Roasted Tomato Burrata Dip

The first time I made this roasted tomato burrata dip, it disappeared so fast that I barely got a spoonful myself. My friend Sarah actually hovered over the baking dish, tearing pieces of crusty bread and dragging them through that warm, creamy cheese like her life depended on it. Now I make double batches whenever friends come over because the sound of people scraping the last bits from the dish has become one of my favorite kitchen moments.

Last summer, I brought this to a rooftop gathering and ended up making it three more times that month because everyone kept requesting it. The best part is how the roasted garlic becomes almost sweet and mellow while the tomatoes concentrate into little bursts of sunshine.

Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes: I have learned that smaller tomatoes burst more easily and create more of that luscious sauce in the bottom of the dish
• Garlic: Thin slices will mellow and sweeten as they roast, never harsh or overpowering
• Extra virgin olive oil: This is not the place for the cheap stuff because it really shines when warmed through
• Sea salt: The coarse texture helps draw moisture out of the tomatoes for better caramelization
• Burrata: Room temperature cheese melts beautifully into those roasted tomato juices
• Fresh basil: Tear it right before serving so the oils release and perfume the whole dish
• Balsamic glaze: Adds this gorgeous dark sweetness that cuts through all that rich creaminess

Instructions

Get your oven going hot:

Preheat to 200°C (400°F) because you want those tomatoes blistering and sizzling, not gently steaming

Prep your tomatoes:

Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the garlic thinly, then toss everything in your baking dish with olive oil and seasonings until evenly coated

Roast until bubbly:

Let it cook for 25 to 30 minutes until the tomatoes have collapsed and their juices are mingling with the oil in the most tempting way

Add the burrata:

Nestle the torn cheese right into those hot tomatoes and let it soften for just a couple of minutes before serving

Finish it beautifully:

Drizzle with balsamic glaze and scatter fresh basil over the top, then bring the whole dish to the table while it is still gloriously warm

Save

This dip has become my go-to for those nights when cooking feels like too much but I still want something impressive on the table. Watching people gather around it, talking and laughing while reaching for another piece of bread, reminds me why I fell in love with sharing food in the first place.

Making It Your Own

I love playing around with this recipe depending on what I have in the kitchen. Sometimes I add roasted red peppers or throw in some sun dried tomatoes for extra depth. The beauty is that the core combination of warm tomatoes and creamy burrata works with so many variations.

Serving Suggestions

Crusty sourdough is my favorite vehicle for all that cheesy goodness, but grilled bread takes it to another level. I have also served it alongside crostini, crackers, or even vegetable crudités for a lighter option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can roast the tomatoes up to a day in advance and reheat them gently before adding the burrata. This actually gives the flavors time to meld and develop even more depth.

• Store the roasted tomatoes separately from the burrata
• Reheat covered so they do not dry out
• Add fresh basil right before serving

Save

There is something deeply satisfying about a dish that looks elegant but comes together with almost no effort. Hope your friends love it as much as mine do.

Recipe Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Roast the tomatoes up to a day in advance and store them refrigerated. Warm them before adding the burrata and serving.

→ What can I serve with this dip?

Crusty baguette slices, crostini, crackers, or even vegetable sticks work beautifully. Grilled bread adds extra charred flavor.

→ How do I know when the tomatoes are done roasting?

Look for blistered skins and juicy, softened tomatoes. They should shrivel slightly and release some of their liquid into the pan.

→ Can I use regular mozzarella instead of burrata?

Fresh mozzarella works but won't have the same creamy interior. Burrata's luscious center creates the signature velvety texture when warmed.

→ Is this suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly. For a vegan version, substitute the burrata with plant-based mozzarella.