If you’re searching for a show-stopping appetizer that’s as elegant as it is effortless, the Pear with Walnut Burrata Tapas Platter is a must-try. This stunning platter is a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory—an absolute delight with every bite! Imagine slices of fresh ripe pear nestled beside lush balls of burrata, scattered with toasted walnuts, drizzled generously with honey, and crowned with vibrant arugula. Every element brings a burst of flavor and visual charm, making this dish a conversation starter at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch or a sophisticated soirée, the Pear with Walnut Burrata Tapas Platter will have your friends swooning and reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about the Pear with Walnut Burrata Tapas Platter is how simple, high-quality ingredients come together to create something magical. Each item on this list plays an important role, delivering taste, texture, or freshness that simply can’t be matched.
- Pears: Choose two ripe but slightly firm pears for beautiful slices that hold their shape and offer delicate sweetness.
- Burrata cheese: Two balls (about 8 oz/225g total) become the creamy, luxurious centerpiece—don’t skimp on quality here!
- Toasted walnuts: Half a cup toasted intensifies flavor and adds amazing crunch.
- Honey or hot honey: Two tablespoons drizzled over the top elevate the sweet tones and tie every ingredient together.
- Fresh arugula: A small handful adds peppery notes and gorgeous color contrast.
- Lemon zest (optional): Just a teaspoon wakes everything up with brightness.
- Crackers or sliced baguette: Essential for dunking and scooping up all the creamy, juicy goodness.
- Fresh thyme leaves, cracked black pepper, balsamic glaze (all optional): Tiny extra touches, each offering a layer of aroma or flavor depth if you want to go all out.
How to Make Pear with Walnut Burrata Tapas Platter
Step 1: Prepare the Pears
Wash the pears thoroughly and pat them dry—you’ll want to leave the skin on for both vibrant color and satisfying texture. Slice the pears thinly so each bite is crisp and juicy, but not flimsy. Arrange the slices in gentle fans or rows to instantly upgrade your platter’s presentation.
Step 2: Toast the Walnuts
Place a dry skillet over medium heat, then add the walnuts. Stir them frequently for three to five minutes—don’t walk away! As soon as they turn golden and fragrant, remove them from the heat and let them cool. This simple step gives your nuts a deep, toasty flavor, making the Pear with Walnut Burrata Tapas Platter utterly irresistible.
Step 3: Arrange the Platter
Set your burrata balls right in the center of a serving board or large plate. Next, artfully arrange the pear slices, toasted walnuts, and fresh arugula around the cheese. Drizzle honey generously over the burrata and pears, letting it trickle to the sides. Sprinkle on lemon zest and, if you wish, add fresh thyme or a pinch of cracked black pepper for extra flair.
Step 4: Serve with Bread
Encircle your masterpiece with plenty of crackers or slices of rustic baguette. These deliver crunch and provide the perfect vehicle for scooping up burrata and toppings. The interplay of textures is pure joy in every bite!
Step 5: Optional Finish
For an extra blast of sweet tang, drizzle your Pear with Walnut Burrata Tapas Platter with balsamic glaze. This optional flourish brings a glossy finish and another dimension of flavor without overpowering the main elements.
How to Serve Pear with Walnut Burrata Tapas Platter
Garnishes
Finish your Pear with Walnut Burrata Tapas Platter with a flourish of fresh thyme, a few cracks of black pepper, or a light zigzag of balsamic glaze. Not only do these garnishes deepen the flavors, but they also add an irresistible visual appeal. A tiny bit of lemon zest sprinkled over everything can really make the colors pop and give just the right refreshing zing.
Side Dishes
This tapas platter pairs beautifully with crisp, dry white wine or a light rosé. For a more abundant spread, serve it alongside marinated olives, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. It also shines as part of a larger cheese board or charcuterie feast, inviting guests to build their own bites and experiment with flavor combinations.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your creativity run wild—arrange your platter in concentric circles, a rustic cascade, or neat rows depending on your mood and style of entertaining. Try serving individual “mini platters” on small plates for a cocktail party, or create a lush, overflowing board that acts as the centerpiece of your table. The Pear with Walnut Burrata Tapas Platter is just as at home on a picnic blanket as it is at a festive dinner gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If, by some miracle, you end up with leftovers, store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Burrata should be consumed within a day once opened, but pears and walnuts keep well for another day or two. Just assemble fresh when you’re ready for round two!
Freezing
Truth be told, the Pear with Walnut Burrata Tapas Platter does not freeze well. Burrata’s delicate creamy center and the juicy pears will lose their texture and become watery when defrosted. Instead, try to make only what you’ll eat, and enjoy any extras within a day or so for the best experience.
Reheating
This platter is best enjoyed at room temperature, and doesn’t require any reheating. If your baguette slices have gone a bit stale, simply pop them briefly in the toaster or oven to crisp them up before serving your leftovers.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese if I can’t find burrata?
Absolutely! While burrata’s silky creaminess makes the Pear with Walnut Burrata Tapas Platter special, you could substitute fresh mozzarella (drizzle it with plenty of olive oil for richness) or even a mild goat cheese for a tangy twist.
What variety of pears works best?
Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett pears all work well. Just be sure they’re ripe but still firm, so they hold their shape when sliced and don’t become mushy on the platter.
Can I make the Pear with Walnut Burrata Tapas Platter ahead of time?
You can prep the pears and toast the walnuts a few hours in advance, but assemble the platter just before serving. This keeps the burrata fresh and prevents the pears from browning.
Is there a vegan version of this dish?
For a vegan take, use a plant-based burrata-style cheese and swap honey for agave or maple syrup. You’ll still get a beautiful blend of flavors and textures!
How can I add more protein to this platter?
Add thinly sliced prosciutto or serrano ham for a savory, protein-packed addition that complements every other element of the Pear with Walnut Burrata Tapas Platter beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to truly impress your guests while keeping things stress-free, the Pear with Walnut Burrata Tapas Platter is an unbeatable pick. Every bite feels like a celebration of flavors and the beauty of sharing good food with great people. Give it a try at your next gathering—you’ll be surprised how quickly it vanishes!
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Pear with Walnut Burrata Tapas Platter Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pear with Walnut Burrata Tapas Platter is a delightful combination of sweet pears, creamy burrata cheese, crunchy walnuts, and fresh arugula, drizzled with honey and served with crackers or baguette slices. Perfect for a light and elegant appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
For the Platter:
- 2 ripe but firm pears, sliced
- 2 balls burrata cheese (about 8 oz / 225g total)
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
- 2 tbsp honey or hot honey
- 1 small handful fresh arugula
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Cracked black pepper
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Prepare the Pears: Wash and thinly slice the pears, leaving the skin on for color and texture.
- Toast the Walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast walnuts 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
- Arrange the Platter: On a serving board, place the burrata in the center. Surround with pear slices, toasted walnuts, and arugula. Drizzle honey over the burrata and pears. Sprinkle lemon zest and optional thyme or cracked black pepper.
- Serve with Bread: Add crackers or sliced baguette around the platter for scooping and pairing.
- Optional Finish: Lightly drizzle balsamic glaze for extra depth and sweetness if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing, Assembling
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
