Burrata & Blueberry Jam Crostini November 10, 2024November 29, 2024 Facebook8TweetPin7EmailBurrata & Blueberry Jam Crostini:If you’re looking to host a party & lift your appetiser game, crostini is one flexible party canape that should always have a place on your menu.Think of it as a little edible canvas—thin slices of crusty bread, toasted until golden and ready to hold a world of flavours. The best part? Crostini make endlessly flexible party canapes; you can keep things simple or go all out with decadent toppings.But today, I’m challenging you to try something different and irresistible: creamy burrata cheese paired with a dollop of homemade blueberry jam.This is a flavour combination you might not expect, but trust me, it’s sublime!The rich, gooey centre of burrata combined with the fruity, slightly tart sweetness of blueberry jam creates a perfect balance that will have everyone salivating & craving more. It’s sophisticated yet relaxed, a little indulgent but not over the top—exactly what a memorable appetiser should be.Meet Burrata: The Creamiest Cheese You’ve Ever TriedIf you’re new to burrata, you’re in for a treat! Burrata is an Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It has a smooth, firm outer shell, but the charm lies in its centre, where the cheese becomes soft, rich, and creamy, almost like a gooey cloud of curd and cream. The outside is gentle and milky, while the inside is decadently lush. It’s the kind of cheese that, once cut open, spills out a creamy goodness that’s hard even for the host to resist.Because burrata is delicate in flavour, it’s the perfect base for pairing with stronger, contrasting ingredients.The mild, milky creaminess beautifully complements both savoury and sweet elements, making it incredibly versatile in appetisers. With a sprinkle of salt and a drizzle of olive oil, burrata can shine on its own, but paired with a sweet jam, it reaches new levels of deliciousness.Why Blueberry Jam?You might be wondering—why blueberry jam? The answer lies in the way this little fruit brings out the best in burrata. Blueberries offer a natural sweetness that’s balanced with a touch of tartness, which pairs beautifully with the creamy richness of the cheese. Homemade blueberry jam is especially ideal here, as it lets you control the sweetness and achieve just the right texture. But if you’re in a pinch, a high-quality store-bought blueberry jam will also work well.To add even more complexity, you can mix a bit of lemon zest or thyme into the jam, bringing a hint of brightness that elevates the whole bite. The berry’s natural tanginess will enhance the richness of the burrata, creating a flavour harmony that tastes as elegant as it looks.Building the Perfect CrostiniTo start, you’ll need a baguette or another sturdy, crusty bread. Slice it thinly—about a quarter of an inch thick works well. Brush each slice with olive oil before toasting & rub with a cut clove of garlic (I have used butter this time round).A quick stint in the oven or a hot skillet will give the bread a crisp, golden edge that’s perfect for holding up the toppings. Crostini should be crisp on the outside but still soft enough to bite into without crumbling.Once your bread is ready, it’s time to assemble! Spread a generous spoonful of burrata on each crostini, letting that creamy centre spill out a bit, creating a little nest for the jam.Then, add a dollop of blueberry jam on top. The contrast of colours alone—creamy white burrata against deep, jewel-toned blueberry—is enough to make mouths water.Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil, a drizzle of honey, or a touch of flaky sea salt for added depth and flavour or keep it simple & garnish with a rocket leaf as I have done.Experiment with Flavours and TexturesOne of the beauties of crostini is its flexibility, you are open to a myriad of possible flavour combos, so feel free to customise this recipe.You could try swapping blueberry jam for fig or blackberry jam, which bring their own unique sweet-tart profile. For a touch of heat, sprinkle cracked black pepper over the jam, or add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a more intense, tangy-sweet bite. A handful of toasted pine nuts or chopped pistachios also adds a welcome bit of crunch.For a herbaceous twist, try fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a hint of mint on top. These herbs pair well with the jam, adding an aromatic layer that complements the creamy and sweet flavours below.Why This Combination Works So WellThis particular crostini brings together all the key elements of a balanced bite. You’ve got the creaminess of the burrata, the sweetness of the blueberry jam, the crunch of the toasted bread.Any little additions—like basil or honey—add even more depth.Together, these flavours create a bite that’s both refreshing and satisfying, a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion.It’s also a dish that looks as good as it tastes. The creamy white burrata with a splash of deep blue/ purple-blueberry jam has an elegant yet casual look, perfect for BBQs or even just a cozy evening at home.It’s one of those versatile party appetisers that feels a bit special but doesn’t require hours of prep time.Serving SuggestionsThis crostini pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the freshness of the blueberry and the creaminess of the burrata. Alternatively, a slightly sweet Prosecco can enhance the fruity flavours in the jam while providing a nice contrast to the cheese. Serve these crostini on a board with fresh berries, nuts, or even a few slices of prosciutto for an elegant, inviting presentation.Flexible Party CanapeIf you’re in the mood to impress or just want to add a new favourite to your versatile party appetiser collection, this Burrata and Blueberry Jam Crostini is a fantastic choice.It’s a perfect example of how a few quality ingredients can come together to create something unforgettable. Plus, the flexibility means you can make it your own, experimenting with different jams, herbs, and finishing touches.So next time you’re putting together an appetiser spread and looking for a flexible party canape add this crostini to the lineup.It’s going to be popular, and you might just find it’s one of those recipes you keep coming back to again and again.Burrata & Blueberry Jam Crostini(Serves 10 Prep 20 Mins)You Will NeedCrusty bread – Think artisan baguette or a rustic sourdough. Slice it up into 1/2 thick slices, toast lightly for a golden, crisp edge with just enough softness to complement the creamy burrata. Each slice is a perfect little canvas!Butter – A small amount, but it works magic! Melt it in the pan & toast the bread slices It does add a touch of richness and enhance the flavours of every other ingredient. Alternatively spray bread slices with oil & rub with a cut clove of garlic and grill until goldenBurrata cheese – Creamy, dreamy burrata is the star here. An Italian cheese with a firm outer shell and a gooey, oozy, luscious centre is perfect for spreading or spooning over the bread, and it balances beautifully with the tart sweetness of the blueberries.Blueberries – The other star of the dish, these berries add a gorgeous pop of colour and a burst of sweet-tart juiciness. Fresh or lightly cooked, the blueberries will bring brightness and vibrancy to every bite.Sugar – Just enough to gently sweeten the blueberries, coaxing out their natural juiciness without overwhelming. The sugar caramelises slightly during cooking, creating a gorgeous glaze.Water – A splash of water helps create a simple blueberry compote. This turns the blueberries into a glossy, jammy topping that pairs wonderfully with the burrata.Fresh rocket leaves – These peppery greens add a hint of bitterness, balancing out the rich burrata and the sweet blueberries. A delicate garnish with a punchy finish & a spectacular colour contrast to purple berries!InstructionsSlice the bread – Cut the crusty loaf into 10 even rounds, each about ½ inch thick. This thickness gives each piece the perfect balance of crunch and chew, creating a sturdy base for the burrata and blueberry topping. If you cut straight across, the rounds will be smaller. If you cut on a diagonal, they will be larger. Toast the bread – In a large frying pan, melt the butter or drizzle some olive oil over high heat. Add the bread slices in a single layer in the hot pan, letting each side sizzle until golden and crisp. Flip once to get both sides perfectly toasted—this adds depth of flavour and a satisfying crunch. Your alternative, is to spray with olive oil and grill the slices until golden. I usually grill but I have to say, pan frying with a little butter makes them softer & richer. Prepare the burrata – While the bread toasts, divide the burrata into 10 portions in a small bowl. This helps with easy assembly later, and each crostini gets a perfect amount of that creamy, decadent cheese. slice it in the bowl though as, the centre will ooze out and you don’t want to lose any of it. Make the blueberry Jam – Using the same pan (no need to wash it out; the leftover buttery bits will enhance the blueberries), add the blueberries, sugar, and a splash of water. Stir constantly over medium heat until the blueberries release their juices and the mixture thickens into a glossy, deep purple syrup. This will take only a few minutes but delivers an incredible, jammy consistency. Drain the bread – Once the bread is golden, transfer each slice to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra oil or butter. This keeps them crisp and ready for assembly. Assemble the crostini – For the finishing touch, place a spoonful of burrata on each toasted bread slice. Top each with a spoonful of the warm blueberry syrup, letting it drizzle over the edges for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with rocket – To complete these beauties, add a single fresh rocket leaf on top of each crostini. Its peppery bite balances the creamy burrata and sweet blueberries, bringing a hint of green that ties it all together, both visually and flavour-wise.Serve & Enjoy!FREE Recipe CardMORE Recipes‘elegant yet casual’ Helpful HintsYou are not limited to these ingredients and that is the beauty of crostini, it’s versatility. Experiment with different toppings.You can use a French stick of bread or sourdough rolls- any crusty bread with a small diameter (approx 6cm).If you don’t have fresh blueberries, you could use blueberry jam from a jar although it will be alot sweeter and not the same texture. Try to find one with whole blueberries in it.You have the option to use spray olive oil and either grill or pan-fry the bread slices to toast. I have used a little butter this time round. & pan-fried which makes the bread softer in the middle and less dry but I most often grill- either way is fine.Garnish with any greenery but the green contrasts beautifully with the purple from your blueberries- remember you eat with your eyes first.Burrata is runny and creamy in the centre, so cutting it in a bowl, makes it easier to scoop up some of that creamy centre onto your crostini.FREE Recipe CardBurrata & Blueberry Jam CrostiniRecipe(Serves 10 Prep 20 Mins)Ingredients10 Slices of crusty bread 20g Butter 150 g Burrata Cheese 180g Blueberries 2 Tbsp sugar ¼ cup water 10 Rocket LeavesMethodSlice the bread into 10 even rounds, about 1/2 inch thick. Melt butter or oil in a fry pan over high heat. Fry the bread rounds until golden on both sides. Divide the burrata into 10 portions in a small bowl. In the same pan, add the blueberries, sugar, and water. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens into a syrup. Turn off the heat & drain the toasted bread slices on a plate lined with a paper towel To serve, place a portion of burrata on each toasted bread slice, followed by a spoonful of blueberry jam Garnish each crostini with a rocket leaf.Serve & Enjoy!FREE Recipe Card ‘decadently lush’Wine Pairing SuggestionsProsecco – The light, crisp bubbles of Prosecco enhance the creaminess of the burrata and cut through the richness, while also complementing the sweetness of the blueberry jam.Its subtle fruitiness won’t overwhelm the flavours of this appetiser, making it an excellent match.Sauvignon Blanc – Known for its bright acidity and herbaceous notes, Sauvignon Blanc brings out the fresh pepperiness of the rocket and balances the sweetness of the blueberries.Look for one with hints of citrus or tropical fruit, which will lift the flavours in this dish.Rosé – A dry or off-dry Rosé, especially one with a bit of strawberry or red berry undertone, pairs beautifully with both the creamy burrata and the sweet-tart blueberries.This choice adds a refreshing contrast without overshadowing the flavours.Riesling – A slightly off-dry Riesling, with hints of stone fruit and floral notes, complements the sweetness of the blueberry jam and contrasts nicely with the buttery bread and creamy burrata.Look for a Riesling from Germany or New Zealand for a balanced pairing.Chardonnay – If you prefer a white wine with more body, an unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnay can work well.Its subtle fruit notes and creamy texture echo the burrata’s richness, while its acidity adds a refreshing counterbalance to the dish.FREE Recipe CardMORE RecipesAbout MeFollow us on Social Media facebook instagram pinterestAnnaHey there, it's Anna! Anyone who knows me knows that I proudly wear the 'foodie' badge. Trying to select from a restaurant menu time & time again seems impossible- I want a taste of everything. It's precisely that, that got me into making canapés and appetisers for friends, family & colleagues so everyone could taste a bit of everything. It is truly possible for the average person, to make these delectable bites and take their next social occasion from average to stunning. Follow me at bitesizehostess.com and learn to cater for memorable events.
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