Burrata Brown Butter Cherries Lemon

Burrata with brown butter lemon and cherries brings together the best of summer on one stunning plate This appetizer is fresh creamy and elegant and you get it on the table in only ten minutes making it my favorite way to impress guests when cherries are in season

I first tried this after picking a huge batch of cherries at a local orchard and it instantly became the centerpiece of our summer gatherings My friends now ask for it every season

Ingredients

• Fresh cherries: Adds natural sweetness and tartness Use firm deeply colored cherries for best flavor and texture
• Balsamic vinegar: Enhances the fruit and provides a punchy tang Look for a syrupy good quality balsamic for depth
• Unsalted butter: This is the base of the brown butter Pick a highquality Europeanstyle butter if possible for extra flavor
• Lemon zest: Brightens the richness and ties all the flavors together Use a fresh unwaxed lemon and microplane for best zest
• Burrata: Soft cheese with a creamy center Buy it from a reputable cheese shop and let it come to room temperature before serving
• Basil: Sliced thin for a fresh herbal finish Opt for vibrant green leaves and slice just before sprinkling
• Flaky sea salt: Finishes with crunch Pick a large crystal salt for best texture
• Balsamic syrup or good balsamic vinegar: Boosts tang and gloss Choose aged syrupy balsamic for maximum luxury
• Crusty bread: For scooping Serve a freshly baked loaf with a sturdy crust

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Cherries:

Pit all the cherries using a cherry pitter if you have one then halve them Place in a bowl and toss with balsamic vinegar Stir until they are all lightly coated and set aside letting the cherries macerate and absorb the flavor

Brown the Butter:

Add the unsalted butter to a small saucepan Place over medium heat and let the butter melt completely Watch closely as it foams then turns golden brown with tiny milk solids forming at the bottom Gently swirl the pan and inhale the nutty aroma This should take about five minutes Immediately remove pan from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon zest to capture the fragrance

Arrange the Plate:

Place the whole burrata round in the center of your favorite serving dish If desired gently cut it open so the creamy center spills slightly out Arrange the macerated cherries and juice all around the cheese

Drizzle and Finish:

Spoon the warm lemony brown butter over both cherries and burrata Next scatter thinly sliced basil over the top and sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt Lastly drizzle everything with extra balsamic syrup or vinegar

Serve:

Bring the plate to the table alongside thick slices of crusty bread Encourage guests to scoop up creamy cheese and saucy cherries with each bite

Save

Do not skip good butter the nutty aroma makes the dish unforgettable I always look forward to the brown butter step because I know my kitchen will smell amazing My kids love swirling the cherry juices onto bread with the creamy cheese

Storage Tips

This dish is best served fresh The combination of warm brown butter chilled cheese and juicy cherries loses its magic if you try to store and reassemble later If you do have leftovers cover tightly and refrigerate up to one day Make sure to let burrata come back to room temperature before serving again

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find burrata a highquality fresh mozzarella makes a good substitute though you will lose some creaminess No fresh cherries Use ripe peaches or nectarines Balsamic glaze works in place of syrup and mint can replace basil for a different herbal note

Serving Suggestions

Bring out this dish as a showstopping summer appetizer Pair it with a crisp white wine or even a sparkling rosé It also works as an unexpected brunch centerpiece surrounded by colorful crudites grilled vegetables and fruit

Cultural and Seasonal Context

Burrata hails from southern Italy and is prized for its soft creamfilled center The pairing with cherries nods to Italian traditions of combining ripe fruit with rich cheese This recipe celebrates local summer produce at its peak

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I pit cherries quickly?

Use a cherry pitter or gently press the cherry with a chopstick to remove the pit. If unavailable, halve the cherry and twist to release the stone.

→ What type of bread pairs best with this appetizer?

Crusty bread such as sourdough or a rustic baguette works beautifully, providing texture for scooping up the burrata, cherries, and butter.

→ Can I use frozen cherries?

Fresh cherries are recommended for optimal texture and flavor, but high-quality, thawed frozen cherries can be used if fresh ones are out of season.

→ How do I know when the butter is perfectly browned?

The butter will foam and develop a nutty aroma with golden-brown flecks. Watch closely to avoid burning, and remove from heat as soon as it's ready.

→ Is burrata served cold or at room temperature?

Burrata tastes best at room temperature, ensuring it is creamy and soft inside for easy spreading.