Baked Burrata with Blistered Tomatoes & Chili Oil
Serves: 2–4 (or 1 with strong opinions)
Time: ~20 minutes
Mood: effortless fancy, “I could host, but I won’t”
What You’ll Need
The Main Event
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1 large ball of burrata (8–10 oz)
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2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes (mixed colors if you have them)
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2–3 tablespoons olive oil
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1–2 tablespoons chili oil or chili crisp (to taste)
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1 small clove garlic, finely minced or grated
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Salt & freshly ground black pepper
The Finish
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Fresh basil, thinly sliced or torn
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Optional: flaky sea salt
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Optional: drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze
For Serving
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Toasted pita chips, flatbread, or crusty bread
How to Make It
1. Heat things up
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Blister the tomatoes
In a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet:
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Add tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper
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Toss gently to coat
Roast for 10–12 minutes, until the tomatoes start to burst and release their juices.
3. Add the burrata
Carefully nestle the burrata right into the center of the tomatoes.
Drizzle chili oil over the burrata and around the dish.
Return to the oven for 5–7 minutes, just until:
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the burrata is warmed
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the outside is soft
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the inside is still gloriously creamy
(Do not overbake—this is a warm hug, not a meltdown.)
4. Finish like you know what you’re doing
Remove from oven and immediately:
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Sprinkle with fresh basil
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Add flaky salt if using
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Optional drizzle of honey or balsamic for contrast
5. Serve immediately
Place it on the table as is.
Let people scoop, tear, dip, and hover.
How People Really Eat This
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Standing at the counter with pita in one hand
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“Just one more bite” that turns into dinner
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With a glass of wine that mysteriously empties
Q & A (Because Someone Always Asks)
Q: Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
Yes, but it won’t be as creamy. Fresh mozzarella works—slice it and bake for less time.
Q: How spicy is this?
Totally adjustable. Use less chili oil for warmth, more chili crisp for drama.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
You can roast the tomatoes ahead, but add and bake the burrata right before serving.
Q: What if my burrata leaks everywhere?
That’s not a problem. That’s the point.
Q: Can I make this without an oven?
Yes! Blister the tomatoes in a skillet, lower the heat, add burrata, cover, and warm gently.
Q: What herbs besides basil work?
Parsley, thyme, or oregano are great. Basil just makes it feel Italian and confident.
Q: Is this an appetizer or a meal?
Officially: appetizer.
Realistically: dinner with bread.