Pin It One sticky August afternoon I found myself with too many tomatoes from the farmers market and a ball of burrata I could not resist buying. I threw them on toasted sourdough with nothing but olive oil and salt and the result was so good I nearly ate both servings standing over the cutting board. This toast has since become my go to when I want something that feels fancy but comes together in minutes.
Last summer I made these for my sister on the back patio and she actually went silent for a full minute after taking her first bite. The tomatoes were an ugly mix of heirlooms from the garden but their flavor was intense and sweet against the milky cheese. We ended up making three more batches just to get them right and the whole afternoon turned into an impromptu toast tasting session.
Ingredients
- 2 large slices sourdough bread: A sturdy sourdough with a nice crust holds up better than softer bread and develops incredible crunch when toasted
- 1 ball (125 g) fresh burrata cheese: Keep it cold until the very last second because room temperature burrata can lose that dreamy creamy texture
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes: Heirloom tomatoes make this sing but even good grocery store tomatoes work if you let them ripen fully on the counter
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Use your best olive oil here because the flavor really shines against the mild cheese
- 1 garlic clove: Rubbing the warm toast with raw garlic adds this subtle background note that makes people wonder what your secret is
- Flaky sea salt: Maldon or another flaky salt gives you these perfect salty crunch pockets throughout
- Freshly ground black pepper: Grind it fresh because pre ground pepper lacks the bite that cuts through the creaminess
- 6–8 fresh basil leaves: Tear them by hand instead of cutting with a knife to avoid bruising and releasing bitter flavors
- 1 tsp balsamic glaze: This adds just enough sweet acidity to balance the rich elements without overpowering anything
Instructions
- Toast the bread until golden:
- Get your sourdough nice and crisp in a toaster or on a grill pan until it has some golden brown spots and serious crunch
- Rub with garlic:
- While the bread is still warm rub the cut side of your garlic clove all over the surface until you can smell it hitting the toast
- Add olive oil:
- Drizzle about half the olive oil over each toast letting it soak into the bread slightly
- Layer the tomatoes:
- Arrange your tomato slices so they overlap a bit and hit most of the bread surface then sprinkle with salt and pepper
- Add the burrata:
- Tear the burrata into chunks with your hands and distribute half over each toast letting some creamy parts spill onto the tomatoes
- Finish with basil and glaze:
- Scatter torn basil leaves on top and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze if you are using it
Pin It This recipe saved me during a dinner party emergency when I completely forgot to make a planned appetizer. I had all the ingredients on hand and threw these together in about ten minutes while guests were arriving. They disappeared faster than anything else I served that night and multiple people asked for the recipe.
Choosing The Best Tomatoes
I have learned that tomatoes with a little give when you gently squeeze them will be more flavorful than rock hard ones. If you can find them at a farm stand or farmers market the difference is night and day compared to grocery store tomatoes that were picked weeks ago.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want some heat or swap the basil for fresh mint in the summer. A thin slice of peach or nectarine underneath the burrata is incredible in late summer when stone fruit is at its peak.
Serving Suggestions
This works as a light lunch alongside a simple green salad or as an appetizer before something heavier like pasta. The key is serving it while the bread still has that crunch and the cheese is cool against the warm toast.
- Pair with chilled white wine or sparkling wine
- Serve on individual plates to catch any drips
- Have extra napkins ready because this can get messy
Pin It This toast is exactly the kind of food that makes you feel like you are eating well without any real effort.
Recipe FAQs
- → What bread works best for this dish?
Sourdough bread is ideal for its sturdy texture and tangy flavor, which holds up well to the toppings.
- → Can I substitute burrata cheese?
Fresh mozzarella offers a mild alternative if burrata is unavailable, though the creaminess will be less rich.
- → How should the garlic be used?
Rubbing the toasted bread with a halved garlic clove adds a subtle aromatic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- → Is balsamic glaze necessary?
It’s optional but adds a sweet and tangy note that complements the tomatoes and basil beautifully.
- → What seasonings enhance the flavors?
Simple flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper highlight the freshness of the ingredients without masking them.
- → How to serve for best texture?
Serve immediately while the toast is warm and crisp and the burrata remains creamy for optimal flavor and texture balance.