Meet your new favorite party centerpiece: the Fig & Olive Tapenade Board with Soft Burrata. This magical combination marries sweet, savory, and creamy flavors in a way that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. Imagine luscious burrata nestled among tangy, fruit-studded tapenade, golden olive oil, and the crunch of rustic crackers. Whether you’re hosting friends or indulging in a cozy night at home, this board makes entertaining truly effortless and memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Fig & Olive Tapenade Board with Soft Burrata so spectacular is that every ingredient is both straightforward and full of personality. Each one brings its own pop of flavor, texture, or color, coming together for a presentation that’s as beautiful as it is irresistible.
- Black olives: Their deep, earthy flavor forms the backbone of the tapenade and balances the sweetness of the figs beautifully.
- Green olives: Bright and briny, these add a delightful zing and a pop of color to the mix.
- Dried figs: Chopped figs bring honeyed sweetness and a pleasant chewiness, making the tapenade instantly craveable.
- Capers: These little flavor bombs provide a salty, tangy punch that elevates every bite.
- Garlic: Just one clove gives a welcome savory undertone — feel free to add more if you’re feeling bold!
- Olive oil: The glue that luxuriously melds everything together; use your favorite extra-virgin variety for best results.
- Lemon juice: Don’t skip this splash of acidity; it brightens and balances the tapenade perfectly.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary: Optional, but these herbs add a layer of aromatic depth that’s oh-so Mediterranean.
- Salt & pepper: Enhance every nuance; season thoughtfully for the perfect final touch.
- Soft burrata: Creamy, dreamy burrata is the showstopper that makes this board unforgettable.
- Crackers or sliced baguette: Choose something sturdy for scooping up all that goodness without any mess.
- Extra olives and figs: A handful of these scattered around the board add color and a preview of flavors to come.
- Drizzle of honey or olive oil: Both add rich gloss and just a hint of sweetness or savoriness, depending on your mood.
- Fresh herbs for garnish: A sprinkle of something green ties the whole board together and makes it feel truly special.
How to Make Fig & Olive Tapenade Board with Soft Burrata
Step 1: Blend the Tapenade
Start by adding the black olives, green olives, chopped dried figs, capers, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice into your food processor. Toss in a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary if you like a bit more fragrance. Give it a quick blitz until you have a coarse yet spreadable texture. You’re looking for chunky — not baby food — so be careful not to over-blend. Taste and season with salt and pepper, adjusting as needed. The tapenade should be both tangy and slightly sweet, full of interest in every spoonful.
Step 2: Arrange the Board
This is where you let your creativity shine. Place your soft burrata right at the center of a beautiful serving board. Artistically ring crackers or slices of baguette around the cheese, leaving enough space for the tapenade. Sprinkle in a few extra olives and figs for a preview of what’s in store. You want it to look inviting — like everyone should dive right in!
Step 3: Add the Tapenade
Spoon your homemade Fig & Olive Tapenade into a little bowl or directly onto a corner of the board, making it easy for guests to sample at will. Don’t be afraid to let a bit spill over the edge — a rustic presentation only adds to the appeal. This step is where the name “Fig & Olive Tapenade Board with Soft Burrata” truly comes to life, inviting everyone to dig in.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
Finish everything with a generous drizzle of olive oil — or, if you adore sweet-savory combinations, a thread of honey right over the burrata. Scatter fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary across the board for a professional touch. Your Fig & Olive Tapenade Board with Soft Burrata is officially ready to grace the table as an appetizer, snack, or even a light lunch.
How to Serve Fig & Olive Tapenade Board with Soft Burrata
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even basil bring vibrancy to your board and accentuate its Mediterranean spirit. A handful of colorful microgreens or edible flowers can turn your Fig & Olive Tapenade Board with Soft Burrata into a show-stopping centerpiece. Finish with a little lemon zest for aromatic zing, or a dusting of cracked black pepper atop the burrata.
Side Dishes
A crisp, refreshing salad — think arugula, fennel, and citrus — pairs wonderfully with the creamy richness of the burrata. For something heartier, add a platter of roasted or grilled vegetables and marinated artichokes. A light white wine, chilled rosé, or even a sparkling seltzer makes for a perfect sip between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
You can go classic with a large wooden board or get playful with individual mini boards for each guest. For an al fresco vibe, pack up all the elements picnic-style and assemble on-site. Arrange the tapenade in a ring around the burrata, or create little parcels for a passed appetizer version. However you choose, the Fig & Olive Tapenade Board with Soft Burrata is guaranteed to turn heads.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover tapenade in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Keep the burrata wrapped separately and enjoy it within a day or two for best texture and freshness. Crackers or bread can be kept at room temperature in a sealed bag or container.
Freezing
The tapenade alone handles freezing quite well. Pop it into a freezer-safe jar, leaving room for expansion, and freeze up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir before serving. Burrata, on the other hand, is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well — its delicate cream center just won’t be the same.
Reheating
The Fig & Olive Tapenade Board with Soft Burrata is truly at its best served at room temperature. If you need to warm up the bread or crackers, a quick pass in the oven for a few minutes will revive their crispness. The burrata and tapenade should not be heated, as it could affect their taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I make the tapenade ahead of time?
Absolutely! The tapenade can be made up to three days in advance. Store it chilled, then bring it to room temperature before assembling the board to help the flavors fully shine.
What if I can’t find burrata?
No worries — fresh mozzarella or even a scoop of whipped ricotta is a great substitute and will still taste incredible alongside the fig and olive flavors.
What kind of olives work best?
Mediterranean varieties such as Kalamata or Castelvetrano deliver bold, authentic flavor. Just make sure they’re pitted and not too briny; high-quality olives make all the difference for your Fig & Olive Tapenade Board with Soft Burrata.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
The recipe as written is vegetarian thanks to the burrata. To make it vegan, simply replace the burrata with a plant-based cheese or a creamy hummus for a new twist.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Just keep the tapenade and accompaniments proportional to the number of guests, and feel free to expand your board with more crackers, figs, and even a few extra balls of burrata for dramatic flair.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your friends (and yourself!) with a dish that looks stunning and tastes spectacular, you can’t go wrong with this Fig & Olive Tapenade Board with Soft Burrata. There’s a reason it’s become a staple around here — it’s the kind of recipe that inspires gathering, laughter, and the pleasure of sharing unforgettable flavors. Give it a try, and let every bite transport you to a sun-drenched Mediterranean afternoon!