Rustic Barefoot Contessa Tomatoes & Burrata Recipe

Dreamy Tomato & Burrata Magic: Barefoot Contessa’s Recipe

Summer’s bounty bursts with flavor in this vibrant Barefoot Contessa tomatoes & burrata recipe that captures the essence of Mediterranean freshness.

Ripe, juicy tomatoes dance alongside creamy burrata, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

The combination sings with simplicity and elegance, requiring minimal ingredients but delivering maximum impact.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through sun-kissed flavors and rich, silky cheese.

Salt, herbs, and good olive oil elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

The plate becomes a canvas of colors and sensations that spark joy with every forkful.

Get ready to savor a dish that celebrates the pure, unadulterated magic of fresh ingredients.

Tools Needed for Barefoot Contessa Tomatoes and Burrata

  • Sharp Knife: Essential for precisely cutting burrata, tomatoes, and baguette slices.
  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for slicing ingredients safely and cleanly.
  • Baking Tray: Perfect for toasting baguette slices evenly in the oven.
  • Pastry Brush: Great for brushing olive oil onto bread slices before toasting.
  • Salad Plates: Four plates to beautifully arrange and serve the tomato and burrata salad.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helpful for seasoning with salt and pepper accurately.
  • Garlic Clove: Used to rub flavor onto warm toasts after baking.

Preparation Steps for Barefoot Contessa Tomatoes and Burrata

Preparation Steps for Barefoot Contessa Tomatoes and Burrata
  • Fresh Burrata Presentation

Create a stunning plate by delicately placing creamy burrata halves as the centerpiece.

  • Tomato Arrangement

Slice garden-fresh tomatoes and artfully scatter them around the creamy cheese, creating a vibrant color contrast.

  • Flavor Enhancers

Splash rich olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar generously across the dish, allowing the liquids to mingle and dance.

  • Seasoning Magic

Sprinkle high-quality sea salt and cracked pepper to awaken the ingredients’ natural flavors.

  • Herbal Finale

Drift delicate basil ribbons over the plate, adding a fragrant green accent that elevates the entire composition.

  • Crispy Garlic Companions

Transform a simple baguette into crunchy companions by brushing slices with golden olive oil and baking until perfectly golden.

  • Garlic Infusion

While toasts are still warm, gently rub a fresh garlic clove across each slice, releasing an irresistible aroma that complements the salad.

Tips to Customize Barefoot Contessa Tomatoes and Burrata

  • Choose ripe, deeply colored heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes for maximum flavor complexity and vibrant presentation.
  • Bring burrata to room temperature before serving to enhance its creamy texture and allow subtle flavors to develop fully.
  • Replace basil with fresh oregano, mint, or thyme for unique herbal undertones that complement the cheese and tomatoes.
  • Experiment with aged balsamic reductions, infused olive oils, or add a splash of white wine vinegar for sophisticated flavor layers.
  • Adjust baguette slice thickness for crunchier or softer garlic toasts, and try mixing in dried herbs like rosemary or za'atar for extra depth.

How to Serve Barefoot Contessa Tomatoes and Burrata Beautifully

  • Savor Fresh Mediterranean Flavors: This vibrant tomato and burrata dish offers a stunning summer appetizer perfect for entertaining friends and family.
  • Pair with Crisp Wines: Select a light, chilled white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy burrata and tangy tomatoes.
  • Create Elegant Plating: Arrange the burrata and tomatoes on a beautiful rustic wooden board or white ceramic plate to enhance the dish's visual appeal.
  • Customize Your Side: Transform the garlic toasts into additional flavor variations by sprinkling herbs like thyme or rosemary before baking for an extra aromatic touch.

Keeping Barefoot Contessa Tomatoes and Burrata Fresh

  • Maximize Freshness: Keep burrata and tomatoes refrigerated separately before serving, removing burrata 30 minutes prior to allow it to reach room temperature for optimal flavor and creamy texture.
  • Quick Consumption Strategy: Enjoy this salad immediately after preparation to experience the best taste and presentation, as burrata becomes less appealing when left standing too long.
  • Smart Storage Solutions: Store any remaining garlic toasts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, maintaining their crisp texture and preventing sogginess.
  • Ingredient Separation Tip: Keep basil leaves unwashed in a sealed container with a slightly damp paper towel in the refrigerator, using within 3-4 days for maximum freshness and vibrant color.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Tomatoes and Burrata

For Salad Base:
  • Burrata: Creamy Italian cheese that melts luxuriously, bringing rich texture and decadent flavor to the dish.
  • Tomatoes: Vibrant summer produce offering juicy sweetness and bright color, select ripe and firm varieties with deep, rich hue.
For Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Smooth Mediterranean liquid that adds silky richness and helps blend flavors, choose extra virgin for most authentic taste.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Intensely sweet-tangy Italian condiment that elevates overall dish complexity, select aged variety for deeper notes.
  • Kosher Salt: Essential mineral for drawing out natural ingredient flavors, provides balanced seasoning.
  • Black Pepper: Warm, spicy ground seasoning that adds gentle heat and aromatic depth.
  • Fleur de Sel: Delicate French sea salt crystals that provide elegant finishing touch and subtle crunch.
For Garnish and Accompaniment:
  • Fresh Basil: Fragrant herb bringing bright, peppery freshness, select vibrant green leaves without dark spots.
  • Baguette: Classic French bread perfect for creating crispy toasts, choose fresh, crusty loaf.
  • Garlic Clove: Pungent aromatic that infuses toasts with robust flavor, select firm cloves without sprouting.
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Rustic Barefoot Contessa Tomatoes & Burrata Recipe

Rustic Barefoot Contessa Tomatoes & Burrata Recipe


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4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s tomatoes & burrata recipe showcases Italian summer flavors with ripe heirloom tomatoes and creamy cheese. Guests will savor garden-fresh ingredients and simple Mediterranean elegance on their plate.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 balls (225-280g / 8-10 oz) fresh burrata cheese
  • 16 to 20 heirloom tomatoes (5cm / 2 inches diameter)
  • 1 French baguette
  • 1 garlic clove, halved lengthwise
  • 3 tbsps good olive oil
  • 60ml (¼ cup) good olive oil
  • 2 tbsps aged balsamic vinegar
  • ½ tsp kosher salt (or fine sea salt)
  • ½ tsp kosher salt (or fine sea salt)
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 20 fresh basil leaves, julienned
  • ½ tsp fleur de sel or flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Plate Composition: Halve burrata balls crosswise and position cut sides down on serving plates, creating an elegant foundation for the dish.
  2. Tomato Arrangement: Slice tomatoes lengthwise through stem end, artfully dispersing vibrant pieces around the delicate burrata.
  3. Flavor Enhancement: Generously drizzle extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar across the salad, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  4. Seasoning: Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper evenly, balancing the dish’s flavor profile.
  5. Garnish: Scatter thinly sliced basil leaves for visual and aromatic appeal, then dust with fleur de sel to add textural complexity.
  6. Garlic Toast Preparation: Preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit) and slice baguette diagonally into uniform pieces approximately 6 millimeters thick.
  7. Toast Assembly: Arrange bread slices on baking tray, brush with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then bake for 15-20 minutes until edges turn golden and surface becomes crisp.
  8. Final Touch: While toasts remain warm, gently rub one side with fresh garlic clove to infuse subtle aromatic flavor, then cool to room temperature before serving alongside the salad.

Notes

  • Burrata Handling: Slice burrata carefully to maintain its delicate, creamy interior and prevent messy spillage.
  • Tomato Selection: Choose ripe, vibrant tomatoes at peak season for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
  • Olive Oil Tip: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to elevate the dish’s overall taste and richness.
  • Bread Toasting Technique: Watch garlic toasts closely to achieve perfect golden-brown crispness without burning.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 26g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
Sophia Rivera

Sophia Rivera

Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

  • Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Seasonal and Local Ingredient Utilization
  • Dessert Menu Planning
  • Culinary Event Coordination

Education

Austin Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.

San Antonio Culinary Institute

  • Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
  • Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.

Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. 

Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.

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