Burrata Pistachio Pesto Toast Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that feels both indulgent and effortlessly fresh, the Burrata Pistachio Pesto Toast is an absolute must-try. Imagine thick, crusty artisan sourdough toasted to perfection, generously layered with vibrant, nutty pistachio pesto and crowned with a luscious ball of creamy burrata cheese. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors—the crunch of the toast, the earthiness of the pesto, and the silky, melting cheese all coming together to create a simple yet sophisticated treat that’s perfect any time you want to impress without the hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, quality ingredients is all you need to create this show-stopping Burrata Pistachio Pesto Toast. Each item is carefully chosen to contribute distinct flavor, texture, or color, making the final dish truly shine.
- Rustic sourdough bread: Thick slices provide the perfect sturdy base with a crunchy crust and chewy interior.
- Fresh burrata cheese: The star ingredient for creamy, milky richness that melts seductively over the toast.
- Pistachios: Toasted and ground to make the vibrant pesto, adding nutty depth and a lovely green hue.
- Fresh basil leaves: Essential for the pesto’s fresh, aromatic flavor that brightens the dish.
- Garlic clove: Adds subtle pungency to the pesto, balancing the rich nuts and cheese.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Bottled sunshine that smooths and ties together the pesto and final drizzle.
- Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled at the end to enhance all the natural flavors and add a delicate crunch.
- Micro basil or fresh basil leaves: For garnish, contributing visual appeal and a fresh herbal note.
- Lemon juice: Just a splash in the pesto to brighten and elevate the flavors.
How to Make Burrata Pistachio Pesto Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Pistachio Pesto
Start by toasting the pistachios lightly in a dry skillet until fragrant and slightly golden—this boosts their nutty flavor, which is key for the pesto. Then, blend them with fresh basil leaves, a garlic clove, a pinch of flaky sea salt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a generous glug of extra virgin olive oil until you achieve a vibrant, slightly coarse pesto. The colors should be bright green, and the texture should still have a little grip from the nuts, giving that perfect rustic pesto feel.
Step 2: Toast the Sourdough
While you’re whipping up the pesto, slice your artisan sourdough thickly—about an inch thick works wonderfully—and toast it until it’s golden and crisp on the outside with a tender crumb inside. This crispy base is essential because it holds up beautifully against the moist burrata and pesto, giving you a wonderful crunch with every bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Toast
Spread a generous layer of the pistachio pesto over each slice of toast, letting that nutty green goodness soak into the bread a little. Next, gently place a whole ball of fresh burrata cheese on top. The magic happens when the creamy core of the burrata slowly spills out, melding with the pesto and toast to create an elevated flavor experience.
Step 4: Finish with Garnishes
Sprinkle crushed pistachios over the cheese for extra crunch and texture, scatter some micro basil or fresh basil leaves for a fragrant herbaceous note, and finish with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of flaky sea salt to awaken all the flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Burrata Pistachio Pesto Toast
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes enhances the elegance and flavor balance of your Burrata Pistachio Pesto Toast. Fresh micro basil gives a pop of color and freshness, while the crushed pistachios add irresistible crunch and texture contrast. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt not only heightens taste but also creates a delightful little burst of crunch with every bite.
Side Dishes
This toast plays well alongside light, fresh salads like arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a simple cherry tomato salad. Crisp, lightly dressed greens bring balance, while roasted vegetables or even a glass of chilled white wine will make any brunch or appetizer spread feel thoughtfully curated and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant brunch or dinner party, serve the Burrata Pistachio Pesto Toast on a wooden board adorned with extra basil sprigs and whole pistachios scattered artfully around. You could also customize individual servings by slicing the toast into smaller crostini or using heirloom sourdough rounds for a more delicate presentation that invites your guests to savor each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, keep the toast components separate: store the pistachio pesto in an airtight container refrigerated for up to five days, and wrap the burrata tightly to preserve freshness for up to two days. It’s best to toast the bread fresh to maintain that perfect crunch.
Freezing
While the assembled toast doesn’t freeze well due to burrata’s delicate texture, you can freeze the pistachio pesto in ice cube trays for quick, portioned use later. Once frozen, transfer the pesto cubes to a sealed bag, so you can thaw just the right amount when inspiration strikes.
Reheating
Reheat sourdough toast gently in a toaster oven or under a broiler to bring back crispness. Avoid microwave reheating as it can make the bread soggy. Fresh burrata should be served cold or room temperature, so add it after reheating the toast to keep the creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios for the pesto?
Absolutely! While pistachios offer a unique flavor and vibrant color, you can substitute with toasted walnuts, pine nuts, or almonds for different but equally delicious variations.
Is burrata cheese difficult to find?
It’s become more widely available in grocery stores with good cheese selections or specialty markets. Fresh burrata is worth seeking out because its creamy texture is essential to the richness of this dish.
Can I make the pistachio pesto in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pesto up to three days ahead. Store it in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning and keep it fresh.
What’s the best bread to use for this toast?
Artisan sourdough is ideal because of its sturdy crust and chewy interior. You want a bread that crisps well but can hold up under the moist toppings without getting soggy.
Can I add other toppings to the Burrata Pistachio Pesto Toast?
Definitely! Consider adding roasted cherry tomatoes, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little kick. The base is versatile and welcomes creative touches.
Final Thoughts
The Burrata Pistachio Pesto Toast perfectly blends rustic charm with elegant flavors, making it a personal favorite for any occasion that calls for something special yet approachable. Whether you’re crafting a beautiful brunch spread or just treating yourself, this toast is guaranteed to delight your senses and spark joy with every creamy, crunchy bite. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new go-to indulgence.
