Skillet-Baked Burrata with Blistered Tomatoes & Pesto Oil

Introduction

If you’re on the hunt for a gooey, creamy, and unforgettable appetizer, Skillet Baked Burrata is your answer. This dish transforms the already luxurious burrata cheese into a bubbling, melty centerpiece—especially when paired with juicy blistered tomatoes and aromatic pesto oil. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, setting up a date-night menu, or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe will steal the show.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know—from what burrata actually is, to how to bake or fry it perfectly. We’ll walk through detailed steps to make our featured recipe: Skillet-Baked Burrata with Blistered Tomatoes & Pesto Oil. You’ll also learn how to pair and serve this showstopper for maximum flavor.

Don’t miss our Hot Honey Feta Recipe for another melty cheese hit you’ll love pairing with crusty bread.

What is Skillet Baked Burrata?

What is Burrata Cheese and Why is It So Popular?

Burrata is an Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It looks like a fresh ball of mozzarella from the outside but has a surprise inside—a soft, buttery filling called stracciatella. This rich, milky center oozes out when cut open, creating an irresistible texture and flavor that cheese lovers adore.

While burrata is often served cold with salads or crostini, skillet baking this cheese opens up a new flavor profile. When heated, burrata melts gently, softening its outer shell and making the inside even more luscious. This warm version brings comforting richness, perfect for fall and winter recipes—or anytime you’re craving comfort food.

What Makes Burrata Different from Mozzarella?

Though they may look similar, burrata and mozzarella are quite different:

While mozzarella is often shredded or sliced, burrata is usually served whole. That makes it ideal for skillet presentations, where the dramatic ooze adds both visual and culinary appeal.

Why Bake Burrata in a Skillet?

Advantages of Baking Over Serving Cold

Traditionally, burrata is served cold or at room temperature, often drizzled with olive oil and paired with tomatoes or prosciutto. But baking burrata in a skillet changes everything.

Why bake it instead of serving it cold?

• Enhanced Texture: Heat slightly firms the outer mozzarella shell while melting the creamy interior, giving you that ultra-gooey bite.
• Better Flavor Development: Warmth intensifies the cheese’s richness and helps it absorb the flavor of surrounding ingredients like herbs, garlic, or tomatoes.
• Versatility: Baked burrata works beautifully in both appetizers and entrées, making it far more dynamic than its cold counterpart.

Warm burrata is no longer just a salad topping—it becomes a main event.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love the variety of dips and bites in our Full Cheese Appetizer Roundup.

Flavor Development in the Oven vs Raw

When burrata is heated in the oven—especially in a cast iron skillet—it picks up roasted notes from other ingredients. For example:

• Cherry tomatoes blister and caramelize, adding acidity and depth.
• Garlic and shallots become sweeter and softer.
• Herbs like thyme or oregano release their oils into the surrounding oil or sauce.

Compared to raw burrata, which relies on the contrast of fresh ingredients, baked burrata is all about warmth, richness, and depth. The oven acts like a flavor magnifier—elevating the cheese without overpowering its delicate core.

Ingredients Breakdown for the Perfect Skillet Baked Burrata

Core Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the most indulgent and flavorful Skillet Baked Burrata, you don’t need a long shopping list. It’s all about quality and balance. Here are the core ingredients:

Make sure to use room temperature burrata for even cooking and better texture. Cold burrata can crack or leak before the center softens.

Optional Add-ins to Elevate Flavor

Want to give your skillet baked burrata a twist? Try these optional ingredients to take it to the next level:

• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Add a gentle heat kick
• Balsamic Glaze – A sweet and tangy drizzle at the end
• Toasted Pine Nuts – For crunch and nutty depth
• Sun-dried Tomatoes – Boost that umami profile
• Caramelized Onions – Layered sweetness to complement acidity
• Pesto Oil – Swirled on top for visual appeal and herby punch

Looking for inspiration? Try the Molten Burrata Recipe, a unique spin that brings burrata to life with rich accompaniments.

Whether you stick to the basics or spice things up, the beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. A single skillet can host a variety of Mediterranean flavors without overwhelming the creamy burrata center.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Skillet-Baked Burrata with Blistered Tomatoes & Pesto Oil

Preparing the Skillet Base – Tomatoes, Garlic & Herbs

Before the burrata even hits the pan, it’s all about building bold flavors in your skillet. Here’s how:

1. Preheat Oven to 400°F (200°C)
2. In a cast-iron skillet, add:
   • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
   • 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved or whole
   • 3 crushed garlic cloves
   • A sprinkle of salt and pepper
3. Sauté over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes until tomatoes start to blister and release their juices.
4. Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or oregano, then remove from the heat.

At this point, your kitchen should already smell like an Italian bistro.

Oven-Baking Burrata – Timing, Temperature & Tricks

Once your tomato-garlic base is sizzling and aromatic, it’s time for the star ingredient:

1. Gently place burrata in the center of the skillet. Be careful not to pierce the outer layer.
2. Transfer the entire skillet to the oven.
3. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the burrata becomes slightly puffed and warm, but not fully melted or broken.
4. Remove and rest for 2–3 minutes before garnishing.

🔥 Pro Tip: Burrata doesn’t need to be bubbling. You’re warming the inside, not cooking it through. Overbaking will cause splitting.

Looking for more decadent textures? Check out our Baked Brie with Fig Jam—it pairs beautifully with sweet and savory toppings too.

Drizzling Pesto Oil – Fresh, Store-Bought, or Homemade

Right after removing the skillet from the oven, finish with a vibrant pesto oil drizzle. Here’s how:

Option 1: Homemade Pesto Oil

• Blend 1 cup fresh basil, 1 garlic clove, ¼ cup parmesan, and ⅓ cup olive oil until smooth.
• Drizzle generously over the burrata and tomatoes.

Option 2: Store-Bought Pesto

• Thin it with a bit of warm olive oil and spoon over the top.

This final touch adds color, freshness, and herby brightness that balances the creamy richness of the dish. Serve it hot with crusty bread, grilled sourdough, or even warm flatbread.

More cheesy inspiration awaits in our Cheese Appetizer Roundup.

Can You Oven Bake Burrata?

What Happens When You Bake Burrata Cheese?

Yes, you can absolutely oven bake burrata—but it requires a gentle approach. Burrata is delicate. The outer shell of mozzarella is thin, and inside lies a luxurious, creamy mixture of stracciatella and cream. So, when exposed to direct heat, it doesn’t need long to warm up.

Here’s what happens in the oven:

• The outer layer becomes slightly firmer, holding its shape.
• The inside turns molten, transforming into a rich, warm center that melts across the skillet when pierced.
• The flavor intensifies subtly, blending beautifully with the roasted elements around it.

Too much time in the oven, though, and the burrata will burst or collapse, leaking its creamy goodness before you get a chance to serve it.

Dos & Don’ts When Cooking Burrata in the Oven

Cooking burrata is all about balance. Here’s a quick guide to help you bake it right every time:

Don’t miss our Burrata with Cantaloupe if you want to explore chilled alternatives—perfect for warm weather entertaining.

Remember, burrata doesn’t need to be cooked—just gently heated. When done right, it becomes the creamy centerpiece of your skillet without losing its shape or structure.

How to Fry Burrata in a Pan (Alternative Cooking Method)

Pan-Frying vs Baking – Texture & Taste Differences

While skillet baked burrata brings creamy richness and a warm, roasted vibe, pan-fried burrata adds a layer of crispy contrast to the creamy center. The frying method creates a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside perfectly molten.

Here’s how the two methods compare:

Frying burrata offers a satisfying crunch that complements the smooth, rich center—especially when paired with fresh greens, sweet balsamic glaze, or crisp crostini.

Step-by-Step for a Crispy Fried Burrata Centerpiece

Want to impress guests or upgrade your appetizer game? Try this crispy pan-fried burrata technique:

1. Drain and dry the burrata using paper towels. It must be dry for the coating to stick.
2. Prepare a breading station:
   • Bowl 1: All-purpose flour
   • Bowl 2: Beaten egg
   • Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs (seasoned with salt & pepper)
3. Roll the burrata in flour → dip in egg → coat in breadcrumbs. Press gently to cover evenly.
4. Heat ½ inch of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
5. Fry the burrata for 30–45 seconds per side or until golden brown.
6. Remove carefully with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels.

🔥 Tip: Use a small spoon to serve immediately—when sliced open, the crispy shell gives way to a beautiful, creamy center.

Serving Suggestion: Place over a bed of arugula or microgreens with a drizzle of lemon vinaigrette or fig jam.

This method works best for single-serving burrata portions and brings a dramatic crunch you won’t get from baking alone.

Is Burrata Good for Baking Recipes?

Top 3 Dishes to Bake Burrata In

Absolutely—burrata is fantastic for baking, as long as you handle it with care. Its soft interior makes it ideal for dishes where a gentle melt adds a layer of creamy indulgence. Here are three standout ways to bake with burrata:

1. Skillet Baked Burrata with Blistered Tomatoes & Pesto Oil
   • Our featured recipe! A bubbly mix of roasted tomatoes, garlic, and herb-infused oil.
2. Burrata-Topped Baked Pasta
   • Add burrata during the final minutes of baking so it gently melts over hot pasta, giving a gooey finish.
3. Rustic Burrata Flatbread
   • Bake flatbread first, then top with warm burrata, arugula, and prosciutto. Slide it back in for a quick warm-up.

In all of these, burrata acts more like a finishing touch than a long-bake ingredient—added in the last 5–10 minutes to melt, not break.

Best Flavor Pairings: Tomatoes, Herbs, Honey & More

When you’re baking with burrata, pairing it with complementary ingredients enhances its flavor and richness. Here’s a list of combos that work beautifully in the oven:

Burrata is a canvas for flavor, and baking brings those pairings to life in a comforting, oven-warmed way.

Are You Supposed to Heat Burrata Cheese?

When to Serve Burrata Warm vs Cold

Traditionally, burrata is served cold or at room temperature, often on antipasto boards, fresh salads, or paired with seasonal fruit. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be served warm—in fact, warming burrata can elevate its texture and amplify its flavor.

Serve Cold When:

• You’re pairing it with delicate greens, melons, or citrus
• You want a refreshing, creamy contrast in summer dishes
• Using it on charcuterie boards or caprese-style salads

Serve Warm When:

• You’re using it in oven-baked dishes
• You want a richer mouthfeel and melting interior
• You’re pairing it with roasted vegetables, pasta, or warm sauces

Heating burrata isn’t just okay—it’s encouraged when done properly. Just remember: it should be gently warmed, not overcooked.

Baking Burrata Without Ruining the Texture

Burrata’s biggest strength—its creamy center—is also what makes it vulnerable to high heat. So how do you warm it up without ending up with a messy cheese puddle?

Follow these smart tips:

• Bring it to room temperature before baking. This reduces temperature shock and keeps it intact.
• Add it to the skillet last. Bake it for 8–12 minutes max at 375–400°F.
• Avoid microwaving. The heat is too aggressive and uneven.
• Don’t pierce the outer layer before heating—this causes it to leak prematurely.

In recipes like our Skillet Baked Burrata with Blistered Tomatoes & Pesto Oil, the cheese sits atop a bed of flavorful ingredients and is gently baked just long enough to soften without bursting. The result? A warm, pillowy cheese center that floods your dish with creamy indulgence the moment you cut into it.

How to Serve and Store Skillet Baked Burrata

Serving Suggestions: Breads, Pastas, and Wine Pairings

Once your Skillet Baked Burrata is warm and ready, how you serve it is just as important as how you cook it. The gooey, creamy center begs to be paired with bold flavors and hearty textures.

Here’s how to serve it like a pro:

Best Bread Options:

• Grilled sourdough or crusty baguette: Perfect for scooping and soaking up juices
• Garlic toast or crostini: Adds a crispy, seasoned contrast
• Naan or flatbread: Great for sharing-style plates

Add-ons to Build a Full Plate:

• Roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant
• Prosciutto or salami slices for salt and chew
• Fresh basil or arugula for a peppery bite

Wine Pairings:

• Pinot Grigio – Bright and citrusy to cut through the richness
• Chianti – Earthy and bold enough to match the roasted elements
• Rosé – A versatile middle ground with acidity and fruit notes

This dish is versatile enough for a rustic dinner, appetizer spread, or wine-and-cheese night. The skillet keeps it warm at the table and adds a visually rustic, “farmhouse-chic” vibe.

Storage Tips and How to Reheat Without Breaking the Cheese

Although fresh burrata is best enjoyed the day it’s made, you can store and reheat your skillet version safely—with care.

How to Store:

• Allow the dish to cool to room temperature
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days
• If possible, store burrata separately from the tomato base to prevent over-softening

How to Reheat:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
• Place the burrata and tomato base in a small baking dish or back in a skillet
• Cover with foil and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until just warmed through

Do NOT microwave burrata—it will explode or separate into oil and curds.

Conclusion: Elevate Every Bite with Skillet Baked Burrata

Skillet Baked Burrata is more than just cheese—it’s an experience. Whether you’re layering it over roasted tomatoes, frying it to golden perfection, or serving it with fresh pesto and crusty bread, this versatile cheese transforms simple ingredients into something unforgettable.

Perfect for entertaining or a personal indulgence, burrata brings elegance and creamy satisfaction to the table. Once you master this recipe, it’s bound to become a go-to dish for cozy nights, gatherings, or when you want to impress—effortlessly.

Craving more edible art? Follow my culinary adventures on Facebook and save your next masterpiece on Pinterest!

Skillet-Baked Burrata with Blistered Tomatoes & Pesto Oil

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• Author: Camilia
• Total Time: 22 mins
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Skillet-Baked Burrata recipe is an indulgent oven dish made with blistered cherry tomatoes, garlic, and pesto oil. The creamy burrata is gently warmed until perfectly melty and served straight from the skillet with crusty bread.

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Ingredients

1 ball fresh burrata cheese

2 cups cherry tomatoes

3 garlic cloves, crushed

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh basil or pesto

Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, toasted pine nuts, balsamic glaze

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes and crushed garlic. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until blistered.

3. Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs.

4. Place burrata in the center of the skillet.

5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes.

6. Remove and drizzle with fresh pesto or basil oil.

7. Serve immediately with crusty bread or flatbread.

Notes

Do not overbake the burrata or it will split.

Let the cheese come to room temperature before baking.

Serve with wine such as Pinot Grigio or Chianti for an elevated experience.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian