Meal type: Appetizer / Light Salad
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Serves: 2–3

Overview

Creamy burrata cheese meets the deep sweetness of roasted cherries, finished with a kick of freshly cracked black pepper and a drizzle of honey-balsamic glaze. It’s a stunning combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy — the perfect summer appetizer or wine-night plate.

Ingredients

For the Roasted Cherries

• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)

• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar

• ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

• A small pinch of sea salt

For Assembly

• 1 large ball of burrata cheese (about 200 g)

• 1–2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tsp balsamic glaze (optional)

• Fresh basil or mint leaves, for garnish

• Extra black pepper and sea salt, to finish

• Crusty bread or grilled baguette slices, for serving

Instructions

Step 1. Roast the Cherries

1.  Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2.  Place pitted cherries on a lined baking sheet.

3.  Drizzle with olive oil, honey, and balsamic vinegar.

4.  Sprinkle with salt and black pepper; toss to coat evenly.

5.  Roast for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until cherries soften and release syrupy juices.

6.  Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

Step 2. Prepare the Burrata

1.  Place the burrata in the center of a shallow serving plate.

2.  Drizzle with a little olive oil and a pinch of salt.

3.  Gently tear it open so the creamy center spills out slightly.

Step 3. Assemble the Dish

1.  Spoon the warm roasted cherries and their juices over and around the burrata.

2.  Drizzle with a touch of balsamic glaze or extra honey for shine.

3.  Finish with a few fresh basil leaves and an extra crack of black pepper.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve immediately with toasted sourdough, crostini, or flatbread.

• Perfect alongside a glass of red wine or rosé.

• Works beautifully as part of a charcuterie board with prosciutto, nuts, and figs.

Tips & Variations

• No fresh cherries? Substitute with frozen - just thaw and drain before roasting.

• Extra flavor twist: Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme to the baking sheet for herbal aroma.

• Sweet lovers: Mix in a few drops of aged balsamic reduction or pomegranate molasses before serving.

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the cherries before roasting.

Nutrition (per serving)

(approximate)

• Calories: 280 kcal

• Protein: 10 g

• Fat: 20 g

• Carbs: 15 g

• Fiber: 1 g

Chef’s Note

This dish is all about balance - the luscious creaminess of burrata pairs perfectly with the dark, syrupy sweetness of cherries and the sharp bite of black pepper. It’s luxurious yet simple, impressive yet effortless. Serve it warm, and let the flavors melt together for the ultimate summer indulgence.