Golden Hour Burrata Bliss with Roasted Plums and Herbs

Creamy burrata meets sweet roasted plums in a nutty, herbal embrace. A plate that tastes like summer.

Is Your Summer Produce Reaching Its Full Potential?

Do you ever find yourself with an abundance of beautiful summer produce and wonder how to elevate it beyond the ordinary? We’ve all been there. This ‘Golden Hour Burrata Bliss with Roasted Plums and Herbs’ recipe is your answer. It’s a dish designed to capture the fleeting beauty of summer, transforming simple ingredients into an elegant appetizer or light meal. With an average online search yielding over 50,000 results for “summer appetizer recipes,” it’s clear that many are looking for inspiration. This recipe offers a unique blend of creamy, sweet, savory, and herbaceous notes that will delight your senses and impress your guests. It’s more than just a dish; it’s an experience that tastes like the perfect golden hour.

Ingredients: A Symphony of Summer Flavors

The magic of this dish lies in the quality and synergy of its components. We’ve chosen ingredients that sing together, but also offer room for your personal touch.

For the Roasted Plums:

• 4-6 ripe but firm plums (such as Black Plums or Santa Rosa), halved and pitted
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze (or good quality balsamic vinegar)
• Pinch of sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

For the Burrata and Assembly:

• 2 balls (8 oz each) fresh burrata cheese, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup toasted chopped walnuts or pecans (for a delightful crunch and nutty depth)
• 2 tablespoons mixed fresh herbs, finely chopped (e.g., basil, mint, chives, parsley – a vibrant, aromatic blend)
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• Flaky sea salt, for finishing
• Crusty bread or baguette, for serving (optional, but highly recommended!)

Substitutions & Notes:

• Plums: If plums are out of season, roasted peaches or nectarines would be a delightful alternative. Even figs could work beautifully.
• Nuts: Toasted pine nuts or even slivered almonds can be used if walnuts or pecans aren’t your preference. For a nut-free option, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds offer a similar textural element.
• Herbs: Feel free to use any combination of fresh herbs you enjoy. A single herb like fresh thyme or rosemary could also be lovely.
• Cheese: While burrata is ideal for its creamy interior, fresh mozzarella (bufala or fior di latte) can be used. You’ll miss the ‘guts’ of the burrata, but it will still be delicious.

Timing is Everything: From Kitchen to Table in Under an Hour

This recipe is perfectly balanced for a weeknight treat or a relaxed weekend gathering. The roasting time for the plums is minimal, allowing you to prepare the other components while they’re in the oven. Many appetizer recipes require longer marinating or chilling times, but this one is designed for immediate gratification. You’ll find that with a little organization, you can have this elegant dish on the table even faster than the stated total time!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Golden Hour Masterpiece

Follow these simple steps to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Let’s get cooking!

1. Roast the Plums

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the halved and pitted plums, cut-side up, in a small baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle them evenly with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, the balsamic glaze, a pinch of sea salt, and a grind of black pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the plums are tender and slightly caramelized, their beautiful juices beginning to pool at the bottom. The aroma will be heavenly!

2. Prepare Herbs and Nuts

While the plums are roasting, if your nuts aren’t already toasted, lightly toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly. Be careful not to burn them! Once cooled, give them a rough chop. Finely chop your selection of fresh herbs, ensuring they are bright and fragrant.

3. Assemble the Dish

Once the plums have finished roasting and are slightly cooled but still warm, arrange them prettily on your serving platter. Carefully place the burrata balls amongst the plum halves. If your burrata is still a bit firm, let it sit at room temperature for another 10-15 minutes while the plums cool slightly longer.

4. Drizzle and Serve

Drizzle a generous amount of good quality extra virgin olive oil over the burrata and plums. Sprinkle the toasted chopped nuts and fresh herbs over the entire dish. Finish with a few flakes of sea salt. Serve immediately with crusty bread or crackers for scooping up every last bit of creamy, fruity goodness.

Nutritional Snapshot

Please note that nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes. This is a general estimate per serving (assuming 4 servings):

• Calories: ~350-400 kcal
• Protein: ~18-22g
• Fat: ~25-30g (mostly healthy fats)
• Carbohydrates: ~10-15g
• Fiber: ~2-3g

Healthier Swaps, Uncompromised Flavor

This dish is already fairly wholesome, but here are some ideas to make it even lighter without sacrificing taste:

• Reduced Fat: Opt for a lighter olive oil or use slightly less. While we love the creaminess of burrata, you could experiment with a high-quality fresh mozzarella that often has a slightly lower fat content.
• Less Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet profile, use fewer plums or halve the amount of balsamic glaze. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add brightness without sweetness.
• Nut-Free Crunch: As mentioned in ingredients, toasted seeds (sunflower, pumpkin) are a fantastic nut-free alternative for texture.
• Serving: Serve with whole-grain crostini or rye crackers instead of white baguette for added fiber.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Occasion

This Golden Hour Burrata Bliss is incredibly versatile:

• As an elegant appetizer for dinner parties.
• As a light lunch paired with a simple green salad.
• As part of a larger charcuterie or cheese board.
• At brunches for a sophisticated touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your burrata bliss is perfect, steer clear of these common pitfalls:

• Cold Burrata: Serving burrata straight from the fridge. It should be at room temperature to allow its creamy interior to flow beautifully.
• Over-Rinsed Herbs: Ensure fresh herbs are well-dried after washing, otherwise, they can water down the dish.
• Burnt Nuts: Toasted nuts add incredible flavor, but they go from perfect to burnt very quickly. Keep a close eye on them!
• Overcooked Plums: You want them tender and juicy, not mushy.

Storing Leftovers

This dish is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers:

• Store any remaining roasted plums in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Leftover burrata (if any remains untouched) can be stored in its original liquid in the fridge and consumed within 24 hours, though its texture may change.
• It’s difficult to store assembled dishes with burrata. Ideally, assemble just before serving. Reheating is not recommended as it can compromise the burrata’s texture.

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!

***Can I roast the plums ahead of time?***

Yes, you can roast the plums a few hours in advance. Let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gently warm them before assembling the dish for the best flavor and texture.

***What can I use if I don’t have burrata?***

High-quality fresh mozzarella, particularly buffalo mozzarella, is a good substitute. You’ll still get a creamy, fresh cheese experience, though you’ll miss the unique liquid center of the burrata.

***Are there any nut-free alternatives for the topping?***

Absolutely! Toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (pepitas) provide a lovely crunch and nutty flavor without the nuts. Toasted breadcrumbs or even crispy fried shallots could also add an interesting texture.

***How do I ensure my burrata is perfectly creamy?***

The key is serving it at room temperature. Take the burrata out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour) before you plan to serve it. This allows the creamy stracciatella inside to become luscious and flowy.