The 10-Minute Masterpiece: Heirloom Tomatoes, Burrata, and Prosciutto

When summer arrives, it brings with it the undisputed supermodels of the produce aisle: heirloom tomatoes. With their wild shapes, vibrant stripes, and a kaleidoscope of colors from deep purple to sunny yellow, they are edible works of art. To cook them feels almost criminal; their perfection lies in their fresh, sun-ripened, and unadulterated state.

So, what do you do with such natural beauty? You don’t cook it; you assemble it. This platter is less of a recipe and more of an arrangement, a celebration of simplicity where each ingredient is a star. We’re pairing those gorgeous tomatoes with ridiculously creamy burrata, salty prosciutto, and a sweet, syrupy balsamic glaze.

This is the ultimate answer to elegant, effortless entertaining. It’s a show-stopping appetizer that requires no cooking and comes together in about ten minutes. Get ready to create a masterpiece that tastes like the very best day of summer.

A Celebration of Heirloom Tomato Recipes

The world of heirloom tomato recipes is a beautiful one, built on a single golden rule: do as little as possible. Unlike the uniform, often flavorless tomatoes bred for transport, heirlooms are cultivated for one thing and one thing only: taste. Each variety tells a different story, from the sweet, low-acid Yellow Brandywine to the smoky, complex Cherokee Purple.

Because their flavor is so nuanced and spectacular, the best recipes are those that let the tomatoes take center stage. This means simple pairings, fresh herbs, and good quality olive oil. This burrata and prosciutto platter is the quintessential example of that philosophy, a dish where the tomato is the hero, beautifully supported by its co-stars but never overshadowed.

The Perfect Pairing: Burrata and Prosciutto for Summer Appetizers

Let’s talk about this dream team of textures and flavors. On one side, you have Burrata and Prosciutto: the former, a delicate ball of fresh mozzarella with a surprise molten core of cream and curds; the latter, paper-thin slices of dry-cured Italian ham that are intensely savory and salty. When paired together, they create a perfect harmony of creamy, rich, and salty.

This combination is the secret weapon for creating stunning summer appetizers with zero effort. It’s a no-cook pairing that feels incredibly luxurious and special, making it ideal for everything from a casual backyard gathering to an elegant dinner party. Arranged on a platter with seasonal tomatoes, it’s a dish that looks and tastes like a million bucks but comes together in minutes.

The Best Answer for What to Do with Fresh Heirloom Tomatoes

You arrive home from the farmer’s market with a bag full of the most beautiful produce you’ve ever seen, and the big question looms: what to do with fresh heirloom tomatoes to truly honor their flavor? The answer is simple: create this platter. This dish is arguably the highest and best use for a perfect, peak-season tomato.

There is no hiding behind heavy sauces or complex cooking techniques here. You simply slice the tomatoes, arrange them with other high-quality ingredients, and let their natural, sun-sweetened flavor shine. It’s a dish that celebrates the ingredient in its purest form, delivering a taste experience that is fresh, clean, and utterly unforgettable.

Why You’ll Adore This Heirloom Tomato Platter

• Effortlessly Elegant: This dish looks like a masterpiece from a gourmet magazine, yet it takes only 10 minutes to assemble.
• No Cooking Required: It’s the perfect appetizer for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on your stove.
• A Symphony of Flavors & Textures: You get sweet, acidic, creamy, salty, and savory all in one perfect bite.
• Celebrates Seasonal Best: It’s the ultimate way to showcase the incredible flavor of peak-season heirloom tomatoes.

Nutritional Benefits

This beautiful platter is a wonderful example of clean, wholesome eating. Heirloom tomatoes are packed with vitamins A and C and are a fantastic source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. The star of the show, burrata, provides protein and calcium, while prosciutto offers a savory dose of protein and B vitamins.

Drizzled with heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil and antioxidant-rich balsamic glaze, this is an appetizer you can feel truly good about serving and enjoying. It’s proof that the most delicious food is often the most simple and natural.

Full Recipe: Heirloom Tomatoes with Burrata and Prosciutto

❖ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Yield: 4-6 servings | Category: Appetizer | Method: Assembled | Cuisine: Italian-Inspired | Diet: N/A

Essential Ingredients for this Heirloom Tomato Recipe

• 1.5 – 2 lbs mixed heirloom tomatoes, of various shapes and colors
• 1 (8 oz) ball of fresh burrata cheese
• 4 oz thinly sliced prosciutto di Parma
• 2 tbsp high-quality extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• Flaky sea salt (like Maldon)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• A handful of fresh basil leaves
• Crusty bread or crackers, for serving

Ingredient Notes

• Heirloom Tomatoes: The star of the show! Choose a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes for a visually stunning platter. Make sure they are ripe but still firm enough to slice easily.
• Burrata: This is not the time for low-fat mozzarella. Burrata’s magic is its creamy, luscious center. Let it come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
• Balsamic Glaze: This is a thicker, sweeter, more syrupy version of balsamic vinegar. You can buy it pre-made or easily make your own by simmering regular balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan until it has reduced by half.

How to Make Heirloom Tomatoes with Burrata and Prosciutto

• Prep the Tomatoes: Gently wash and dry your heirloom tomatoes. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice them into a mix of thick rounds, wedges, and halves, depending on their size and shape.
• Arrange the Platter: Artfully arrange the sliced tomatoes on a large platter or board, overlapping them and mixing the colors to create a beautiful mosaic. Season the tomatoes generously with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Add the Stars: Gently tear the burrata ball in half and place it in the center of the tomatoes, allowing the creamy interior to spill out slightly. Artfully drape and tuck the slices of prosciutto amongst the tomatoes.
• The Finishing Touches: Drizzle everything generously with the extra virgin olive oil and the balsamic glaze.
• Garnish and Serve: Scatter the fresh basil leaves over the entire platter. Serve immediately with slices of crusty bread or your favorite crackers for scooping up all the deliciousness.

Alternative Recipe: Heirloom Tomato and Peach Crostini with Whipped Ricotta

Capture the essence of summer in a bite-sized format with this creative twist.

• In a bowl, whip 1 cup of whole-milk ricotta cheese with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a little lemon zest until light and fluffy.
• Toast slices of a baguette until golden and crisp. Let them cool slightly, then spread a generous layer of the whipped ricotta on each slice.
• Top the ricotta with a small slice of a fresh heirloom tomato and a thin slice of a ripe summer peach. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with a small basil leaf.

Storage Options

This dish is intended to be assembled and eaten immediately for the best freshness and texture. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day, but be aware that the tomatoes will release more water and the burrata’s texture will change.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add a Sweet Note: Tuck fresh figs or slices of ripe melon or peach onto the platter for a delicious sweet and salty combination.
• Cheese Swap: If you can’t find burrata, a high-quality fresh mozzarella ball (bocconcini) will also work beautifully.
• Make it Vegetarian: Simply omit the prosciutto to create a stunning and delicious vegetarian appetizer.
• A Touch of Green: Add a handful of fresh arugula to the platter before adding the tomatoes for a peppery bite.

Practical & Valuable Tips

• Use a Serrated Knife: A good serrated knife (bread knife) is the best tool for slicing ripe tomatoes cleanly without squishing them.
• Serve at Room Temperature: All the flavors in this dish are at their best when not ice-cold. Let the tomatoes and especially the burrata sit out for about 20-30 minutes before you assemble the platter.
• Don’t Skimp on Quality: With so few ingredients, each one must be of the highest quality you can find. Use the best olive oil, the ripest tomatoes, and good flaky sea salt. It makes all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What exactly is burrata? Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese that looks like a ball of mozzarella from the outside. The magic is inside: the outer shell is solid mozzarella, while the interior is filled with a soft, creamy mixture of mozzarella curds and cream called stracciatella.
2. Can I make this platter ahead of time? It’s strongly recommended to assemble it right before serving to keep everything fresh. You can, however, slice the tomatoes up to an hour in advance and keep them at room temperature.
3. What’s the difference between prosciutto and other cured hams? Prosciutto di Parma is a specific type of Italian dry-cured ham that is prized for its delicate, savory, and slightly sweet flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
4. Can I use regular tomatoes instead of heirlooms? You certainly can! While you’ll miss out on the unique flavors and colors of heirlooms, the dish will still be delicious with the best quality ripe, in-season tomatoes you can find, like vine-ripened or Campari tomatoes.
5. What wine pairs well with this dish? A crisp, dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a dry Rosé, would be a perfect pairing to cut through the richness of the cheese and complement the acidity of the tomatoes.

This platter of Heirloom Tomatoes with Burrata and Prosciutto is the essence of summer on a plate; simple, beautiful, and absolutely delicious. If this 10-minute masterpiece has inspired you, be sure to save it and share this taste of summer on Pinterest!