If there’s one dish guaranteed to disappear faster than you can say its name, it’s this Hot Honey Tomato Burrata Dip. Imagine a mound of creamy, cool burrata nestled atop juicy, saucy cherry tomatoes, all crowned with a sweet and fiery hot honey drizzle and a shower of fresh basil. When you scoop it up with crispy baguette or crackers, every bite is a burst of flavor: tangy, spicy, mellow, and herby all at once. Whether it’s for brunch, a holiday appetizer, or a cozy night-in treat, this dip captures summer’s sunniest vibes and serves them up in an irresistibly gooey form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s magic in the simplicity of Hot Honey Tomato Burrata Dip. Each ingredient brings its boldest self, adding texture, zest, or color that makes every bite unforgettably good. Let’s break down the essentials that turn a few staples into a jaw-dropping appetizer.
- Olive oil: Lends richness and creates the perfect base for caramelizing garlic and tomatoes.
- Garlic, minced: Adds a punch of garlicky aroma and flavor—always sautéed just until fragrant.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursting with juiciness, they melt down into a saucy, vibrant layer.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor while thickening your base just right.
- Chili flakes: Brings a hint of heat to both the tomato mixture and hot honey—adjust for your desired spice level.
- Salt & black pepper: Enhances every note in the dish; always taste and adjust as you go.
- Fresh basil, chopped: Lifts the whole dip with brightness and a hint of sweetness.
- Burrata cheese: Ultra-creamy with a soft center that mingles beautifully with the warm tomato sauce.
- Extra basil, for garnish: Makes each spoonful pop with color and fresh fragrance.
- Honey: The foundation for that luscious sweet drizzle.
- More chili flakes: For spiking your honey with that signature spicy kick.
- Lemon juice (optional): A squeeze brightens up the hot honey and balances the richness.
- Toasted baguette slices, naan, or crackers: The best edible vehicles for scooping up every drop.
How to Make Hot Honey Tomato Burrata Dip
Step 1: Sauté the Garlicky Tomatoes
Start by heating olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the minced garlic and let it sizzle just until fragrant (about 30 seconds)—don’t let it brown, or it’ll turn bitter. Immediately toss in your halved cherry tomatoes, dollop in the tomato paste, then sprinkle on chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. As these ingredients cook together, the tomatoes soften and burst into a saucy, silky base (about 5 to 7 minutes). Right at the end, stir in the fresh chopped basil for a gorgeous herby finish.
Step 2: Crown with Burrata
Now comes the creamy centerpiece. Gently plop your burrata right in the middle of the warm skillet tomato base. Let it warm for just a minute or two—it should get beautifully oozy but not completely melted. The contrast between the softly warmed cheese and the hot tomato sauce is what makes this Hot Honey Tomato Burrata Dip utterly irresistible.
Step 3: Whip Up the Hot Honey
In a small microwave-safe bowl, stir together honey, chili flakes, and a teaspoon of lemon juice (if you want a bit of extra zip). Give it a quick 10-second zap in the microwave to let the chilies infuse and make the honey easier to drizzle. Sweet, spicy, and a touch tangy—it’s a game changer.
Step 4: Drizzle and Garnish
Pour that warm hot honey decadently over the burrata and saucy tomatoes, then scatter with a handful of fresh basil leaves. The hot honey soaks into the cheese and creates gorgeous streaks of sticky, spicy sweetness all over your Hot Honey Tomato Burrata Dip.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Bring your skillet straight to the table (careful, it’ll be hot!) and set out plenty of toasted baguette slices, naan, or crackers for dipping. The magic happens when your guests plunge crunchy bread into the molten tomato and gooey pools of burrata—be ready for rave reviews!
How to Serve Hot Honey Tomato Burrata Dip
Garnishes
Finish your Hot Honey Tomato Burrata Dip with a final flourish of sliced fresh basil, a sprinkle of black pepper, and maybe a few extra chili flakes for the heat seekers. A drizzle of good olive oil over the burrata’s surface is always welcome, and a teensy pinch of flaky salt right before serving makes every flavor pop.
Side Dishes
This dip loves company. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or a platter of grilled vegetables for a vibrant, balanced spread. Roasted asparagus, marinated artichokes, or even a tangy slaw work deliciously well to offset the richness of cheese and honey. And for heartier appetites, pair with a charcuterie board or a bowl of olives.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, make individual ramekins of the Hot Honey Tomato Burrata Dip for each guest—it feels extra special and means everyone gets plenty of gooey cheese. Or, spoon the dip onto crostini and serve as bite-sized canapés at parties. For outdoor gatherings, you can even serve the tomato base and burrata at room temp and let guests add their own hot honey drizzle!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare!), transfer your Hot Honey Tomato Burrata Dip to an airtight container and refrigerate. The tomato base will hold up well for up to two days, but keep in mind burrata is best enjoyed fresh and may lose a bit of its creamy texture upon chilling.
Freezing
Freezing is possible for the tomato base alone, but not recommended for the assembled dip since burrata does not freeze or thaw gracefully. If you want to prep ahead, make the tomato mixture, cool, and freeze it for up to one month. Simply thaw and reheat, then add fresh burrata and hot honey just before serving.
Reheating
Gently rewarm leftover tomato base in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching. Only add burrata after the base is hot to preserve its luscious creaminess. Finish with a fresh drizzle of hot honey and a sprinkle of basil to revive all those original flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Absolutely! Grape tomatoes or even diced Roma tomatoes work well. Just make sure to use ripe, juicy varieties for that signature saucy base. If your tomatoes are larger, chop them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
What can I substitute for burrata if I can’t find it?
If burrata isn’t available, creamy fresh mozzarella is your next best option. You can also try whipped ricotta or soft goat cheese—the texture and flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious with the hot tomato base and honey.
How spicy is the hot honey?
The beauty of Hot Honey Tomato Burrata Dip is that you control the heat! Start with the lower amount of chili flakes if you’re sensitive, then add more to taste. If serving a group, offer extra chili flakes on the side so guests can customize their level of spice.
Can I prepare the hot honey ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the hot honey up to a week in advance and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. Give it a quick stir before using, and warm briefly in the microwave if it has thickened up.
What’s the best way to transport this for a party?
For best results, cook the tomato base and bring it in an oven-safe dish. Warm it up once you arrive, then add your burrata and hot honey just before serving. This keeps everything perfectly fresh—and you’ll be the life of the party!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about Hot Honey Tomato Burrata Dip—the way its bold flavors and contrasting textures invite everyone to grab a piece of bread and gather around. It’s gorgeous, comforting, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, family, or simply treating yourself, you’ll want to make this dip again and again. Give it a try and watch it become your new go-to favorite!