If you are looking for a delightful twist on a classic Italian starter, the Peach & Burrata Caprese Recipe is here to steal your heart and your taste buds. This dish brilliantly balances creamy burrata cheese with the natural sweetness of ripe peaches, enhanced by the spicy warmth of cayenne-infused honey and the crunch of candied pecans. It’s fresh, colorful, and packed with complex layers of flavor that come together in pure harmony. Whether you’re serving it for a friendly gathering or craving a refreshing summer treat, this Peach & Burrata Caprese Recipe will quickly become your go-to for something both elegant and effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peach & Burrata Caprese Recipe shines because of its simplicity—only a handful of ingredients that each bring their own unique character to the dish. From the silky burrata to the fragrant basil and that irresistible candied pecan crunch, every component counts towards putting together a truly memorable salad.
- Honey: The base for our spicy hot honey, it adds natural sweetness and a sticky glaze that ties the dish together.
- Ground cayenne: Just a touch of heat to give the honey an exciting kick without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Essential for caramelizing the pecans into perfect crunchy little nuggets.
- Toasted pecans: Provide a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully against the soft burrata and juicy peaches.
- Kosher salt: A pinch to bring out all the flavors and balance the sweetness.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle spice and depth that complements the creamy cheese.
- Basil leaves: Bright and aromatic, basil creates a fresh herbal backbone for the salad.
- Medium peaches: Their juicy, fragrant sweetness is the star alongside the burrata.
- Burrata (4-oz. round): Creamy, milky, and rich, burrata is what makes this dish feel indulgent yet fresh.
- Lemon wedge: A quick squeeze adds refreshing acidity that brightens the dish.
How to Make Peach & Burrata Caprese Recipe
Step 1: Make the Hot Honey
Start by warming the honey gently over medium-low heat until it just simmers, then stir in the cayenne. This spicy twist on classic honey adds a delightful warmth that will contrast beautifully with the peaches’ sweetness. Keep the heat low and cook until the honey bubbles vigorously to develop flavor, then remove and let it cool completely. Don’t rush this—cooling helps the honey thicken slightly, making it perfect for drizzling.
Step 2: Make the Candied Pecans
For that prized crunch, you need candied pecans. Spread sugar evenly in a large pot over low heat, letting it melt slowly. Toss in the toasted pecans with a pinch of salt and pepper, stirring constantly so the sugar coats each nut in a shiny, caramelized glaze. As the caramel starts to smoke, immediately remove it from the heat and spread the pecans on parchment to cool. Using two spatulas, separate the nuts so they don’t stick together. This process takes a bit of attention but rewards you with addictive texture and taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Lay an even bed of fresh basil leaves on a medium platter—this fresh green will peek through beneath every bite. Arrange the peach slices gracefully around the platter, then squeeze lemon juice over them for a tart brightness that cuts through the richness. Place the whole burrata in the center and carefully slice it open right before serving, allowing its creamy inside to ooze out. The contrast in temperature and texture here adds so much appeal.
Step 4: Finish with Candied Pecans and Hot Honey
Sprinkle your homemade candied pecans all over for that irresistible crunch and toasted flavor. Drizzle the spicy hot honey generously across the dish, letting it glaze the peaches and basil like liquid gold. A little extra olive oil enhances the silkiness and melds the components perfectly. Finally, garnish with a few fresh mint leaves to introduce a fragrant hint of coolness that complements the spicy sweet notes.
How to Serve Peach & Burrata Caprese Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond fresh mint, consider topping the salad with edible flowers or a small pinch of flaky sea salt. These details add visual interest and a hint of finesse, elevating the overall experience. The contrast of textures and additional layers of flavor that simple garnishes bring will impress any guests effortlessly.
Side Dishes
This Peach & Burrata Caprese Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or thin crostini for scooping up all that luscious cheese and honey. On a warmer day, a chilled glass of crisp white wine or sparkling rosé can make the meal feel extra special. Light grilled chicken or a fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements this dish nicely without competing with those vibrant flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Think about serving this salad as part of a composed appetizer board, surrounded by prosciutto, olives, and marinated vegetables, inviting your guests to build their own bites. Alternatively, assemble individual servings in pretty glass bowls for a personalized touch at a dinner party. Using colorful platters or rustic wooden boards can also enhance the dish’s visual appeal and make the experience even more joyful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator right after assembling. The salad tastes best fresh but can keep for up to a day. Keep the candied pecans separate to maintain their crunch, and drizzle on the hot honey just before serving again to preserve the textures and flavors at their peak.
Freezing
This Peach & Burrata Caprese Recipe is best enjoyed fresh and not suitable for freezing. The delicate texture of burrata and the fresh peaches do not freeze well and can become watery or grainy once thawed, compromising the overall dish quality.
Reheating
Reheating this salad is not recommended because the freshness of the peaches and creamy burrata is what makes the recipe shine. Instead, bring any leftovers to room temperature, drizzle with fresh hot honey, and sprinkle with candied pecans for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular mozzarella instead of burrata?
While mozzarella is a fine substitute, it won’t have the same creamy, rich interior that makes burrata so special. Burrata’s luscious texture is a big part of what makes this Peach & Burrata Caprese Recipe unforgettable.
How spicy is the hot honey?
The cayenne adds a gentle warmth that balances the sweetness without overwhelming the palate. If you prefer milder flavors, simply reduce the amount of cayenne or skip it altogether.
What type of peaches should I use?
Choose ripe but firm peaches. They should have a sweet aroma and slight give when squeezed. Overripe peaches can be too soft and watery, which affects the salad’s texture.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
This particular Peach & Burrata Caprese Recipe relies on dairy-rich burrata, but you could experiment with a vegan ricotta or cashew-based cheese. The honey and buttery pecans are naturally vegan, but check the labels to be sure!
What’s the best time of year to enjoy this recipe?
Summer and early fall, when peaches are in peak season, are perfect for this recipe. The flavors are vibrant and fresh, showcasing the best of seasonal produce.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make this Peach & Burrata Caprese Recipe, I’m reminded how a handful of simple, quality ingredients can transform into a stunning dish filled with contrasting flavors and textures. It’s refreshing, indulgent, and incredibly satisfying. I warmly encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite summer salad to share with friends and family!
Print
Peach & Burrata Caprese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Peach & Burrata Caprese is a refreshing and elegant summer salad combining juicy peaches, creamy burrata, and vibrant basil, topped with spicy hot honey and crunchy candied pecans for a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Hot Honey
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tsp ground cayenne
Candied Pecans
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup toasted pecans
- Kosher salt, pinch
- Freshly ground black pepper, pinch
Salad
- 3/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 medium peaches, sliced
- 1 (4-oz) round burrata cheese
- 1 lemon wedge
- Olive oil, drizzle
- Fresh mint, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the hot honey: In a small pot over medium-low heat, bring the honey to a gentle simmer. Stir in the ground cayenne pepper to combine. Reduce the heat to low and cook the honey until it bubbles vigorously for about 3 minutes. Remove the pot from heat and allow the hot honey to cool completely, which will enhance its spicy sweetness.
- Prepare candied pecans: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Over low heat in a large pot, spread the granulated sugar evenly and heat until it mostly melts, watching carefully to prevent burning. Add the toasted pecans along with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, stirring constantly so the sugar melts completely and coats the pecans evenly. As soon as the caramelized sugar begins to smoke slightly, immediately take the pot off the heat and transfer the candied pecans to the lined baking sheet. Use two nonstick spatulas to carefully separate the nuts before the sugar hardens. Let the pecans cool completely to achieve a crunchy texture.
- Assemble the salad: On a medium serving platter, spread the fresh basil leaves evenly as a base. Arrange the sliced peaches around the platter, then squeeze the lemon wedge over the peaches to add brightness and prevent browning. Place the burrata cheese in the center of the platter and carefully slice it open with a knife to allow the creamy interior to spread.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle the cooled candied pecans generously over the peaches and basil. Drizzle the entire dish with the prepared hot honey and a light drizzle of olive oil to enhance the flavor. Garnish the salad with fresh mint leaves for a final touch of color and aroma before serving immediately.
Notes
- Make sure to watch the sugar closely when making candied pecans to prevent burning.
- Use ripe but firm peaches for the best texture and flavor.
- The hot honey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For a nut-free version, omit the candied pecans or substitute with toasted seeds.
- To prevent burrata from breaking too much, slice it gently just before serving.
