Simple Burrata Appetizer with Honey

Disclaimer: Our editors have used AI to create or enhance parts of this article and some images. All content has been fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy.

I never really “got” burrata until a friend served it at her dinner party last summer. Growing up, cheese meant things like cheddar or American singles, and fancy cheese was a block of Swiss from the deli counter.

But that night, when she drizzled golden honey over a ball of creamy burrata, I realized what I’d been missing all these years. It’s basically fresh mozzarella’s cooler cousin – firm on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside. And when you pair it with honey? Well, let’s just say it’s become my go-to appetizer when I want to impress without breaking a sweat.

Which Kind of Burrata Should I Use?

Fresh burrata is the star of this appetizer, and you’ll find it in most well-stocked grocery stores near the specialty cheese section. The outer shell should be firm mozzarella, while the inside should be soft and creamy – that’s how you know you’ve got the real deal. Most burrata comes packed in water or whey, and you’ll want to look for balls that are pure white without any discoloration. Small 4-ounce balls are perfect for individual servings, but you can also get larger 8-ounce ones and split them if you’re serving a crowd. Just remember to let your burrata sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving – cold cheese won’t have the same luxurious, creamy texture that makes burrata so special.

Options for Substitutions

This simple appetizer can be tweaked with several substitutions, though some ingredients are key to its character:

• Burrata: While burrata gives this dish its signature creamy texture, you could use fresh mozzarella or even a good quality ricotta as alternatives. Keep in mind the texture won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still be tasty!
• Sourdough bread: Any crusty bread works well here – try ciabatta, French bread, or even a good quality country loaf. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the toppings.
• Honey: This is pretty important for the sweet-savory balance, but maple syrup or agave nectar can work too. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.
• Crushed red pepper: You can swap this with a pinch of cayenne, Aleppo pepper, or even fresh cracked black pepper if you prefer less heat. Or skip it altogether if you’re not into spicy foods.
• Butter: Feel free to use olive oil instead of butter for toasting the bread. Both options work great!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when preparing burrata is serving it straight from the fridge – for the best creamy texture and flavor, let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before plating. When toasting your sourdough, keep a close eye on it as the butter can quickly go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds – aim for a light golden brown that’s crispy on the outside but still slightly chewy in the middle. Another common error is drowning the burrata in too much honey, which can overwhelm its delicate flavor – start with a light drizzle and add more to taste. To make this appetizer even better, try warming the honey slightly before drizzling, and finish with a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt to create the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy.

What to Serve With Burrata Appetizer?

This honey-drizzled burrata appetizer works perfectly as part of a larger spread of nibbles and small bites. I like to serve it alongside some fresh fruits like figs, peaches, or grape tomatoes, which complement the creamy cheese and sweet honey. For a complete appetizer spread, add some cured meats like prosciutto or salami, plus a handful of marcona almonds or toasted pine nuts. If you’re hosting a party, pair this with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc – the bright, acidic notes help balance the rich, creamy burrata.

Storage Instructions

Timing: This appetizer is best assembled right before serving. The burrata stays fresh and creamy, and the bread maintains its perfect crunch. If you need to prep ahead, you can toast the bread up to 2 hours before and keep it at room temperature.

Keep Fresh: If you have any leftover burrata, place it in an airtight container with a little olive oil and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. The honey can stay at room temperature in your pantry, and the bread is best stored in a paper bag at room temperature if you haven’t toasted it yet.

Serve: For the best experience, let the burrata sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. This helps bring out its creamy texture and subtle flavors. Once assembled with honey and seasonings, try to enjoy it within 30 minutes.

Preparation Time	5-10 minutes
Cooking Time	5-10 minutes
Total Time	10-20 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 600-700
• Protein: 12-15 g
• Fat: 35-40 g
• Carbohydrates: 60-70 g

Ingredients

• 1 large slice of sourdough bread (or 2 smaller pieces)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small burrata ball (drained and dried with a paper towel)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• Sea salt and black pepper

Step 1: Prepare and Toast the Bread

Begin by buttering the bread, ensuring the butter is evenly spread and reaches right to the edges of the bread.

Next, heat a skillet over medium heat.

Toast the buttered bread on each side until it reaches a golden brown color or to your preferred level of crispness.

Step 2: Add and Arrange the Burrata

Once the bread is toasted, gently add the well-drained and patted dry burrata to the top of each toast.

Using a sharp knife or a fork, carefully open the burrata and spread the gooey cheese evenly over the surface of the toast, ensuring it is well distributed.

Step 3: Mix and Drizzle the Honey Mixture

In a small bowl, stir together honey and red pepper flakes until well combined.

Drizzle this sweet-spicy mixture over the burrata-laden toast, allowing it to seep into the cheese for an added burst of flavor.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Finish the dish by seasoning with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper to taste.

Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture experience.

Enjoy your deliciously rich and satisfying burrata toast!