Strawberry Basil Chia Jam Burrata Toast
Strawberry Basil Chia Jam Burrata Toast- Crispy bread, creamy cheese, and a healthy homemade jam come together to make a refreshing and delicious appetizer or snack.
August 16, 2021 by Nicole Collins
It's been a looooooong week...
And long weeks call for comfort food.
But, traditional comfort food isn't quite the same when it's 95+ degrees outside. The last thing I want is warm, stick to your ribs deliciousness when it's so hot outside you can barely breathe.
So, what does summertime comfort food look like?
Cheese? Fruit? Carbs?
Well check, check, and check because today's recipe checks all those summertime comfort food boxes. And, the final result is a recipe you'll definitely want to be making all year long.
Today, we're making Strawberry Basil Chia Jam Burrata Toast!
These delectable bites couldn't be more satisfying. We have a quick and fragrant homemade jam. We have cool and creamy cheese. We have crispy crunchy bread. And, we finish the whole thing with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. Tell me something that sounds more comforting and delicious!
Let's start with the jam. It's no secret that I'm completely obsessed with chia jam. It's low in sugar, high in protein, and it comes together quickly and easily. With no special tools or skills required, we have a sweet and spreadable fruity jam that compliments anything you pair with it perfectly.
So, we'll start by adding some fresh or frozen strawberries to a small saucepan along with some fresh basil and a little splash of water. We'll let the berries cook until they start to reduce and thicken. Then, we'll mash up the berries until they get to our preferred consistency, and take the berries off the heat. Next, we'll mix in some agave syrup to enhance the sweetness of the berries. And finally, we'll stir in the chia seeds. This is what helps to make our jam nice and thick. It only takes about 5 minutes for the jam to start to thicken, but the longer it sets and the cooler it gets, the thicker the jam will become.
Once our jam is ready, all that's really left to do before we can chow down is assemble. So easy!
For our bread, I like to use a hearty bread with lots of surface area. The bigger the bread slice, the more you can pile on top! Sliced sourdough works great in this recipe, but a hearty whole grain bread is delicious too. Either way, we'll lightly toast our bread so it's firm enough to hold its topping but still a little soft and chewy on the inside. YUM!
Once our bread is toasted, we'll give it a good schmear of our chia jam. Then, we'll tear some creamy burrata cheese and layer that on top. And to finish, we'll give the cheese a pinch of flaky sea salt and a drizzle of sweet and tangy balsamic glaze.
One bite of this toast and your tastebuds will explode. The bread is warm and crispy. The jam is slightly sweet but subtly fragrant thanks to the addition of the fresh basil. The burrata cheese is gooey and creamy while also adding a cooling element to the bite. And, the balsamic glaze cuts through the richness of the cheese while complimenting the sweetness in the jam.
Talk about the perfect bite!
These toasts make a great appetizer or feature on a grazing board. But, they're also perfect as a midday snack. And you know me, breakfast pretty much dictates my life; so of course I served these as a side dish for breakfast.
No matter where, when, or how you eat these; you're sure to love this simply elegant bite.
Ok, everyone. We only have a few more weeks of summer eating left, and we are totally going to make the best of them. So, stay tuned!
I hope you all enjoy! And, let's eat!
Strawberry Basil Chia Jam Burrata Toast
Serves: 10-12 Print
Ingredients:
1 cup strawberries, chopped
1 heaping tbsp basil, minced
1 tbsp water
1/2-1 tbsp agave syrup
1 tbsp chia seeds
2 balls burrata, torn
5-6 slices sourdough or whole grain bread, toasted and cut in half
flaky salt, to taste
balsamic glaze or aged balsamic vinegar, for garnish
Directions:
Make the Strawberry Basil Chia Jam: Add strawberries, basil, and water to a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium high heat. Once the berries start to simmer, use the back of a spoon or potato masher to mash the berries to your desired texture. Simmer the berries for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in agave syrup and chia seeds. Allow the jam to sit for at least 5 minutes to thicken. Transfer to a storage container, cool to room temperature, and refrigerate if desired.
Assemble the Toasts: Arrange toast halves on a serving tray. Top with a schmear of jam, a piece of torn burrata, a pinch of flaky salt, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired. Serve immediately!
Recipe notes:
*You can use fresh or frozen berries for this jam. I find that frozen berries reduce and thicken a little better after they start simmering, so I actually prefer to use frozen when I can.
*The amount of sweetener you need will depend on the natural sweetness of your fruit. Taste after adding ½ tbsp of sweetener and decide if you want to add more based on your tastes.
*If you can't find burrata cheese, you could use some fresh mozzarella as a replacement.
*This cheese and jam combo is just as delicious served on crackers or crostini. So, use whatever carby base you prefer or a mix of toast, crackers, and baguette!
*If you're not serving all of these toasts at once, leftover chia jam can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
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