Crostini with Charred Cherry Tomatoes, Burrata and Chive Oil
The building blocks of a classic Caprese salad are re-imagined in these summery toasts. First, cherry tomatoes are blistered in a skillet until bursting with juice. Then creamier burrata takes the place of the more standard mozzarella. And in place of basil leaves, a quick and easy chive oil adds an herbal accent. The result makes for a great snack or light meal.
Prep Time30 minutesmins
Cook Time10 minutesmins
Total Time40 minutesmins
Course: Appetizer, Party food
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: burger, Cheese, Hors d'oeuvre, Tomatoes
Servings: 10-12 pieces
Author: Emily Clifton, Nerds with Knives
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Ingredients
1large bunch fresh chives2 1/4 ounces (65g)
1/2cupcanola or other neutral oil
2pintsheirloom cherry tomatoes1 1/4 pounds (565g)
1/2cupextra-virgin olive oil(120ml), plus more for drizzling and brushing
3garlic clovessliced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1baguettecut on a bias into about twelve 1/4 inch thick slices
1large ball burratasee note, torn into large chunks
Micro greens or minced chivesfor garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a medium pot of water to a full boil and prepare an ice bath. Blanch the chives in boiling water for 1 minute, then transfer to the ice water. Once cold, drain and dry chives as much as possible in paper towels.
Put chives in a blender with the canola oil and blend at high speed until completely smooth, about 1 minute. Let stand 15 minutes. Strain into a clean bowl through a fine-mesh strainer (or cheese cloth-lined sieve), pressing gently to extract all the oil; discard solids. Transfer chive oil to a jar or plastic squeeze bottle. The oil can be refrigerated for up to 3 weeks; bring to room temperature before using.
In a 10-inch cast iron or other heavy skillet, heat oil over high heat until shimmering. Add tomatoes and cook without stirring until they blister and char on bottom side, about 1 minute. Stir gently and cook until blistered in a few more spots, 1 to 2 minutes longer (they should be blistered and lightly browned in spots, but not falling apart). Remove from heat, add garlic and stir until the tomatoes soften and the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute (if the pan isn’t hot enough, return to low heat). Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl, drizzle with fresh olive oil and set aside.
Brush both sides of each baguette slice with olive oil. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. Flip and cook until toasts are light golden brown, about 3 minutes longer.
Top each toast with tomatoes and their juices. Drape a piece of burrata on top of each toast, then drizzle on chive oil. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with micro greens or minced chives, if desired.