesto, add the water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
-
Assemble the Sandwich:
- Lightly toast the baguette and slice it in half horizontally.
- Spread a generous layer of the prepared pesto on the bottom half of the toasted baguette.
- Layer the fresh arugula evenly over the pesto.
- Slice or tear the burrata and arrange the cheese evenly over the arugula.
- Drizzle chili oil (if using) over the burrata.
- Spoon the cherry tomato confit (including the garlic and any juices) over the burrata.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the tomato confit.
- Carefully place the top half of the baguette over the filling.
-
Serve: Cut the sandwich into smaller portions, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Baguette: Use a good-quality baguette for the best results.
- Burrata: Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese with a creamy center. If you can’t find it, fresh mozzarella is a good substitute.
- Pesto: You can use store-bought pesto, but homemade pesto is much more flavorful.
- Cherry Tomato Confit: The cherry tomato confit can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Chili Oil (Optional): The chili oil adds a touch of heat. Adjust the amount to your preference, or omit it altogether.
- Serving Suggestions: This sandwich is delicious on its own or served with a side salad.