Roasted Tomato, Garlic Confit & Burrata Appetizer

 

Introduction

This appetizer is rich, rustic, and full of Mediterranean flavor. Sweet roasted cherry tomatoes are paired with creamy burrata and aromatic garlic confit, finished with basil chiffonade, and served with garlic‑rubbed crostini.

Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes – 12 oz / ~340 g

• Burrata – 8 oz / ~225 g

• Salt – 2 tbsp

• Black pepper – to taste

• Basil chiffonade – 2 tbsp (see note below)

• Garlic‑rubbed crostini – to serve

Garlic Confit

• Garlic – 2 bulbs, peeled

• Olive oil – ½ cup

• Salt – ½ tsp

• Black pepper – to taste

• Thyme – 3 sprigs

• Rosemary – 1 sprig

Method

1. Prepare garlic confit:

   • Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).

   • Peel garlic cloves and place in a small oven‑safe pan with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.

   • Cover and roast for about 1 hour, until garlic is soft and caramelized.

2. Roast tomatoes:

   • Preheat oven to 230°C (450°F).

   • Place cherry tomatoes in a skillet.

   • Pour garlic confit (including softened garlic and some oil) over the tomatoes, reserving a little oil for other uses.

   • Season with salt and pepper.

   • Roast for 15–20 minutes, until tomatoes are blistered and slightly caramelized.

3. Assemble appetizer:

   • Place burrata in the center of a serving plate.

   • Top with roasted tomatoes and garlic confit.

   • Sprinkle with black pepper and basil chiffonade.

   • Serve with garlic‑rubbed crostini.

Notes

• Basil chiffonade: This is a technique where basil leaves are stacked, rolled tightly, and sliced into thin ribbons. It gives a delicate, elegant garnish.

• Crostini: Slice baguette, toast lightly, and rub with a cut clove of garlic for flavor.

✅ This dish is creamy, savory, and aromatic—perfect for entertaining or as a luxurious starter.