This yummy walnut pesto burrata toast is a fun treat! Creamy burrata cheese sits on crispy bread, topped with homemade walnut pesto. It’s quick and bursting with flavor!
I love making this for lunch or a light snack. It looks fancy but is super easy to whip up. Plus, who doesn’t love stretchy cheese? It’s totally worth the cheesy stretch! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Basil: This is the star of our pesto! For a twist, you can use spinach, arugula, or parsley if you don’t have basil handy. Each will change the flavor but still be delicious.
Walnuts: They provide a nutty flavor and creamy texture. You can swap walnuts with pine nuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version. Each nut brings a unique taste!
Parmesan Cheese: Aged Parmesan adds a salty kick. If you’re vegan, opt for nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan substitute to get that cheesy flavor.
Bread: I love using sourdough for its tangy flavor, but any hearty bread works great. Try whole grain or even gluten-free options if needed.
Burrata: It’s creamy and rich! If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella is a perfect substitute. Just cut it into pieces to mimic the texture of burrata.
How Do You Make the Perfect Walnut Pesto?
Making pesto is super easy, but you want to make sure you don’t over-process the ingredients. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with the basil, walnuts, Parmesan, and garlic in your food processor. Pulse until everything is roughly chopped.
- While blending, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This helps blend everything smoothly and avoids clumping.
- Season with salt and pepper. Always taste before you add more; sometimes a little goes a long way!
Feel free to adjust based on your taste. If it’s too thick, add a bit more oil. This is your chance to personalize your pesto!
Easy Walnut Pesto Burrata Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Walnut Pesto:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1-2 garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Toast:
- 4 slices rustic bread (such as sourdough or ciabatta)
- 2 burrata cheese balls (about 8 oz total)
Optional Garnish:
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Lemon zest
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and a few minutes to toast the bread. In total, you’re looking at around 15 minutes to make this delicious toast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Walnut Pesto:
Start by adding the fresh basil leaves, walnuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves into a food processor. Pulse the mixture until everything is coarsely chopped. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just combined!
2. Blend in the Olive Oil:
While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil. Keep blending until the mixture turns into a smooth pesto. Taste it and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
3. Toast the Bread:
Take your rustic bread slices and lightly toast them until they are golden brown and crispy. You can do this in a toaster, under the broiler, or on a grill for added flavor.
4. Assemble the Toast:
Once your bread is toasted, spread a generous layer of your homemade walnut pesto on each slice. The more, the merrier!
5. Add the Burrata:
Now, gently tear the burrata cheese into pieces or slice it if you prefer. Arrange these creamy pieces on top of the pesto-covered toast, allowing the luscious cheese to be the star of the show.
6. Garnish (Optional):
If you want to elevate your toast, add some halved cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of lemon zest on top. This adds a lovely freshness!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your delicious walnut pesto burrata toast immediately while it’s fresh and the cheese is delightfully creamy. Perfect for lunch or a light snack!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Nuts Instead of Walnuts?
Absolutely! You can substitute walnuts with pine nuts, almonds, or even pecans. Each nut will impart a different flavor to your pesto but will still be delicious.
How to Store Leftover Walnut Pesto?
Store any leftover walnut pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. To prevent browning, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing it. You can also freeze the pesto for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before using!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by omitting the cheese or substituting it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Make sure to also check that your bread is dairy-free!
What’s the Best Way to Toast the Bread?
You can toast the bread in a toaster, on a grill for a smoky flavor, or under the broiler in your oven. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning, and toast until it’s golden brown and crispy!
