If you’re looking to wow your guests or simply treat yourself to pure, creamy bliss, this Mediterranean Burrata Tapas Board is heaven on a platter. Bursting with colors, textures, and flavors inspired by the sun-drenched Mediterranean, each bite is an explosion of freshness – think velvety burrata, charred veggies, salty bites, and a touch of sweetness, all nestled together for easy sharing. Whether it becomes the centerpiece of your next gathering or an indulgent Friday night project, this board is guaranteed to turn snacking into a spectacular event.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these fresh, vibrant ingredients is half the fun; each one brings its own personality, whether it’s creamy, crunchy, savory, or sweet. With every item chosen for its flavor and visual appeal, your Mediterranean Burrata Tapas Board will delight both the eyes and the taste buds.
- Fresh burrata cheese: The star of the show, burrata is decadently creamy and provides a luxurious contrast to crunchy and briny bites.
- Extra virgin olive oil: A generous drizzle amplifies the burrata’s flavor and ties all the board’s components together.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their juicy brightness balances the richness of the cheese and anchors the board with color.
- Roasted red peppers: Sweet and tender, these peppers add a punch of color and a subtle smokiness.
- Marinated artichoke hearts: Tangy and earthy, they deliver a Mediterranean staple flavor with every bite.
- Zucchini (thinly sliced, grilled or roasted): These mellow rounds bring grilled goodness and a touch of green.
- Kalamata olives: Briny and deeply savory, they’re an essential Mediterranean treat.
- Capers or cornichons: Go for punchy, tangy bites with capers, or for little pickled crunch with cornichons.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed): Their concentrated flavor and chewy texture wake up every nibble.
- Fresh figs or grapes: Naturally sweet, they cleanse the palate and pair beautifully with creamy burrata.
- Honey or fig jam: This touch of sweetness elevates both the cheese and the veggies.
- Warm focaccia or crusty bread: Perfect for swooping up olive oil and burrata, warm bread is truly irresistible.
- Breadsticks or crackers: For crunch and dipping, breadsticks or crackers round out the board beautifully.
- Toasted nuts (almonds or pistachios): They offer a pleasing crunch and delicate, nutty notes.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Just-picked herbs add a pop of green and fresh aroma to the whole spread.
- Cracked black pepper: A few turns of the grinder wake up the flavors and add gentle spice.
- Flaky sea salt: The finishing touch, a light sprinkle brings all the flavors into sharp focus.
How to Make Mediterranean Burrata Tapas Board
Step 1: Prepare the Board
Start by choosing your serving vessel – a spacious wooden board or rustic platter will make everything feel luxurious and inviting. Place the burrata balls just off-center, giving them room to shine but leaving space for all your other treats. Gently tear the burrata open with your hands or two forks, so the creamy centers are temptingly exposed and ready for dipping.
Step 2: Arrange Components
Now comes the fun, creative part! Artfully group your veggies — cherry tomatoes, roasted peppers, marinated artichokes, and grilled zucchini — around the burrata. Fill in any gaps with Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, capers or cornichons, and then tuck in bowls or piles of bread, crackers, and toasted nuts for added crunchy excitement. Visual balance is key, so play with colors and shapes, and leave a little breathing room for each item to shine. Your Mediterranean Burrata Tapas Board is all about abundant beauty and easy grazing.
Step 3: Season
With your board looking vibrant, it’s time to layer on the flavor. Give the burrata a generous drizzle of your best extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle on flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper. These simple seasonings make the creamy cheese even more irresistible, while helping all the ingredients harmonize.
Step 4: Add Sweet Elements
Scatter a few fresh figs or handfuls of grapes around the board – their juicy sweetness is just what you need to round everything out. Place a small bowl of honey or fig jam nearby for drizzling or dipping. This sweet touch transforms the board into something truly memorable and keeps everyone coming back for one more bite.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Garnish the entire board with hand-torn basil or parsley leaves for freshness and gorgeous color. As soon as you’re finished assembling, call everyone to the table – Mediterranean Burrata Tapas Board is best enjoyed immediately, when everything is at its vibrant, creamy best!
How to Serve Mediterranean Burrata Tapas Board
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley are a must for finishing your board — they give a pop of color and a hint of aroma. Don’t forget a final flourish of flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper for that irresistible upscale restaurant feel. A drizzle of olive oil right before serving adds gloss and brings all the elements together beautifully.
Side Dishes
While this board is show-stopping on its own, it pairs delightfully with a peppery lemony arugula salad or even some thinly sliced prosciutto-style beef bresaola for a little extra protein. Set out some extra olive oil and vinegar for dipping, and maybe even a chilled glass of crisp white wine. The Mediterranean Burrata Tapas Board truly shines as an appetizer, lunch, or light dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Take the rustic approach and serve everything on a big wooden board, or go for a more formal look by arranging items in small bowls and ramekins set upon a marble platter. Try mini versions on individual plates for an elegant sit-down starter, or pack everything into a picnic basket for a gourmet outdoor spread. However you present it, the Mediterranean Burrata Tapas Board makes any occasion feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that’s rare!), store the remaining cheese, veggies, and extras in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps textures just right and prevents flavors from blending together too much. Enjoy any remaining burrata within one or two days for the best creamy texture.
Freezing
Burrata, with its delicate creamy center, doesn’t freeze well — unfortunately, it will separate and lose its signature texture. The roasted veggies and olives can be frozen individually if needed, but for maximum flavor and quality, it’s best to enjoy the Mediterranean Burrata Tapas Board fresh.
Reheating
Since this dish is all about fresh, contrasting elements, it’s not meant to be reheated as a whole. To refresh any elements, such as bread or roasted veggies, warm them briefly in the oven before serving. Enjoy any chilled components, like burrata and marinated vegetables, straight from the fridge, and reassemble your board for round two!
FAQs
Can I substitute burrata with another cheese?
If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella makes a great alternative. You can even use a creamy ricotta or stracciatella if you want similar richness, though nothing quite matches burrata’s luxurious texture.
How far in advance can I prepare the Mediterranean Burrata Tapas Board?
You can prep all veggies, slice bread, and set out most components a few hours ahead. Wait to add the burrata and any fresh herbs until just before serving for the best presentation and texture.
What wine pairs best with this tapas board?
Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pair beautifully, as do light, fruit-forward rosés. If you prefer red, go with something fresh and low in tannins, like a chilled Gamay or young Pinot Noir.
Is the Mediterranean Burrata Tapas Board gluten-free?
It can easily be made gluten-free! Simply offer gluten-free crackers instead of bread, and double-check all marinades for hidden gluten. The rest of the board is naturally gluten-free and absolutely delicious.
Can I add meat or other proteins?
Absolutely. Thinly sliced prosciutto, beef bresaola, or even herby grilled shrimp would complement the Mediterranean Burrata Tapas Board perfectly. Add them in small piles for variety and extra savoriness.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll give this Mediterranean Burrata Tapas Board a try. There’s something magical about sharing a platter like this, filled with color, texture, and big-hearted flavor. Whether you’re serving it to friends or just treating yourself, it will turn any moment into a celebration – and make you fall in love with Mediterranean snacking all over again.
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Mediterranean Burrata Tapas Board Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean with this exquisite Burrata Tapas Board. A delightful array of creamy burrata cheese, roasted veggies, olives, sweet figs, and crunchy bread, all drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Cheese & Creamy Elements
- 2 balls fresh burrata cheese
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
Roasted & Marinated Veggies
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, halved
- 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced and grilled or roasted
Salty & Savory Bites
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup capers or cornichons
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed)
Sweet Balance
- Fresh figs or grapes
- Honey or fig jam
Bread & Crunch
- Warm focaccia or crusty bread
- Breadsticks or crackers
- Toasted nuts (almonds or pistachios)
Fresh Finish
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Cracked black pepper
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the board – Choose a large wooden board or platter. Place burrata balls slightly off-center and gently tear them open.
- Arrange components – Group veggies, olives, and breads around the burrata for visual balance and easy grazing.
- Season – Drizzle burrata with olive oil. Sprinkle flaky salt and cracked pepper.
- Add sweet elements – Place figs, grapes, and a small bowl of honey or fig jam on the board.
- Finish & serve – Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
