Roasted Tomato Burrata Dip: A Bold, Gooey Delight Straight from the Oven

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If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort but still brings big, bold flavor, this roasted tomato burrata dip is it. From its bubbling cheese surface to the deeply roasted tomatoes, it’s simple, rustic comfort with a hint of elegance. In this article, we’ll dive into its story, ingredients, smart substitutions, step-by-step directions, and serving suggestions. Perfect for weeknights and parties alike, this roast-inspired dip blends nostalgic charm with modern creativity.

From Grandma’s Saucepan to My Kitchen Table: The Story Behind My Roasted Tomato Burrata Dip

The Comfort of Warm Tomatoes and Soft Cheese

Growing up in Charleston, my food education wasn’t in fancy kitchens—it happened beside my grandmother’s weathered stovetop, where she’d scatter salt by feel and predict doneness by scent. The first time I tasted burrata, years later at a farmers’ market, I remembered her. Soft, creamy inside with a tender shell—I knew it had the soul of her cooking. So I created this roasted tomato burrata dip, blending the tang of slow-roasted tomatoes with that buttery cheese for a dish that felt both familiar and new.

The Inspiration You Can Taste

Unlike typical cold burrata-tomato combos, this one hits the oven. It started as a one-skillet experiment one rainy Sunday with leftovers from my olive salad. It all came together when I blistered cherry tomatoes with garlic until they burst, then folded in burrata until molten. It wasn’t just cheesy; it sang with flavor—sweet, salty, tangy, gooey. It became an instant hit at my food truck stand and remains the #1 requested appetizer at Flavivo dinner parties.

Whether you serve it bubbling from the oven or scoop it onto crusty bread fresh from the skillet, roasted tomato burrata dip is a game-changer. It uses easy-to-find ingredients, no tricky tools, and stuns a crowd in less time than you’d think.

Building Bold Flavor with Simple Ingredients

Ingredient List for Roasted Tomato Burrata Dip

This dish centers around just a few quality ingredients. That’s the magic—you get big payoff with low effort.

IngredientDetails/Substitutions
Cherry TomatoesAbout 2 cups; grape tomatoes or heirloom cherry varieties work too.
Burrata Cheese2 balls (about 8 oz); mozzarella with cream center. Substitute with mozzarella in a pinch, but it won’t have the same creamy burst.
Garlic3 cloves, smashed—roasted garlic adds mellow richness.
Olive OilAbout 2 tablespoons; choose a fruity, full-bodied one.
Fresh Basil or ThymeA few sprigs. Fresh is best, but dried oregano can fill the gap.
Salt & Cracked PepperTo taste.

Optional boosts include a drizzle of hot honey for zip, roasted red peppers, or even spoonfuls of gochujang paste for a smoky kick.

Prep and Cook Time: Quick and Cozy

Making this dip is faster than most assume. Here’s your time breakdown:

StepTime
Prep10 minutes
Roasting Tomatoes25 minutes
Melting Burrata5–8 minutes
Total~40 minutes

Instructions: From Oven to Table

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss tomatoes and garlic with olive oil, salt, and herbs in a cast-iron skillet.
  2. Roast for 25–30 minutes until caramelized and blistered.
  3. Remove skillet. Carefully nestle the burrata balls among the tomatoes.
  4. Return to oven for 6–8 minutes until burrata softens and begins to melt into the juices.
  5. Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for bubbly, golden cheese top.
  6. Garnish with fresh herbs and cracked black pepper. Serve hot with toasted sourdough or pita.

Want a sweet-meets-savory finish? A light drizzle of balsamic glaze will elevate this into dinner party territory.

Nailing That Roasted Tomato Burrata Flavor

How Heat Builds Boldness

Roasting transforms tomatoes into savory candy. Their sugars deepen, skins wrinkle, juices concentrate. It’s not just cooking—it’s flavor alchemy. Paired with burrata’s rich, creamy center, this dip offers a depth of flavor and complexity that far exceeds what you’d expect from just six ingredients.

According to nutrition studies from USDA.gov, roasting tomatoes actually boosts their lycopene content—a powerful antioxidant. So this indulgent dish actually comes with a nutritional bonus.

Charring also releases deeper flavors from garlic and herbs. So don’t rush it; let the oven work its magic.

What to Serve With Roasted Tomato Burrata Dip

The dip’s molten consistency calls for strong, absorbent vehicles. Here are some crowd-favorite pairings:

  • Slices of focaccia, baguette, or grilled sourdough
  • Grilled pita or naan
  • Crisp raw veggies like bell peppers or carrots
  • Toss over warm pasta for an instant gourmet upgrade
  • Use as the center of a bread bowl for dramatic presentation

Or sandwich leftovers between toasted brioche buns with a smear of Italian olive spread—trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Creative Twists & Pairings Beyond the Dip

Think Beyond Party Dips

Once you’ve mastered roasted tomato burrata dip, it becomes a gateway to dozens of dishes. Spoon it over eggs in the morning, top roasted potatoes, or stir into warm quinoa bowls.

Try layering it into grilled cheese or spreading leftovers on pizza dough before baking. It pairs beautifully with Greek grilled spatchcock chicken or alongside zesty olive tapenade for a balanced Mediterranean table.

Even better? It fits right into soft Japanese crepes with a savory spin.

Burrata-Lovers Rejoice

If this is your first burrata recipe, don’t let it be your last. This delicate cheese complements everything from fruit to charcuterie and veggies. For plant-based friends, check out our best vegan recipes for beginners and explore creamy alternatives that satisfy everyone at the table.

You might also love using this dip as a sauce for grain bowls or as a rustic pasta toss tossed into plant-based diet recipes.

FAQs: Burrata & Tomatoes, Answered

  • Can you melt burrata in the oven?

    Yes! It won’t melt entirely like mozzarella due to the cream center, but baking softens it beautifully, creating a gooey blend that’s perfect in hot dips.

  • How to eat Trader Joe’s burrata filling?

    Scoop it onto crusty toast, swirl into red sauce, or nestle it in roasted veggies like in this dip. It’s highly versatile and ideal for simple upgrades.

  • What is the dressing for tomato and burrata?

    Classic pairings include olive oil, balsamic glaze, lemon zest, or pesto. In this warm version, roasted garlic and natural tomato juices create their own ‘dressing’.

  • What kind of bread is best for burrata and tomatoes?

    Crusty bread like sourdough or baguette works best—something that can soak in juices without going soggy.

Conclusion: Gather Around the Dish

This roasted tomato burrata dip isn’t just another appetizer—it’s a celebration of comfort, community, and flavor born from humble beginnings. Inspired by my grandmother’s kitchen and perfected through years of experimenting at farmers’ markets and dinner parties, it’s a dish that invites everyone in.

With ingredients you likely have on hand, no need for fancy tools, and an oven doing most of the work, this dip earns a permanent spot in your rotation. Whether served at a casual get-together or dished out alongside weekend pasta, it’s a guaranteed hit.

roasted tomato burrata dip

Roasted Tomato Burrata Dip

A warm, comforting dip of blistered cherry tomatoes and molten burrata cheese, inspired by nostalgic home cooking and designed to impress at gatherings. Ready in under 40 minutes with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American Rustic, Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes Or grape/heirloom cherry tomatoes
  • 2 balls Burrata Cheese About 8 oz total; sub with fresh mozzarella if needed
  • 3 cloves Garlic Smashed; roasted garlic for extra mellow flavor
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Fruity good-quality oil
  • 2 –3 sprigs Fresh Basil or Thyme Or substitute with dried oregano if fresh is unavailable
  • to taste — Salt & Cracked Black Pepper For seasoning
  • Optional — Hot Honey Roasted Red Peppers, or Gochujang For creative twists

Instructions
 

  • 1️⃣ Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • 2️⃣ Toss cherry tomatoes and smashed garlic with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs directly in a cast-iron skillet.
  • 3️⃣ Roast for 25–30 minutes, until tomatoes are caramelized and blistered.
  • 4️⃣ Remove from oven. Gently nestle burrata balls among the roasted tomatoes.
  • 5️⃣ Return skillet to oven for 6–8 minutes, until burrata softens and starts to melt. For a bubbly golden top, broil an extra 2 minutes.
  • 6️⃣ Garnish with fresh basil or thyme and cracked black pepper.
  • 7️⃣ Serve hot with crusty bread, pita, or fresh veggies. Optional: drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra depth.

Notes

  • Substitute burrata with fresh mozzarella if you can’t find burrata, but expect less creaminess.
  • Add a drizzle of hot honey or gochujang paste for a spicy twist.
  • Great as a topping for pasta, pizza, or grilled sandwiches.
  • Best served immediately, but leftovers can be spread onto toast or stirred into warm grains.
Keyword Roasted Tomato Burrata Dip, Burrata Recipes, Warm Cheese Dip, Party Appetizer, Easy Tomato Dip