Appetizers

Limoncello Burrata Corstini

Author: Mary DiSomma

I’m all about getting creative in the kitchen. Embracing the unexpected can lead to delightful discoveries! This limoncello and burrata dish is a testament to how you can be creative and traditional at the same time. It might sound like an odd combination, but hear me out. Today we’re making a limoncello burrata spread with fresh basil and garlic toast on the side.


I first fell in love with limoncello, the sweet and tart Italian liqueur, when my brother Erik and his wife Tracy sent me a bottle made with their homegrown lemons. A handmade culinary gift might just be the key to my heart—make sure to check out Erik and Tracy’s Homemade Limoncello recipe before you get started with this one.

Limoncello Burrata Corstini

The cheese is the star of the show, but the foundation of this dish is the garlic toast. Limoncello and savory foods might be an unexpected combination, but trust the process. You’re going to be amazed!

Yield
4
Prep Time
8 minutes 8 min
Cook Time
10 minutes 10 min
Total Time
18 minutes 18 min

Ingredients

For the Burrata Spread

For the Garlic Toast

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 °F. In a mixing bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons of olive oil, fresh basil, lemon zest, limoncello, lemon juice, and honey. Set aside while you are toasting the bread.
  2. If you’re using a French baguette, slice the baguette into ¼-inch slices. If using Italian bread, cut the thick slices into 3 or 4 pieces each. Place the bread, cut side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silpat mat.
  3. Brush the top of the bread slices with olive oil. Using one garlic clove at a time, rub the clove over the bread so it absorbs some of the garlic clove flavor.
  4. Place the pan in the preheated oven and toast for 6 to 8 minutes or until the bread becomes slightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven.
  5. Drain the burrata cheese. Burrata will come in a container with liquid surrounding rounds of cheese. You only need the burrata, not the liquid. If you are not using all of the burrata, keep the liquid to store unused cheese rounds.
  6. Place the burrata in a decorative serving dish that has an edge. Pour the limoncello olive oil mixture over the burrata. Top the burrata with a grind of fresh black pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve with the toasted bread. Make sure to provide your guests with small knives or spreaders so they can break open the burrata and spread it, along with some of the limoncello olive oil, on their warm toasts.
Limoncello Burrata Corstini

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Ingredient Tips

Choosing the best burrata is crucial for this easy appetizer or recipe—which also makes a very fancy snack, by the way! Opt for the larger 8-ounce burrata rounds for their extra creamy center and rich texture. The smaller size rounds are better for when you’re less inclined to share!

Both cheeses hail from Italy and can be made from either cow's or water buffalo's milk. They’re both mild and fresh, and while mozzarella is known for its slight firmness, elasticity, and melt-ability, burrata offers a more luxurious experience. Pop on over to my “What’s the difference between mozzarella and burrata?” article to learn more!

Preparation + Preservation Tips

Burrata is stored in brine and refrigerated, and once you open it, it’s best enjoyed within a week of purchase. Always check the "use by" date to ensure peak flavor and texture.

I like to choose a beautiful serving dish for the cheese, set it on top of a wooden platter, and arrange the garlic toast around it. Some chefs say, “You eat with your eyes first,” and a beautiful presentation really does add to the experience of a good meal.


Before serving, allow the burrata mixture to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This simple step allows the flavors to blend. When it's time to assemble, think of your plate as a canvas, with the burrata as your centerpiece, surrounded by a golden moat of limoncello olive oil, and garlic toast along for the ride. Buon appetito!

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