The Pear & Cranberry Burrata Mezze Platter is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration the moment it hits the table. Honestly, it’s hard not to fall for the way creamy burrata oozes over sweet pear slices while tart cranberries bring that subtle sparkle of tang. It’s elegant, fresh, and effortless — the kind of platter that turns even a quiet afternoon into something special.
I first made this Pear & Cranberry Burrata Mezze Platter one chilly weekend when friends dropped by unexpectedly. What started as a “use what’s in the fridge” experiment became my go-to for cozy gatherings. The pairing of fruit, nuts, and creamy cheese hits every note — sweet, savory, crunchy, smooth. And the best part? It looks fancy without you breaking a sweat. Let’s dive in, because this one’s a keeper.
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Overview of Recipe Content
The Pear & Cranberry Burrata Mezze Platter is a Mediterranean-inspired mix of fresh fruit, creamy cheese, and vibrant vegetables — all arranged beautifully on a serving board. It’s more than a snack; it’s a centerpiece that sets the mood for togetherness.
You’ll love this recipe because it’s as easy as it is impressive. No cooking beyond toasting some nuts and warming the bread. Everything else? Slice, layer, drizzle, done. It’s ideal for date nights, brunches, or those evenings when you want something light yet indulgent.
Taste-wise, the Pear & Cranberry Burrata Mezze Platter balances beautifully between sweet, tangy, and creamy. The pears bring juicy freshness, burrata melts in your mouth, and cranberries add a delightful pop. Toasted walnuts lend earthy depth, and a drizzle of honey ties it all together with golden warmth.
Besides its flavor, it’s full of good-for-you elements — fresh produce, protein-packed cheese, and heart-healthy nuts. You’ll feel satisfied without feeling heavy. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian and makes an amazing canvas for seasonal twists.
Ingredients List
To make the perfect Pear & Cranberry Burrata Mezze Platter, you’ll need:
- 2 fresh burrata balls
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- ½ cup dried cranberries (or fresh if in season)
- ¼ cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
- ½ cup Kalamata olives
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- ½ cup cucumber rounds
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons honey, for drizzling
- Fresh mint or basil leaves, for garnish
- Warm pita or rustic bread, for serving
Each ingredient adds contrast — the creamy burrata softens the brightness of fruit, while the salty olives and peppers keep everything balanced. You can easily double the quantities if serving a crowd.
Necessary Tools for Preparation
You don’t need anything fancy to bring your Pear & Cranberry Burrata Mezze Platter to life — just a few basics:
- A large wooden or marble serving board
- A sharp paring knife for slicing pears
- Small bowls for nuts and olives
- A bread knife for cutting pita or rustic loaves
- A honey drizzler or small spoon for finishing touches
The simplicity of tools mirrors the simplicity of the recipe — it’s rustic, unfussy, and effortlessly beautiful.
Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
The Pear & Cranberry Burrata Mezze Platter is wonderfully flexible. You can mix and match based on what’s in season or what’s already in your fridge.
Possible additions:
- Add thinly sliced apples or figs for extra sweetness.
- A sprinkle of pomegranate seeds gives it a festive pop.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze instead of honey for a tangy finish.
Substitutions:
- Replace burrata with fresh mozzarella if burrata isn’t available.
- Swap cranberries for dried cherries or chopped apricots.
- Use almonds instead of walnuts for a slightly sweeter crunch.
Honestly, this platter invites creativity. Every combination still keeps that perfect sweet-savory balance that makes the Pear & Cranberry Burrata Mezze Platter irresistible.
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Make the Recipe
- Prepare your base.
Start with a clean, dry board or platter. Bring your burrata to room temperature for about 10 minutes — this helps the creamy center spread perfectly. - Place the burrata.
Set both burrata balls in the center of the board. They’re the stars of your Pear & Cranberry Burrata Mezze Platter, so give them pride of place. - Arrange the fruits and vegetables.
Layer your thin pear slices in elegant fans around the burrata. Add cucumber rounds, roasted peppers, and cherry tomatoes next, alternating colors for a gorgeous presentation. - Add the accents.
Sprinkle toasted walnuts and cranberries over the board. Scatter olives for that hint of Mediterranean flair. - Finish with honey and herbs.
Drizzle honey over the burrata just before serving. Garnish with fresh mint or basil leaves for color and fragrance. - Serve and enjoy.
Pair the platter with warm pita or rustic bread — perfect for scooping up creamy burrata with a bit of everything.
The process is straightforward but the result looks like art. Every layer builds contrast and flavor, creating a feast for the eyes and palate.
Suggestions on What to Serve with the Recipe
This Pear & Cranberry Burrata Mezze Platter makes a beautiful starter or centerpiece for any gathering. Serve it alongside a light soup or grain salad for a balanced meal.
For a cozy seasonal pairing, try it with the Roasted Butternut Squash Rounds with Honey Cranberries — the warm, earthy squash complements the cool creaminess of burrata perfectly.
If you’re planning a larger mezze spread, add dishes like hummus, tzatziki, or marinated chickpeas. Or, for another elegant fruit-and-cheese combo, check out the Pear with Walnut Burrata Tapas Platter. It shares that same mix of creamy, nutty, and juicy flavors that guests love.
Tips for Making the Perfect Platter
Here’s the thing — the Pear & Cranberry Burrata Mezze Platter looks simple, but these small tweaks make it shine:
- Toast the nuts just before using for max aroma and crunch.
- Slice pears last and brush with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Don’t overdo the honey. A little drizzle brings balance; too much hides the burrata.
- Use contrast. Pair light ingredients next to darker ones for a photogenic layout.
- Let burrata rest. Room-temp burrata tastes silkier and blends beautifully with fruit.
It’s these little touches that turn a casual board into something restaurant-worthy.
Storage Instructions
If you somehow have leftovers (rare, but it happens), here’s how to handle them.
- Burrata: Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Fruits and veggies: Keep them in separate containers lined with paper towels to absorb moisture.
- Nuts: Store at room temperature in a sealed jar.
- Bread: Best reheated or toasted before re-serving.
To refresh the Pear & Cranberry Burrata Mezze Platter the next day, bring ingredients to room temperature again before serving — it revives the texture and flavor.
General Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting nuts)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Appetizer / Mezze
- Method: No-cook (assembly)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Keywords: Pear & Cranberry Burrata Mezze Platter, burrata platter, pear appetizer, mezze board
Nutritional Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/6 of platter | 320 | 18g | 28g | 4g | 17g | 12g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make the Pear & Cranberry Burrata Mezze Platter ahead of time?
Yes — prep the fruits and veggies earlier in the day, but assemble and drizzle honey just before serving to keep everything fresh.
2. What can I use instead of burrata?
Fresh mozzarella or even whipped ricotta works well, though the signature creaminess of burrata is unbeatable.
3. How do I keep pears from browning?
Brush them lightly with lemon juice. It preserves color without altering the flavor.
4. What breads go best with this platter?
Rustic sourdough, grilled pita, or even seeded crackers. Anything sturdy enough to scoop that glorious mix.
5. Can I use other fruits?
Definitely! Try figs, apples, or grapes depending on the season. The Pear & Cranberry Burrata Mezze Platter welcomes variety.
Conclusion
The Pear & Cranberry Burrata Mezze Platter isn’t just food — it’s a moment. Every bite feels like a mix of comfort and surprise: creamy cheese, crisp pears, tangy cranberries, and that hint of honey warmth. It’s fresh, festive, and fuss-free, perfect for when you want to impress without overcomplicating things.
If you loved this, you’ll also adore the Pear Blue Cheese Flatbread with Walnut Honey Drizzle — another recipe that celebrates sweet fruit and creamy richness in all the best ways.
This platter brings people together, whether it’s a dinner party or a quiet weekend brunch. Go ahead, make it yours — and savor every creamy, crunchy, juicy bite.
Interactive Section
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Pear & Cranberry Burrata Mezze Platter
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pear & Cranberry Burrata Mezze Platter is a stunning mix of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors — a centerpiece that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Fresh burrata melts into thinly sliced pears, tangy cranberries, toasted walnuts, and briny olives, all drizzled with honey for the perfect touch of shine. Serve it with warm pita or rustic bread, and you’ve got an effortless yet elegant appetizer that feels like pure celebration on a platter.
Ingredients
- 2 fresh burrata balls
- 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- ½ cup dried cranberries (or fresh if in season)
- ¼ cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
- ½ cup Kalamata olives
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- ½ cup cucumber rounds
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp honey (for drizzling)
- Fresh mint or basil leaves, for garnish
- Warm pita bread or rustic bread, for serving
Instructions
Arrange the platter: Place the burrata balls at the center of a large serving board or platter.
Add the layers: Fan out the pear slices, then arrange the cranberries, toasted nuts, olives, roasted peppers, cucumber rounds, and cherry tomatoes around the burrata.
Finish beautifully: Drizzle the burrata with honey, letting a few drops fall over the fruit and nuts for extra flavor.
Garnish & serve: Scatter fresh mint or basil leaves over the top and serve immediately with warm pita or rustic bread for scooping.
Notes
For a holiday-ready version, use fresh cranberries and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses instead of honey.
Add a few slices of prosciutto-style turkey or grilled chicken for extra protein (no pork, no alcohol).
Try serving with rosemary crackers or crostini instead of pita for a crisp bite.
To make it extra festive, sprinkle a few pomegranate seeds before serving for sparkle and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Mezze / Snack Board
- Method: No-Cook, Assembled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of platter
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg