There’s something magical about the combination of creamy burrata cheese, salty prosciutto, and sweet summer peaches that creates the perfect harmony of flavors. This elegant yet simple appetizer is perfect for entertaining or as a light lunch on a warm day. The contrasting textures and complementary flavors will have your guests reaching for seconds before they’ve even finished their first bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This irresistible crostini recipe brings together the best of Italian ingredients with seasonal fruit for a show-stopping appetizer. The luscious burrata cheese creates a creamy base that perfectly balances the savory prosciutto and juicy peaches.
You’ll love how quickly this impressive dish comes together – it takes just minutes to assemble but looks like something from a high-end restaurant. The combination of crunchy toasted bread, silky cheese, tender prosciutto, and fresh peaches creates a symphony of textures in every bite.
Perfect for summer entertaining, this recipe is versatile enough to serve at casual gatherings or elegant dinner parties. The vibrant colors create a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress your guests before they even take their first bite!
Ingredients
For 12 crostini (serves 4-6 as an appetizer):
- 1 French baguette, cut into 12 half-inch slices
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 2 balls (8 oz each) of fresh burrata cheese
- 6 thin slices of prosciutto, torn in half
- 2 ripe peaches, pitted and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fragrant honey
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or thinly sliced
- Flaky sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon aromatic balsamic glaze
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Crostini Base
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the baguette slices on a large baking sheet in a single layer.
- Brush both sides of each slice with olive oil.
- Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy but the centers remain slightly soft. Flip halfway through baking.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Assemble the Crostini
- Gently tear open each burrata ball and spread about 1-2 tablespoons of the creamy center onto each toasted baguette slice.
- Drape a half-slice of prosciutto over the burrata, creating elegant folds.
- Arrange 2-3 fresh peach slices on top of the prosciutto.
Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches
- Drizzle each crostini with a small amount of honey.
- Sprinkle with torn basil leaves.
- Add a light drizzle of olive oil.
- Season with a pinch of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- If using, add a small drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Arrange the finished crostini on a serving platter or board.
- Serve immediately while the bread is still crisp and the burrata is creamy.
- Watch as your guests’ eyes light up with the first bite!
Serving and Storage Tips
Best Ways to Serve
- Serve these crostini immediately after assembly for the best texture and flavor experience.
- Arrange them on a wooden board or slate platter for a rustic presentation that highlights their vibrant colors.
- For a complete antipasto spread, serve alongside olives, additional sliced prosciutto, and a selection of Italian cheeses.
- Pair with a chilled glass of Prosecco or a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio to complement the flavors.
Storage Recommendations
These crostini are best enjoyed fresh, as the bread will soften over time from the moisture in the burrata. However, if you need to prepare components ahead:
- Toast the bread up to 4 hours in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Slice the peaches up to 2 hours ahead and toss with a small amount of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Assemble just before serving for the freshest experience.
If you do have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The texture won’t be the same, but the flavors will still be delicious!
Helpful Notes
- Choosing the perfect burrata: Look for fresh burrata with an intact outer shell that feels firm but yields slightly to gentle pressure.
- Peach ripeness matters: Choose peaches that are ripe but still firm enough to slice neatly. They should smell fragrant and have a slight give when gently squeezed.
- No fresh peaches? In the off-season, you can substitute with good-quality canned peach slices (drained well) or even roasted pears for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
- Make it vegetarian: Simply omit the prosciutto and add an extra drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for added texture.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free baguette or crackers as the base.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best to assemble these crostini just before serving, you can prepare all the components ahead of time. Toast the bread, slice the peaches, and have everything ready to assemble quickly when your guests arrive.
What can I substitute for burrata?
If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella is the closest substitute, though it won’t have the same creamy center. You could also use ricotta mixed with a small amount of cream for a similar texture.
How do I know if my burrata is fresh?
Fresh burrata should have a clean, milky smell and firm outer shell. The “best by” date should be at least a few days away when you purchase it. When you cut into it, the center should be creamy and fresh-tasting.
Can I grill the bread instead of baking it?
Absolutely! Grilling the bread adds a wonderful smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Just brush with olive oil and grill for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly charred.
What other fruits work well in this recipe?
In addition to peaches, you can try ripe nectarines, figs, or even thinly sliced pears. Each will bring its own unique flavor profile to the dish while maintaining the sweet contrast to the savory elements.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Burrata Crostini with Prosciutto and Peaches represent the perfect marriage of simplicity and sophistication. They remind us that sometimes the most memorable dishes come from combining just a few high-quality ingredients in thoughtful ways.
What makes this recipe truly special is how it celebrates seasonal bounty alongside timeless Italian ingredients. The contrast of temperatures and textures – warm, crispy bread with cool, creamy cheese and juicy fruit – creates a sensory experience that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party or simply treating yourself to a special lunch, these crostini deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. They’re a testament to the Italian approach to cooking: let quality ingredients shine by treating them with respect and pairing them thoughtfully.
So the next time you spot perfect peaches at the market or have a special occasion on the horizon, remember this recipe. It’s a little taste of summer sunshine that’s sure to become a favorite in your entertaining repertoire. Buon appetito!