Mediterranean Burrata Board
The Mediterranean Burrata Board is a luxurious and crowd-pleasing platter that brings together creamy burrata cheese with a vibrant selection of Mediterranean favorites — think marinated olives, roasted veggies, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Perfect for entertaining or as a show-stopping appetizer, this board is all about color, texture, and bold flavor. Serve it with crusty bread or pita for a truly irresistible bite.
Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
Servings: 4–6 as an appetizer or grazing platter
Ingredients:
Core:
2–3 balls of fresh burrata cheese
Mediterranean Additions:
1 cup marinated olives (Kalamata, Castelvetrano, etc.)
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained)
½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
½ cup artichoke hearts, halved or quartered
1 cup roasted cherry tomatoes (optional but recommended)
½ cup cucumber slices or spears
½ cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup fresh basil leaves or mint
A few sprigs of fresh oregano or thyme
2 tablespoons capers (optional for briny kick)
For Serving:
Crusty baguette slices, grilled or toasted
Pita wedges or flatbread
Crackers (optional)
Garnishes & Drizzle:
Extra virgin olive oil
Flaky sea salt & black pepper
Balsamic glaze or pomegranate molasses (optional)
Lemon wedges
Instructions:
Arrange the Burrata:
Place the burrata balls in the center or slightly off-center on a large wooden board or platter. Gently tear one open for a dramatic creamy effect.
Add Vegetables and Antipasti:
Around the burrata, artfully arrange the olives, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, grape tomatoes, and cucumber slices. If using roasted cherry tomatoes, scatter them for a burst of flavor and color.
Garnish:
Add fresh herbs like basil and oregano around the board. Sprinkle capers if using, and add a few lemon wedges for squeezing.
Drizzle:
Drizzle burrata with extra virgin olive oil, season with flaky sea salt, black pepper, and (if desired) a touch of balsamic glaze or pomegranate molasses.
Serve with Bread:
Add toasted baguette slices, pita wedges, or crackers around the edges. Make sure they’re easy to grab for scooping up the creamy burrata and accompaniments.
Make It a Meal:
Add grilled chicken, prosciutto, or chickpeas for extra protein.
Include hummus or tzatziki for dipping.
Serve with a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing pairing.
Tips:
Serve Burrata at Room Temperature
Let the burrata sit out for 15–20 minutes before serving. This allows it to become ultra-creamy inside when cut open.
Balance Flavors
Include a variety of textures and tastes — creamy (burrata), briny (olives, capers), sweet (roasted peppers, tomatoes), and fresh (cucumbers, herbs) — for a well-rounded board.
Use a Large, Flat Surface
A large wooden board, slate tray, or ceramic platter works best for visual appeal and easy access.
Keep Bread Fresh
If using toasted bread or grilled pita, make them just before serving so they stay crisp and warm.
Make-Ahead Tip
Most ingredients can be prepped and stored separately. Assemble the board just before serving to keep things fresh and vibrant.
Labeling Helps for Guests
If you’re serving to a group, consider small labels or a quick verbal guide, especially if using unique ingredients (like pomegranate molasses or artichoke tapenade).
Variations:
Cheese Substitutes & Additions:
Use fresh mozzarella balls, whipped ricotta, or labneh if burrata isn’t available.
Add a second cheese like manchego, goat cheese, or halloumi slices for variety.
Vegetable Options:
Try grilled zucchini, eggplant slices, or blistered shishito peppers for smoky depth.
Add radishes or pickled onions for crunch and tang.
Herb Upgrades:
Try chopped chives, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of za’atar or sumac for bold Mediterranean flavor.
Carb Alternatives:
Swap bread with seed crackers, cucumber rounds, or endive leaves for a lower-carb option.
Spice It Up:
Add a dollop of harissa, a drizzle of chili oil, or sprinkle of Aleppo pepper for some heat.
Make It Heartier:
Add protein-rich bites like falafel, grilled shrimp, roasted chickpeas, or thinly sliced cured meats (like prosciutto or bresaola).
Vegan Version:
Replace burrata with vegan cashew cheese or creamy plant-based cheese spreads.
Load up on veggies, hummus, and olives for texture and flavor variety.
Q&A
Q: Can I prepare the burrata board ahead of time?
A: You can prep the components (slice vegetables, toast bread, portion out olives) ahead of time, but assemble the board just before serving. Burrata is best served at room temperature for its creamiest texture.
Q: What can I use if I can’t find burrata?
A: Fresh mozzarella, whipped ricotta, or a soft goat cheese can be great alternatives. You can also use a vegan cashew cheese for a dairy-free version.
Q: Is this suitable as a main dish?
A: Yes, especially if you add hearty items like roasted chickpeas, grilled chicken, or falafel. Serve with plenty of bread or grains like farro or couscous to make it more filling.
Q: How long can it sit out?
A: For food safety, don’t let the board sit out for more than 2 hours. Refrigerate any leftovers — though burrata is best enjoyed fresh.
Q: What drinks pair well with this?
A: A crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio), sparkling rosé, or a citrusy mocktail complements the creamy cheese and briny vegetables beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: ~280 kcal
Protein: 9g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: ~450mg
Calcium: ~15% of daily needs
Vitamin C: ~20% of daily needs
Note: Nutrition can vary depending on serving size, cheese quantity, and bread used.
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Burrata Board is more than a dish — it’s a visual and culinary celebration of rich textures, creamy indulgence, and bold Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a laid-back weekend snack board, or planning an elegant appetizer, this board delivers both simplicity and sophistication.
Flexible, customizable, and bursting with color, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that turns cheese and vegetables into artful grazing perfection.