This luxurious burrata appetizer combines creamy Italian cheese with fresh, simple ingredients for an elegant starter that comes together in just 10 minutes. Perfect for both casual gatherings and upscale dinner parties, this protein-rich dish delivers 22g of protein while keeping preparation absolutely effortless.
The delicate burrata’s rich, buttery center creates an indulgent experience that will have your guests reaching for seconds. Whether served on a rustic wooden board or elegant platter, this appetizer brings restaurant-quality sophistication to your table.
Ingredients for Burrata Appetizer Board
- Burrata: 16 oz (preferably two 8oz balls) for rich, creamy center
- Balsamic Reduction: 2 teaspoons for elegant drizzling
- Fresh Basil: 2 leaves, chopped for aromatic garnish
- Prosciutto: 8 slices for savory addition
- Pear: 1 ripe, thinly sliced for sweet contrast
- Dates: 8 pieces, pitted for natural sweetness
- Jam: Fig, peach, or apricot preserves for spreading
- Toasts: Petite toasts or pita chips for serving
- Nuts: Marcona almonds or shelled pistachios for crunch
Assembly Instructions
- Base Preparation: Position burrata as the centerpiece on your serving board
- Arrangement: Artfully place pear slices, prosciutto, dates around the burrata
- Accompaniments: Add small portions of jam, toasts, and nuts in clusters
- Final Touch: Elegantly drizzle balsamic reduction over burrata and sprinkle with fresh basil
Substitutions & Variations
Can’t find burrata? Fresh mozzarella makes a lovely swap, though it won’t be quite as creamy. For the fruit, swap pears with fresh figs, apple slices, or ripe peaches when in season. Not a fan of prosciutto? Try thinly sliced Spanish jamón or even bresaola.
The nuts add a nice crunch – while Marcona almonds are amazing here, regular roasted almonds or even honey-roasted pecans work beautifully too!
Serving Suggestions
Keep this board casual and inviting! I love setting it out about 30 minutes before serving to let the burrata come to room temperature – this really brings out its creamy flavor.
Place small cheese knives nearby so guests can spread the burrata on their toasts. Add some fresh grapes or cherry tomatoes for extra color. This gorgeous board serves 6-8 as an appetizer, or 4 as part of a light lunch spread.
Storage Tips
Fresh burrata is best enjoyed within 24 hours of opening. If you’re prepping ahead, keep the burrata in its liquid until ready to serve.
The assembled board is prettiest when made just before serving, but you can slice the pear (and toss with a tiny bit of lemon juice to prevent browning), arrange the prosciutto, and set out the other ingredients up to 2 hours ahead. Keep everything covered with plastic wrap in the fridge until party time!
Burrata Appetizer
Equipment
- Serving board
Ingredients
- 16 oz burrata try to get two 8oz balls
- 2 teaspoons balsamic reduction
- 2 fresh basil leaves chopped
- 8 slices prosciutto
- 1 ripe pear thinly sliced
- 8 dates pitted
- fig, peach or apricot jam or preserves
- Petite toasts or pita chips
- Marcona Almonds or shelled pistachios
Instructions
- Place Burrata on serving board.
- Arrange other board elements—pear, prosciutto, dates, jam, toasts and nuts– around it.
- Drizzle burrata with balsamic reduction and top with basil.
