Description
This Easiest Every Calabrian Chili and Burrata Appetizer is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring marinated heirloom cherry tomatoes with spicy Calabrian chilis, creamy mini burrata balls, and crispy garlic-infused ciabatta bread. Perfect for entertaining, this appetizer combines a spicy, tangy tomato mix with rich, smooth cheese and crunchy toasted bread for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomato and Chili Mixture
- 10 oz heirloom cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chopped Calabrian chilis
- 2 tbsp oil from the Calabrian chili jar
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp capers
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
Burrata and Bread
- 16 oz mini burrata balls (two 8-ounce containers, 4 balls each)
- 1 loaf rustic ciabatta
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1-2 large garlic cloves (whole for rubbing on bread)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for toasting the bread.
- Prepare the Tomato and Chili Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the heirloom cherry tomatoes, chopped Calabrian chilis, chili oil from the jar, red wine vinegar, capers, finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, kosher salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to mix all ingredients evenly. Let the mixture marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld, ideally for an hour or more. You can also prepare this up to one day in advance. Adjust salt and pepper to taste after marinating. While it marinates, prepare and toast the bread.
- Prepare and Toast the Bread: Using a sharp bread knife, slice the rustic ciabatta loaf into 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick slices, then cut each slice in half vertically. Place all bread slices on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil generously over the bread or brush it with a pastry brush for even coverage. Sprinkle kosher salt liberally over each piece, along with a small amount of freshly cracked black pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and lightly golden brown.
- Infuse Bread with Garlic: Immediately after removing the bread from the oven, take the whole garlic cloves and rub them across the hot toasts to infuse them with a subtle garlic aroma and flavor.
- Assemble and Serve: Arrange the mini burrata balls in a large shallow serving dish or bowl. Pour the marinated tomato and Calabrian chili mixture evenly over the burrata. Serve immediately with the prepared garlic-toasted ciabatta slices for dipping and scooping.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the tomato and chili mixture to marinate for at least an hour.
- You can prepare the tomato mixture up to one day ahead to deepen the flavors.
- Use a sharp serrated knife for cleanly slicing the ciabatta without crushing it.
- Adjust the amount of Calabrian chili depending on your preferred spice level.
- Serve this appetizer fresh to maintain the contrast between creamy burrata and crispy bread.
