Save There's something about standing in the kitchen on a lazy Saturday morning, watching the sourdough pop from the toaster, that makes you realize the best meals don't need hours of fussing. I discovered this toast almost by accident—I had a beautiful ball of burrata that needed eating and tomatoes at their peak, and suddenly the kitchen smelled like garlic and warm bread. It became the kind of dish I make whenever I want to feel like I'm doing something impressive without actually breaking a sweat.
I remember my partner coming home from the market with a punnet of heirloom tomatoes, all different colors and shapes, and I knew exactly what I was making. We sat on the kitchen counter with these toasts, letting the burrata drip down our chins, and it turned into one of those moments where simple food feels like celebration. That's when I stopped overthinking brunch and started trusting that good ingredients speak for themselves.
Ingredients
- Sourdough bread: Two large slices give you enough structure to hold the toppings without getting soggy—avoid thin-sliced bread or it'll collapse under the weight of the burrata.
- Fresh burrata cheese: This is the star, so buy it from a good source where it's actually creamy inside; the quality difference is everything.
- Ripe tomatoes: Medium ones slice evenly; if you can find heirlooms, the flavor complexity makes the whole thing sing.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use the good stuff you actually enjoy tasting because there's nowhere to hide it here.
- Garlic clove: Just one, halved, and it perfumes the warm bread without overpowering anything.
- Flaky sea salt and black pepper: These aren't optional—they're what make tomatoes taste like themselves.
- Fresh basil: Torn by hand rather than cut, which keeps it from bruising and tasting bitter.
- Balsamic glaze: A drizzle adds sweetness and complexity, but it's genuinely optional if you prefer letting the tomatoes be the focus.
Instructions
- Toast until golden and crisp:
- Whether you use a toaster or grill pan doesn't matter as much as getting that dark, crunchy exterior and slightly chewy interior. You want it sturdy enough to cradle the toppings without bending.
- Rub with garlic while it's still warm:
- The heat makes the garlic's oils release into the bread, creating a subtle, aromatic base. This is the secret most people skip, and it's the difference between okay and memorable.
- Drizzle with olive oil:
- Don't be shy—about a tablespoon per slice coats it evenly and helps everything stick together. It also adds richness that complements the creamy burrata.
- Layer the tomatoes with intention:
- Overlapping them slightly makes the toast look arranged rather than haphazard, and they distribute flavor more evenly. Season them generously right after placing them, while the cut surfaces are exposed.
- Tear and spoon the burrata:
- Gently pulling it apart with your fingers rather than cutting keeps it creamy and creates those beautiful irregular pieces. The warmth of the toast will start softening it, so work quickly.
- Finish with basil and balsamic:
- The basil should go on last so it stays bright and fresh, and just a thin drizzle of balsamic adds sweet depth without making it heavy. Serve immediately.
Save There was a morning I made these for my sister after she'd had a rough week, and watching her take that first bite and just stop, eyes closed, made me understand why food matters. It wasn't fancy or complicated, but it was thoughtful, and that's what she needed. That's when this toast became more than a recipe to me.
Choosing Your Tomatoes
The difference between an okay tomato and a great one is real, and it shows the moment you bite into this toast. Summer tomatoes from a farmers' market or a good greengrocer will have that sweetness and acidity that makes the whole thing work. If you're stuck with pale supermarket tomatoes, this is actually the one time heirloom varieties are worth seeking out, because the dish relies so heavily on tomato flavor. When tomatoes are at their best, the toast becomes transcendent.
Building Flavor Layers
The garlic toast base is what elevates this from a salad on bread to something that feels intentional and complete. The olive oil carries flavor, the burrata adds richness and creaminess, and the basil brings freshness at the end. Each component has a reason for being there, and they're arranged in an order that builds toward the best possible bite. Think of it as creating a small edible architecture rather than just piling things on carbs.
Variations and Pairings
This toast is a platform, really, for whatever you have on hand or whatever you're craving. Some mornings I add a fried egg on top for breakfast protein, other times crispy pancetta if I want something more substantial. I've drizzled hot honey for a sweet-savory moment, or scattered toasted pine nuts for crunch. The fundamentals stay the same, but the personality changes based on what excites you that day.
- A ripe egg yolk melting into the warm bread transforms this into a full breakfast or brunch moment.
- Thin slices of prosciutto or crispy pancetta add salt and smoke if you want it to feel more substantial.
- Hot honey, red pepper flakes, or fresh red chili add heat or sweetness depending on your mood.
Save This is the kind of meal that reminds you how much pleasure lives in simplicity, in good ingredients treated with care, and in food that doesn't pretend to be more complicated than it is. Make it for yourself, make it for someone you want to impress without stress, and let the quality of what you're using do most of the talking.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best?
Sourdough provides a crisp, sturdy base that holds the toppings well and adds a subtle tang to the dish.
- → Can I substitute burrata cheese?
Yes, fresh mozzarella is a good alternative, offering a milder flavor and similar creamy texture.
- → How do I enhance the garlic flavor?
Rubbing the toasted bread with a cut garlic clove infuses a subtle, aromatic garlic essence without overpowering the other ingredients.
- → Is balsamic glaze necessary?
It’s optional but adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that balances the creaminess and freshness of the toppings.
- → How should the tomatoes be prepared?
Use ripe medium tomatoes, sliced evenly to layer nicely on the toast and provide juicy bursts of flavor.
- → What seasoning complements this toast?
Simple flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients without overpowering them.