Hi friends! Today, I want to share with you one of my favorite summer recipes: Classic Bruschetta with Burrata and Cherry Tomatoes. It’s super simple to make, and the combination of creamy burrata, roasted cherry tomatoes, and crispy bread will make your taste buds do a happy dance!
Method
Prepare the Tomatoes
I like to start by carefully rinsing my cherry tomatoes and patting them dry with a clean towel. Once they’re nice and clean, I grab a sharp knife and slice each one in half. I then place all the halved tomatoes into a small baking dish, making sure they form a single layer. This ensures even cooking and helps them roast or air fry to perfection. To bring out their natural sweetness, I drizzle the tomatoes generously with extra virgin olive oil. Next, I sprinkle them with salt, minced garlic (usually two cloves, though you can adjust to taste), and a dash of oregano, chili pepper, and black pepper. The garlic adds a subtle, savory punch, while the spices lend a pleasant warmth to each bite.
Roast or Air Fry
After I season the tomatoes, I need to decide whether to use the oven or the air fryer—both methods work wonderfully. If I choose the oven, I preheat it to about 200°C (400°F) and slide the baking dish onto the middle rack for around 10 minutes. If I’m using my air fryer, I set it to 195°C (roughly 380°F) and pop the dish or basket inside for the same amount of time. Personally, I love how the air fryer gives the tomatoes a slight char and intensifies their flavor. In either case, I always keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook or burn. By the end of the roasting time, the tomatoes should be slightly shriveled with a lovely, concentrated flavor.
Toast the Bread
While my tomatoes are getting all nice and toasty, I move on to the ciabatta bread. First, I slice the bread into pieces that are about half an inch thick—thinner slices can get too crispy, and thicker ones can end up chewy. Next, I drizzle each slice with a bit of extra virgin olive oil, front and back, to help them brown evenly. My favorite way to toast them is on a skillet over medium heat, flipping them once the underside is golden brown. Alternatively, a simple toaster will do the trick, but you’ll miss out on that delightful sizzle and added flavor from the skillet. After a minute or two on each side, the bread should look lightly browned and feel crisp to the touch.
Flavor the Bread
Once the bread is perfectly toasted, I transfer the slices to a plate and get ready to infuse them with extra flavor. While the slices are still warm, I take a peeled clove of garlic and gently rub it across each piece. The warmth of the bread helps release the garlic’s natural oils, creating a subtle yet irresistible garlicky aroma. If you’re a big fan of garlic, you can apply a bit more pressure or go over the bread a second time. If you prefer just a hint, a quick swipe on the surface should suffice.
Assemble
Now comes the fun part: putting everything together. I start by placing a generous spoonful (or chunk, depending on how you handle burrata) of creamy burrata on each slice of bread. Sometimes, I tear the burrata into smaller pieces so I can arrange them evenly across the bread. Because burrata is so delicate, I recommend being gentle—no pressing or smearing too vigorously. Next, I take the roasted or air-fried tomatoes from their baking dish, making sure to scoop up some of that seasoned olive oil and any garlic bits along the way. I then place a spoonful of these juicy tomatoes on top of the burrata, letting the flavors mingle and soak into the bread.
Garnish
Finally, I add a handful of fresh basil leaves to finish the dish. I usually tear the basil leaves by hand, which helps release their bright, peppery scent. Plus, it gives the bruschetta a rustic look that I adore. If you want a lighter, more refreshing taste, you can add microgreens or a sprinkle of chopped parsley instead—or even alongside the basil. At this point, your bruschetta is all set and ready to delight your taste buds. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and watch it vanish in minutes!
Classic Bruschetta Recipe
Equipment
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Baking dish or air fryer basket
- Oven or Air Fryer
- Toaster or Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 ciabatta bread or your favorite bread
- 2 burrata cheeses
- 10 cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves of garlic
- Extra virgin olive oil a few tablespoons
- Salt oregano, chili pepper, and black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes: First, I cut the cherry tomatoes in half and place them in a small baking dish. Then, I drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt, minced garlic (2 cloves), oregano, chili pepper, and black pepper.
- Roast or Air Fry: Pop the tomatoes into the oven at 200°C (about 400°F) for 10 minutes. If you have an air fryer, set it to 195°C (about 380°F) for 10 minutes. I love using the air fryer because it’s quick and gives the tomatoes a slight char.
- Toast the Bread: While the tomatoes are cooking, I slice the ciabatta bread. I drizzle a bit of olive oil on both sides and toast them either in a toaster or on a skillet. This helps get them crispy and golden.
- Flavor the Bread: Once the bread is toasted, I rub a peeled clove of garlic across the warm slices. This adds a wonderful, savory flavor.
- Assemble: Next, I gently tear or spread the burrata on top of each slice of bread. I love how creamy it is! Then, I scoop up some roasted tomatoes and place them over the burrata.
- Garnish: Finally, I top it all off with fresh basil leaves. Ta-da! Your bruschetta is ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Don’t Over-Toast: Keep a close eye on your bread while toasting so it doesn’t burn and turn too hard.
- Check Your Tomatoes: If you use an air fryer or oven, make sure to check the tomatoes halfway through so they don’t get overcooked.
- Handle Burrata Carefully: Burrata is soft and can break easily. Be gentle when spreading it on the toast.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your bruschetta as a tasty appetizer at a summer party.
- Pair it with a fresh salad or a bowl of soup for a light meal.
- Make it part of a fun “snack night” at home with friends and family.
Fun Fact
Did you know that “bruschetta” comes from an Italian word that means “to roast over coals”? People in Italy have enjoyed this dish for hundreds of years!
Conclusion
I hope you love this quick, creamy, and delicious Bruschetta with Burrata and Cherry Tomatoes as much as I do. It’s a simple dish that brings so much flavor to your table. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share it with friends—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears! Enjoy!