If you’re in the mood to wow your guests or treat yourself to something truly unforgettable, the Roasted Apple & Burrata Board with Fig Balsamic Drizzle is about to become your new signature dish. This vibrant board pairs melt-in-your-mouth, honey-roasted apples with creamy burrata, fresh pears, and figs, all accentuated by a luscious fig balsamic drizzle. With a perfect mix of savory, fruity, and nutty flavors, it’s an irresistible invitation to gather, graze, and savor every delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Roasted Apple & Burrata Board with Fig Balsamic Drizzle such a showstopper is how each thoughtfully chosen ingredient plays its part. These simple components bring color, texture, and a range of flavors from sweet to tangy — ensuring every bite is spectacular.
- Apples: Choose Honeycrisp or Gala for their natural sweetness and crisp texture, perfect for roasting.
- Olive oil or melted butter: Adds richness to the apples as they roast, enhancing their caramelization.
- Honey: Brings out the apples’ sweetness and compliments the tang of the balsamic glaze.
- Cinnamon: Just a hint infuses warmth and coziness to the roasted fruit.
- Salt: A necessary pinch balances out the sweetness and intensifies the apple flavor.
- Burrata cheese: The star of the board, its creamy center pairs beautifully with both fruit and bread.
- Pear: Thin slices lend juiciness and an elegant look to your board.
- Fresh or dried figs: Figs bring an earthy sweetness; use dried if fresh aren’t available.
- Candied or toasted pecans: Add crunch and a nutty bite that’s simply addictive.
- Pistachios or walnuts: Their unique flavor offers a fun contrast in every mouthful.
- Crackers, toasted baguette, or flatbread: A sturdy base for all those luscious toppings.
- Balsamic glaze: Give your fig drizzle a tangy-sweet backbone.
- Fig jam: Acts as the secret weapon that melds everything together.
- Honey (optional): A touch more for extra sweetness in the drizzle, if you like.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary: For a fresh, herbal finishing touch.
- Extra honey: A final dot or two lets guests make their bite as sweet as they wish.
How to Make Roasted Apple & Burrata Board with Fig Balsamic Drizzle
Step 1: Roast the Apples
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). In a mixing bowl, toss the thin apple slices with olive oil or melted butter, honey, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Arrange them in a single layer on a lined baking sheet, giving each slice room to caramelize. Roast for 10–12 minutes until they become fragrant, soft, and ever so slightly caramelized at the edges — this will make your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly.
Step 2: Make the Fig Balsamic Drizzle
While the apples roast, whisk together the balsamic glaze, fig jam, and (if desired) a teaspoon of honey in a small bowl to create your fig balsamic drizzle. The glaze should be smooth, glossy, and pourable — a quick taste will let you adjust for just the right balance of tangy and sweet.
Step 3: Assemble the Board
Set the stage for your masterpiece by placing the creamy burrata right at the center of your serving board. Arrange the roasted apples in a generous crescent around the cheese, then fan out pear slices, fresh or dried figs, a scattering of crackers or crostini, and both kinds of nuts for a colorful display. There’s no wrong way to arrange your Roasted Apple & Burrata Board with Fig Balsamic Drizzle — get a little creative and aim for a balance of textures and colors.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
The moment of magic: drizzle your fig balsamic mixture liberally over the burrata and fruit, letting it pool onto the board. Garnish everything with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary, plus another swirl of honey if you have a sweet tooth. Serve immediately, while the roasted apples are still a little warm, and watch the board disappear.
How to Serve Roasted Apple & Burrata Board with Fig Balsamic Drizzle
Garnishes
Fresh thyme or rosemary makes a chic, aromatic finish, but consider edible flowers or a dusting of flaky sea salt for an extra flourish. A drizzle of honey on just the apples or the entire board can really make each bite sing.
Side Dishes
This Roasted Apple & Burrata Board with Fig Balsamic Drizzle is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a platter of prosciutto and olives if you want to offer a more generous spread. A sparkling white wine or light pinot noir is the perfect sip alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For a personal touch, arrange mini versions on individual plates as a stunning starter at a dinner party. Or, offer a DIY board bar, letting guests layer their own creations with different nuts, fruits, and crackers — the Roasted Apple & Burrata Board with Fig Balsamic Drizzle transforms any gathering into a hands-on, interactive treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, gather everything into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The apples and burrata will keep their best texture for up to two days; nuts and crackers are best stored separately to remain crisp.
Freezing
While the cheese and fruit don’t freeze well due to moisture content and texture changes, roasted apples can be frozen separately in a sealed bag for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge and gently reheat before serving, though fresh always tastes best.
Reheating
To bring back that just-made magic, warm the roasted apples in an oven at 150°C (300°F) for a few minutes before adding to your board. Burrata is best served at room temperature, so let it rest on your counter for 30 minutes before assembling.
FAQs
Can I make the Roasted Apple & Burrata Board with Fig Balsamic Drizzle ahead of time?
The apples can be roasted a few hours ahead, and the fig balsamic drizzle can be prepped in advance as well. However, assemble the board just before serving for the freshest flavors and prettiest presentation.
What can I substitute if I can’t find burrata?
Fresh mozzarella or creamy ricotta make good alternatives, though burrata’s oozy center is the real star when you can find it. Goat cheese also works if you prefer a tangier flavor profile.
Which apples and pears are best for roasting and serving?
Honeycrisp and Gala apples bring the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, while Bartlett or Anjou pears keep their shape and juiciness. You want fruit that stays tender but doesn’t fall apart.
Can the Roasted Apple & Burrata Board with Fig Balsamic Drizzle be made nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans and pistachios or walnuts, and perhaps add extra figs, crackers, or even seeds (like pepitas) for crunch. It’s deliciously flexible.
What bread works best alongside this board?
A crusty baguette, artisan crackers, or even thinly sliced toasted flatbread give you the right mix of sturdy and light to scoop up all the glorious cheese and fruit. Use your favorite, or offer a mix for variety.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you’ve tasted the Roasted Apple & Burrata Board with Fig Balsamic Drizzle, you’ll want to make it for every special occasion — or just because! Warm, welcoming, and full of surprises, this board turns any table into a celebration. Give it a go and watch the smiles and “mmms” roll in.