Burrata Crostini with Prosciutto: A Delicious & Easy Appetizer

Burrata Crostini with Prosciutto: Prepare to elevate your appetizer game with a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave your guests begging for more! Imagine this: creamy, dreamy burrata cheese, its delicate exterior yielding to a molten heart of stracciatella, nestled atop perfectly toasted crostini, and crowned with the salty, savory perfection of thinly sliced prosciutto. It’s an explosion of Italian deliciousness in every bite!

Crostini, meaning “little toasts” in Italian, have a long and storied history as a simple yet elegant way to showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients. While the exact origins are debated, similar toasted bread preparations have been enjoyed throughout the Mediterranean for centuries. Adding burrata and prosciutto takes this humble base to new heights, creating a dish that’s both sophisticated and comforting.

People adore Burrata Crostini with Prosciutto for its incredible balance of flavors and textures. The creamy burrata provides a luxurious richness that’s perfectly offset by the salty prosciutto and the crunchy crostini. It’s an appetizer that’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for both casual gatherings and more formal occasions. Plus, it’s visually stunning, adding a touch of elegance to any table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your entertaining repertoire!

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces burrata cheese, at room temperature
• 4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Preparing the Crostini:

Okay, let’s get started with the foundation of our delicious Burrata Crostini – the crostini itself! This is where we transform simple baguette slices into crispy, flavorful bites.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for toasting the bread without burning it. While the oven is heating up, let’s move on to the next step.
2. Prepare the garlic-infused olive oil. In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup of olive oil with the minced garlic. Give it a good stir to ensure the garlic is evenly distributed. This garlic-infused oil will add a wonderful aroma and flavor to our crostini.
3. Brush the baguette slices with the garlic oil. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Using a pastry brush, generously brush each slice with the garlic-infused olive oil. Make sure to coat both sides of the bread for maximum flavor and crispiness. Don’t be shy with the oil – it’s what makes the crostini so delicious!
4. Season with salt and pepper. Lightly sprinkle the baguette slices with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the bread and complement the other ingredients.
5. Bake the crostini. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crostini are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly. The edges should be nicely browned, and the centers should be firm to the touch.
6. Cool the crostini. Once the crostini are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This will allow them to crisp up even further.

Preparing the Toppings:

Now, let’s move on to the star of the show – the toppings! This is where we’ll prepare all the delicious ingredients that will make our Burrata Crostini truly irresistible.

1. Prepare the burrata cheese. Gently remove the burrata cheese from its packaging and place it on a plate. If the burrata is very cold, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly. This will make it easier to spread on the crostini.
2. Prepare the prosciutto. If the prosciutto slices are large, you can tear them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This will make them easier to eat on the crostini.
3. Chop the basil. Roughly chop the fresh basil leaves. The basil will add a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the crostini.
4. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes. Drain the sun-dried tomatoes from their oil and chop them into small pieces. The sun-dried tomatoes will add a sweet and tangy flavor to the crostini.

Assembling the Burrata Crostini:

Alright, the moment we’ve been waiting for – assembling the Burrata Crostini! This is where all our hard work comes together to create a truly stunning and delicious appetizer.

1. Spread the burrata cheese on the crostini. Take a cooled crostini and gently spread a generous amount of burrata cheese on top. Don’t be afraid to pile it on – the creamy burrata is what makes these crostini so special!
2. Top with prosciutto. Arrange a few pieces of prosciutto on top of the burrata cheese. The salty prosciutto will perfectly complement the creamy burrata.
3. Add the sun-dried tomatoes. Sprinkle a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the prosciutto. The sweet and tangy sun-dried tomatoes will add a burst of flavor to the crostini.
4. Garnish with fresh basil. Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil leaves over the crostini. The fresh basil will add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma.
5. Drizzle with balsamic glaze. Drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over the crostini. The balsamic glaze will add a touch of sweetness and acidity that will tie all the flavors together.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Lightly sprinkle the crostini with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Optional: Add red pepper flakes. If you like a little heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the crostini.
8. Serve immediately. The Burrata Crostini are best served immediately, while the crostini are still crispy and the burrata is still creamy.

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize your Burrata Crostini? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

• Use different types of bread. Instead of a baguette, you can use ciabatta bread, sourdough bread, or even gluten-free bread. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Add different toppings. Get creative with your toppings! Try adding roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, olives, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
• Use different types of cheese. If you can’t find burrata cheese, you can use fresh mozzarella cheese or ricotta cheese instead.
• Make it vegetarian. Omit the prosciutto for a vegetarian version. You can add extra vegetables or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added flavor and texture.
• Add a touch of sweetness. Drizzle a little honey over the crostini for a touch of sweetness.
• Make it ahead of time. You can prepare the crostini and the toppings ahead of time, but wait to assemble the crostini until just before serving. This will prevent the crostini from getting soggy.

Serving Suggestions:

Burrata Crostini are perfect as an appetizer for any occasion. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve as part of an antipasto platter. Arrange the Burrata Crostini on a platter with other Italian appetizers, such as olives, cheeses, and cured meats.
• Serve with a glass of wine. Burrata Crostini pair well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Serve as a light lunch. Serve a few Burrata Crostini with a side salad for a light and satisfying lunch.
• Bring to a potluck. Burrata Crostini are a crowd-pleaser and are easy to transport, making them a perfect dish to bring to a potluck.

Storing Leftovers:

If you have any leftover Burrata Crostini, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The crostini will lose their crispness over time, but they will still be delicious. It’s best to eat them within a day or two.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for Burrata Crostini with Prosciutto! It’s a simple yet elegant appetizer that is sure to impress your guests. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own unique version. Buon appetito!

Conclusion:

This Burrata Crostini with Prosciutto isn’t just an appetizer; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to experience it. The creamy, dreamy burrata, the salty, savory prosciutto, the crisp, toasted bread – it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have your guests (or just you!) begging for more. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to impress, making it the perfect addition to any gathering, or even just a delightful treat for yourself on a weeknight.

But what truly makes this recipe a must-try is its versatility. While the classic combination of burrata and prosciutto is divine, don’t be afraid to get creative! Feeling a little adventurous? Try adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and acidity that perfectly complements the richness of the cheese and meat. Or, for a burst of freshness, consider topping your crostini with some thinly sliced ripe peaches or figs when they’re in season. A sprinkle of fresh basil or mint can also elevate the flavors and add a vibrant pop of color.

For a vegetarian option, you can easily swap out the prosciutto for roasted red peppers or grilled zucchini. The smoky sweetness of the peppers or the tender texture of the zucchini will pair beautifully with the creamy burrata. You could even add a dollop of pesto for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving suggestions are endless! These crostini are fantastic as a standalone appetizer, but they also make a wonderful addition to a charcuterie board. Arrange them alongside other cheeses, cured meats, olives, and crackers for a truly impressive spread. They’re also perfect for picnics, potlucks, or even a light lunch. I often serve them with a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

And don’t forget the wine! A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly with the creamy burrata and salty prosciutto. For a red wine option, try a light-bodied Pinot Noir or Beaujolais. The acidity of the wine will cut through the richness of the cheese and cleanse your palate between bites.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. The beauty of this Burrata Crostini with Prosciutto lies in its simplicity and the quality of the ingredients. Don’t skimp on the burrata – splurge on the good stuff! It makes all the difference.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what variations you tried, what you served them with, and what your guests thought. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create and share delicious recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking!

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