
Picture this: plump, sun-ripened heirloom tomatoes cradling creamy, dreamy burrata cheese, drizzled with golden honey and sprinkled with fresh basil. It’s a dish that screams summer elegance but takes less effort than slicing a watermelon. Burrata-stuffed heirloom tomatoes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—juicy, velvety, and bursting with flavor.
Fun fact: Heirloom tomatoes get their name because their seeds are passed down through generations (like your grandma’s secret pie recipe!). And burrata? It literally means “buttered” in Italian—a fitting name for cheese so rich it feels indulgent. This dish is perfect for lazy picnics, fancy charcuterie boards, or when you need to impress your in-laws fast.
Think of these as the vegetarian cousin of our viral Beef Carpaccio. Both celebrate fresh ingredients and bold flavors, but this recipe skips the meat and leans into garden-to-table vibes. Ready to turn tomatoes into edible art? Let’s dig in!
What is Burrata-Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes?
Why stuff tomatoes with burrata? Because “stuffed” sounds fancier than “filled,” and let’s be real—everything tastes better with a glob of creamy cheese. The name’s a mouthful, but so is every bite!
Legend has it this dish was born when a farmer’s market enthusiast (read: me) had too many heirlooms and a burrata obsession. The result? A marriage of sweet, acidic tomatoes and lush, milky cheese. And hey, if “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” this dish is basically Cupid in apron form. Ready to make your tastebuds swoon?
Why You’ll Love This Burrata-Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes
- Creamy Meets Juicy Perfection
The contrast of cool, pillowy burrata and sun-warmed tomatoes is chef’s kiss. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and you’ve got a flavor symphony. - Wallet-Friendly Fancy
Restaurant apps cost 15+perplate.Here?15+perplate.Here?10 feeds four. Use garden tomatoes, and it’s practically free! - Toppings Galore
Go classic with basil and olive oil, or wild with chili crisp or candied walnuts. It’s your edible canvas!
*Love no-cook recipes? Try our* Herbed Avocado Tartare next!
Grab your tomatoes—let’s stuff ’em!
How to Make Burrata-Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes
Quick Overview
- Prep Time: 20 mins (no cooking!)
- Difficulty: Effortless
- Key Perk: Insta-worthy presentation, minimal cleanup.
Key Ingredients

- 4 large heirloom tomatoes (1.5 lbs, rainbow colors for flair)
- 8 oz fresh burrata cheese
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced)
- Sea salt + black pepper
- Optional: Honey, pine nuts, chili flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Prep Tomatoes: Slice off the tops. Scoop out seeds/pulp with a spoon (save for salads!).
- Salt & Rest: Sprinkle insides with salt. Let sit 10 mins to draw out moisture. Pat dry.
- Stuff: Tear burrata into chunks. Stuff tomatoes generously.
- Dress: Drizzle olive oil and balsamic over tomatoes.
- Garnish: Top with basil, pepper, and optional toppings.
- Serve: Chill 5 mins for flavors to meld. Devour!
What to Serve With Burrata-Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes
- Grilled Garlic Bread: For scooping up leftover cheese.
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon: Sweet-salty contrast.
- Rosé Spritzer: Light, bubbly, and herb-garnished.
Top Tips for Perfecting Burrata-Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes
- Tomato Hack: Pick firm heirlooms—overripe ones get soggy.
- Burrata Swap: Can’t find burrata? Fresh mozzarella + cream = DIY fix!
- Make Ahead: Prep tomatoes (unstuffed) 4 hours early. Add cheese last minute.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Keep unstuffed tomatoes and burrata separate. Assemble within 2 hours of serving.
- Leftovers: Eat within 24 hours (texture softens).
- No Freezing: Tomatoes turn mushy; burrata loses creaminess.
Burrata-stuffed heirloom tomatoes are summer on a plate—vibrant, fresh, and unapologetically simple. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or treating yourself to a solo snack, these 6 tips guarantee creamy, Instagrammable bites every time.