Barefoot Contessa’s Dreamy Tomatoes & Burrata Recipe

Barefoot Contessa tomatoes & burrata dance with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, transforming basic ingredients into a sensational culinary experience.

Summer’s colorful produce meets rich, silky cheese in this elegant dish that whispers simplicity and sophistication.

Bright, sun-ripened ingredients mingle effortlessly, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.

Each bite promises a refreshing journey through classic Italian-inspired cuisine.

Seasonal vegetables provide a robust canvas for the luxurious cheese centerpiece.

Small details elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary, making it perfect for intimate gatherings or spontaneous meals.

Summer entertaining just got significantly more delightful: dive in and savor every moment.

Burst of Flavor in Tomatoes & Burrata

• Savor Luxurious Simplicity: This recipe transforms basic ingredients into an elegant dish with minimal effort, blending creamy burrata, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil for a restaurant-quality experience at home.
• Celebrate Fresh Mediterranean Flavors: The combination of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh basil creates a vibrant, sunshine-inspired taste that transports you to an Italian countryside with every bite.
• Master Quick Gourmet Technique: The recipe allows home cooks to easily create a sophisticated appetizer in just 30 minutes, featuring professional-level plating and simple yet precise preparation methods that elevate everyday ingredients.
• Enjoy Contrasting Textures: Each mouthful delivers a delightful play of textures – from the silky, soft burrata to the crisp garlic toasts and juicy tomatoes, providing a sensory eating experience that delights the palate.

Essential Picks for Tomatoes & Burrata

• Burrata: Creamy Italian cheese with soft mozzarella exterior and rich, buttery center, best when fresh and at room temperature.

• Tomatoes, Basil: Ripe, seasonal tomatoes with vibrant color and sweet flavor, fresh basil adding aromatic herb notes to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar: High-quality extra virgin olive oil for smooth richness, aged balsamic vinegar for sweet-tangy depth.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Fleur de Sel: Kosher salt for general seasoning, freshly ground black pepper for sharp heat, fleur de sel for delicate finishing touch.

• Baguette: Crusty French bread with good structure, ideal for creating crisp toasts.
• Garlic Clove: Fresh garlic for robust, aromatic flavor when rubbed on warm toast.

Quick Steps to Tomatoes & Burrata Delight

Step 1: Prepare Burrata Centerpiece

Gently slice each burrata ball into halves, placing cut sides facing downward across four serving plates. The creamy white cheese becomes your delicious canvas.

Step 2: Slice Summer Tomatoes

Cut tomatoes through their stem end into beautiful halves. Artfully arrange these vibrant red pieces surrounding the burrata.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Aged balsamic vinegar

Step 4: Season With Aromatic Spices

• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Step 5: Garnish And Present

Delicately scatter julienned fresh basil leaves over the dish. Add a light dusting of fleur de sel for elegant finish. Serve immediately alongside warm garlic toasts.

Step 6: Prepare Crispy Garlic Toasts

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 7: Slice Crusty Baguette

Cut baguette diagonally into quarter-inch thick slices, creating approximately 20-25 pieces.

Step 8: Prepare Toast Base

• Olive oil
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of pepper

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Roast in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until edges turn crispy golden brown.

Step 10: Infuse With Garlic Essence

While toasts remain warm, gently rub each slice with fresh garlic clove’s cut side. Allow to cool to room temperature before serving.

Top Tips for Tomatoes & Burrata

• Select Peak-Season Tomatoes: Grab vibrant, juicy heirloom or cherry tomatoes that burst with natural sweetness and deep flavor.
• Embrace Fresh Burrata: Let the creamy cheese sit at room temperature to enhance its luxurious, silky texture and rich taste.
• Master Seasoning Techniques: Drizzle high-quality extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar generously, then sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to elevate every bite.
• Create Instant Presentation: Assemble the salad moments before serving to preserve the delicate ingredients' crisp textures and vibrant colors.
• Complement with Crunchy Bread: Serve alongside golden, garlic-rubbed toasted bread that provides a perfect crispy contrast to the soft, creamy burrata and juicy tomatoes.

Smart Storage for Tomatoes & Burrata

• Chill Separately: Store tomatoes and burrata in individual airtight containers to maintain their distinct textures and prevent moisture transfer. Wrap burrata gently in plastic wrap to preserve its delicate, creamy structure and prevent drying out.
• Counter Strategy: Keep unripe tomatoes at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, until they reach peak ripeness. Once fully ripe, transfer them to the refrigerator to slow down the aging process and extend their freshness.
• Quick Consumption: Enjoy the tomatoes and burrata within 1-2 days of purchase for optimal flavor and texture. Fresh ingredients are the heart of this dish, so plan your meal to savor the vibrant, garden-fresh taste at its prime.

Creative Spins on Tomatoes & Burrata

• Summer Garden Fresh: Swap heirloom tomatoes with colorful cherry tomatoes in multiple sizes, adding diced cucumber and fresh mint for a lighter, crisper Mediterranean-style plate.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace balsamic vinegar with za'atar spice blend, incorporate roasted pine nuts, and sprinkle fresh oregano instead of basil for a Middle Eastern-inspired version.
• Spicy Coastal Remix: Add thinly sliced fresh chili peppers, incorporate preserved lemon zest, drizzle with chili-infused olive oil, and garnish with micro cilantro for a zesty coastal approach.
• Rustic Italian Comfort: Use roasted red tomatoes, add crispy prosciutto bits, include shaved pecorino cheese, and finish with aged balsamic reduction for a rich, elegant presentation.

A Delicious Finish to Tomatoes & Burrata

Barefoot Contessa’s tomato and burrata dish whispers Mediterranean elegance with its simple, luxurious ingredients.

Summer’s golden harvest meets creamy Italian cheese in a symphony of fresh flavors.

Olive oil’s silky embrace connects garden-ripe tomatoes with delicate burrata, creating culinary poetry on each plate.

Basil’s emerald ribbons dance across the landscape, adding herbal complexity to this sensational dish.

Garlic toasts provide a crisp counterpoint, transforming casual dining into a gourmet experience.

When passion meets quality ingredients, magic happens – share this recipe, spark conversation, inspire your next kitchen adventure, and let deliciousness reign supreme.

Barefoot Contessa Tomatoes & Burrata Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mediterranean charm fills Barefoot Contessa Tomatoes & Burrata with fresh summer elegance. Ina Garten’s signature recipe blends ripe heirloom tomatoes, creamy burrata, and fragrant herbs for a delightful Italian-inspired dish you can savor with pure culinary pleasure.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 (225-280g / 8-10 ounces) balls of fresh burrata cheese
• 16 to 20 (5cm / 2 inches diameter) heirloom tomatoes
• 1 French baguette

Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 tablespoons good olive oil
• 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or fine sea salt)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 20 fresh basil leaves, julienned
• ½ teaspoon fleur de sel or flaky sea salt

Bread Seasoning:

• 60ml (¼ cup) good olive oil
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or fine sea salt)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 garlic clove, halved lengthwise

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Instructions

1. Carefully halve each burrata ball crosswise, positioning the cut sides down on four individual serving plates to create an elegant base.
2. Slice tomatoes lengthwise through their stem end, artfully arranging the vibrant pieces surrounding the delicate burrata.
3. Enhance the salad’s flavor profile by lavishly drizzling extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar across the dish.
4. Elevate the taste with a precise sprinkling of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, ensuring even distribution.
5. Create visual and aromatic appeal by delicately scattering thinly sliced basil leaves, then finish with a light dusting of fleur de sel for added texture.
6. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit), preparing for the garlic toast preparation.
7. Transform the baguette into uniform slices, cutting diagonally to create approximately 20 to 25 pieces measuring 6 millimeters (¼ inch) in thickness.
8. Arrange bread slices in a single layer on a baking tray, brushing each piece with olive oil and seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper.
9. Bake the bread for 15 to 20 minutes, watching carefully until the edges turn golden brown and the surface becomes perfectly crisp.
10. While the toasts remain warm, gently rub one side of each slice with a fresh garlic clove, infusing them with a subtle, aromatic flavor. Allow to cool to room temperature before serving alongside the salad.

Notes

• Select peak-season tomatoes bursting with sun-ripened sweetness and vibrant color.
• Opt for premium burrata cheese that’s ultra-creamy with a delicate, silky texture.
• Drizzle high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for a rich, smooth flavor enhancement.
• Sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to elevate the dish’s taste profile.
• Enjoy immediately after assembling to preserve the ingredients’ crisp textures and intense flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 13g
• Cholesterol: 50mg