Everything Bagel Burrata with Spicy Tomato Jam Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate party starter or an unforgettable weekend treat, Everything Bagel Burrata with Spicy Tomato Jam is about to become the highlight of your culinary repertoire. Imagine molten, cloud-like burrata encased in a crisp, savory everything bagel crust, meeting with glossy, sweet-hot tomato jam for explosions of flavor and texture in every bite. This dish brings together the nostalgic comfort of a classic bagel shop with the wow-factor of restaurant-level cheese pulls, ensuring your family and friends can’t resist coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Everything Bagel Burrata with Spicy Tomato Jam so irresistible? The answer lies in just a handful of thoughtfully chosen pantry staples and a few fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role: from the creamy richness of burrata to the crunchy bagel-spiced coating and a tomato jam that balances sweetness, heat, and tang.

• Burrata Balls: Sourcing plump, fresh burrata is key—the inside should ooze luxuriously once fried.
• Plain Flour: Essential for the first layer of coating, helping everything else adhere properly to the cheese.
• Egg (beaten): Acts as the glue between the flour and the panko topping, ensuring a crisp shell.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Japanese panko delivers superior crunch; don’t substitute with regular breadcrumbs if you want maximum texture.
• Everything Bagel Mix: This seasoning (often a blend of poppy seeds, sesame, garlic, onion, and salt) is what gives the crispy coating its signature flavor; it’s the magic touch.
• Oil for Shallow Frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point (like sunflower or canola) for crisp results without overpowering flavors.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and juiciness make the jam vibrant and glossy.
• Olive Oil: A quick sauté in good extra virgin olive oil gets the jam started with aromatic depth.
• Garlic Clove: Just one, finely grated, infuses the jam with inviting, subtle warmth.
• Soft Brown Sugar: A hint of caramel flavor and extra body to balance the jam.
• Vinegar (red wine or balsamic): Adds brightness; balsamic brings extra richness while red wine vinegar keeps things tangy and light.
• Chili Flakes: Deliver that addictive heat to make your jam sing.
• Pinch of Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the jam.
• Chives, Microgreens, or Extra Bagel Seasoning: These final flourishes add freshness and instant visual appeal.

How to Make Everything Bagel Burrata with Spicy Tomato Jam

Step 1: Make the Spicy Tomato Jam

Start with the jam since it needs time to cool and thicken. In a small saucepan, combine cherry tomatoes (halved), a drizzle of olive oil, grated garlic, soft brown sugar, vinegar, chili flakes, and a tiny pinch of salt. Set over medium-low heat and let everything bubble gently. As the tomatoes soften, smash them with a spoon to release juices. After about 20 minutes, you’ll have a thick, jammy concoction ready to cool—a sweet-savory spread that’s the perfect foil to rich fried cheese.

Step 2: Chill the Burrata

For your Everything Bagel Burrata with Spicy Tomato Jam to reach legendary status, don’t skip this clever hack: freeze the burrata balls for about 15 minutes. This short chill helps them hold their shape under the heat of frying and prevents any cheesy eruptions. Cold burrata equals beautiful, intact crisp coating and a gorgeous cheese pull once you dig in.

Step 3: Bread the Burrata

Set up a three-step breading station: one shallow dish with plain flour, another with a beaten egg, and a third with panko combined with your everything bagel seasoning. Working gently, coat each cold burrata ball first in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally roll—rolling thoroughly!—in the panko-bagel mix. You’re creating a thick, shatteringly crisp shell that’s going to fry up golden and perfect.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat a skillet with enough oil for shallow frying until shimmering but not smoking. Fry the coated burrata balls, giving them just 1–2 minutes per side. Don’t crowd the pan; letting them breathe ensures even browning. As soon as they’re gloriously golden, transfer to paper towels to quickly drain any extra oil. Move fast; the cheese inside is eager to escape!

Step 5: Plate with Flair

Spoon a generous pool of spicy tomato jam onto each plate. Arrange your Everything Bagel Burrata with Spicy Tomato Jam right alongside for dramatic contrast. Scatter with chives, microgreens, or even more bagel seasoning to complete the masterpiece. Serve immediately while still hot so the creamy cheese oozes out at the first touch of a fork or crostini.

How to Serve Everything Bagel Burrata with Spicy Tomato Jam

Garnishes

The right toppings will make your Everything Bagel Burrata with Spicy Tomato Jam shine. Try snipping fresh chives over each plate for a hit of freshness, scatter microgreens for a touch of color and crunch, or sprinkle extra everything bagel seasoning for that unmistakable flavor burst. A drizzle of good olive oil never hurts either!

Side Dishes

This dish deserves a supporting cast that’s equally enticing. Think toasted bagel chips, a warm chunk of focaccia, or crisp seeded crackers—perfect for scooping up every last bit of creamy cheese and jam. Add a simple, peppery arugula salad dressed with lemon to cut through all the richness, rounding out the feast with a pop of brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Everything Bagel Burrata with Spicy Tomato Jam into the star of your next brunch board: nestle the fried cheese among a tangle of smoked salmon, sliced cucumbers, radishes, and dollops of extra jam. Or go tapas-style, serving small balls as part of a multi-cheese platter. For a memorable party pass-around, cut the fried burrata into wedges and skewer each piece with a pick, jam on the side for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to wind up with leftovers (though it’s a miracle if you do!), store the jam in an airtight jar in the fridge—it’ll keep for a few days and also goes beautifully with toast or roasted meats. For the fried burrata, cool completely before transferring to an airtight container with a layer of paper towel to absorb any condensation. Enjoy within 24 hours for optimal texture.

Freezing

Fried burrata doesn’t freeze well once cooked—the cheese gets watery and the crust turns soggy when thawed. However, you can freeze un-fried, coated burrata balls on a tray before frying. Just add an extra minute or two to the fry time, straight from the freezer, and watch for golden perfection.

Reheating

To revive leftover Everything Bagel Burrata with Spicy Tomato Jam, reheat the cheese gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 7–10 minutes; air fryers work wonders for bringing back that crispy shell. Microwaving is not recommended as it heats unevenly and the outer coating loses its crunch.

FAQs

Can I use regular mozzarella instead of burrata?

Burrata is extra creamy thanks to its soft center—regular mozzarella won’t quite achieve the signature ooziness, but a thick slice of fresh mozzarella is a reasonable alternative for a milder effect.

How spicy is the tomato jam?

It’s got a noticeable, tingly heat from the chili flakes, but you can easily dial up or down the spice depending on your preferences. Omit the chili for a mild version, or double it if you love extra heat!

Can I make the Everything Bagel Burrata with Spicy Tomato Jam ahead?

The jam is perfect for making up to three days in advance and storing chilled. Bread and chill the burrata ahead but fry just before serving for best texture and gooeyness.

What’s the best way to serve this for a crowd?

Plate several burrata balls on a large platter with heaps of tomato jam, then let guests help themselves with warm bread, crackers, or crostini. For parties, consider making cocktail-sized mini burrata balls!

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes—swap plain flour and panko for gluten-free alternatives and use a gluten-free everything bagel seasoning mix. The result will be just as crisp and delicious!

Final Thoughts

This is one of those dishes that never fails to impress. Try Everything Bagel Burrata with Spicy Tomato Jam once, and you’ll find yourself dreaming up excuses to make it again—whether for a brunch with friends, date night, or just because you deserve something extraordinary. Give it a try, savor the moment, and get ready for everyone to ask for your secret!