Easy Burrata with Grilled Peppers Recipe (20-Minute Appetizer)

There’s something magical about the combination of creamy, luxurious burrata cheese and smoky grilled peppers that transforms any gathering into something special. This Burrata with Grilled Peppers recipe has become our go-to appetizer when we want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s so delicious that we often make it as a simple weeknight vegetarian meal, perfect for Meatless Monday!

This recipe was inspired by Courtney’s recent visit to RH Rooftop Restaurant Dallas, where she tried their incredible burrata appetizer (seriously, if you’re ever there, it’s a must-try!). She immediately knew that we had to recreate our version for The Southern Spoonful. With only eight simple ingredients and about 20 minutes of prep time, this sophisticated dish proves that elegant entertaining doesn’t have to be complicated.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a healthy appetizer option, or simply treating yourself to something special, this grilled pepper burrata recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your home.

Burrata with Grilled Peppers Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 people
• Difficulty: Easy

What is Burrata Cheese?

If you’ve never experienced burrata before, you’re in for a treat! Burrata is similar to fresh mozzarella, but when you cut it open, it reveals a creamy interior filled with fresh mozzarella pieces soaked in heavy cream. This creates an incredibly rich, luxurious texture that pairs beautifully with the smoky sweetness of grilled peppers.

The outer shell is firm enough to hold its shape, while the inside flows like liquid gold when you break into it – making every bite a perfect combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredients for Burrata with Grilled Peppers

For the Main Dish:

1. Burrata Cheese (8 oz) – We love Bel Gioioso Burrata Cheese, but Trader Joe’s burrata is also excellent
2. Mini Sweet Peppers (1 lb) – These grill beautifully and have the perfect sweetness
3. Fresh Bread Loaf – We used Take & Bake Rosemary Olive Oil Bread for extra flavor
4. Balsamic Reduction (3-4 tablespoons) – Store-bought or homemade
5. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2-3 tablespoons) – For brushing and drizzling
6. Fresh Basil Leaves (1/4 cup) – Torn or chiffonade
7. Sea Salt (to taste)
8. Fresh Black Pepper (to taste)

Ingredient Tips & Substitutions:

• Burrata alternatives: If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella or ricotta works as a substitute
• Pepper varieties: Bell peppers, Cubanelle, or poblano peppers can replace mini sweet peppers
• Bread options: Focaccia, ciabatta, or baguette slices work beautifully
• Make it vegan: Substitute with cashew-based cheese or marinated tofu

How to Make Burrata with Grilled Peppers

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

1. Start by washing your mini sweet peppers. Soak the peppers for about 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water and pat them completely dry.
   Tip: We create our own natural vegetable wash by mixing 2 cups of vinegar, 1 cup of water, and 3 tablespoons of baking soda.
2. Cut the top off each pepper, then slice them in half lengthwise. Remove the core and seeds – this ensures even grilling and prevents any bitter flavors. Continue until you’ve prepped all your peppers.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread (Optional but Recommended)

1. If using take-and-bake bread, bake according to package instructions but reduce the time by 1 minute (we want it slightly underbaked for grilling).
2. Once cooled slightly, slice into your desired thickness – about 1/2 inch works perfectly.
3. Brush both sides of each bread slice with olive oil. This creates a beautiful golden crust and prevents sticking during grilling.

Step 3: Grill the Bread

1. Heat your grill (we love using our George Foreman Grill, but a panini press, stovetop grill pan, or outdoor grill all work great).
2. Grill the bread slices for 3-4 minutes, or until you achieve those beautiful grill marks and the desired level of crispness. Set aside and keep warm.
   Tip: Grilling the bread adds an incredible smoky flavor that complements the peppers perfectly, but if you’re short on time, toasted bread works too!

Step 4: Grill the Peppers

1. Using the same grill, cook your prepared mini sweet peppers for approximately 10 minutes total. Turn them every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking. You’re looking for beautiful char marks and tender peppers that still hold their shape. The peppers are done when they’re slightly charred on the outside but still have a bit of bite. They’ll continue to soften slightly as they cool.

Step 5: Assemble Your Appetizer

1. Arrange the warm grilled peppers on your serving platter.
2. Drizzle generously with balsamic Reduction – don’t be shy here, as it adds a beautiful glossy finish and tangy-sweet flavor that balances the rich cheese.
3. Add your grilled bread slices around the peppers, then gently place the burrata cheese in the center or alongside the peppers. Season the burrata with a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper before serving, then garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this dish lies in the contrast of temperatures, textures, and flavors. The warm, smoky peppers create the perfect backdrop for the cool, creamy burrata. As the cheese slightly warms from the peppers, it becomes even more luxurious and spreadable.

The balsamic Reduction adds acidity that cuts through the richness of the cheese, while the grilled bread provides the perfect vehicle for combining all the flavors in each bite.

Make-Ahead Tips & Storage

Prep ahead: You can grill the peppers up to 2 days in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving, or warm slightly in a low oven.

Storage: Leftover grilled peppers keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The burrata is best used the day of purchase for optimal creaminess.

Refreshing leftovers: Reheat peppers gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil to revive their flavors.

Nutritional Benefits

This vegetarian appetizer is not only delicious but also nutritious:

• Peppers: High in vitamin C and antioxidants
• Burrata: Provides protein and calcium
• Olive oil: Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
• Basil: Contains anti-inflammatory compounds

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions & Wine Pairings

This easy burrata appetizer pairs beautifully with:

• Wine: Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanci
• Additional sides: Fresh figs or roasted nuts
• Seasonal additions: Cherry tomatoes in summer, roasted butternut squash in fall

Presentation tip: Serve on a wooden board or rustic platter for that perfect Instagram-worthy presentation!

More Easy Appetizer Recipes

If you love this sophisticated yet straightforward appetizer, you’ll want to try our other crowd-pleasing recipes:

• Baked Goat Cheese – Easy sweet and savory dip
• Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint – Perfect for summer entertaining
• Best Guacamole You Will Ever Make – A classic that never fails

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