Tomato Peach Caprese with Brown Butter Recipe
You know when you stumble upon a dish that’s not just delicious but somehow feels like sunshine on a plate? That’s exactly how I feel about this Tomato Peach Caprese with Brown Butter Recipe. The sweet peaches and juicy tomatoes roast together, releasing this incredible aroma and flavor combo that just sings summer. It’s the kind of dish that works perfectly for a casual backyard dinner or an elegant weekend gathering because it’s fresh, comforting, and classy all at once.
I love making this recipe when peaches are at their peak—there’s nothing like that juicy, sweet contrast against the creamy cheeses and the nutty, herbal brown butter drizzle. Plus, it’s so forgiving for cooks of all levels, and you’ll get tons of “wow”s when you bring it to the table. This Tomato Peach Caprese with Brown Butter Recipe really makes a simple salad feel extra special and worth the little effort it takes.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balance of Flavors: The juicy sweetness of roasted peaches pairs brilliantly with tart tomatoes and creamy cheeses.
- Depth from Brown Butter: Browning the butter adds a nutty richness that elevates this salad beyond typical caprese dishes.
- Versatile Serving: You can enjoy this warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for entertaining or casual family meals.
- Simple Yet Impressive: Uses easy-to-find ingredients but delivers gourmet vibes every time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The heart of this Tomato Peach Caprese with Brown Butter Recipe is all about fresh, quality produce and indulgent cheeses, accented by herbs and that unforgettable herbed brown butter. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating those layered flavors you’ll keep coming back to.
- Cherry tomatoes: Choose ripe and firm tomatoes to provide that sweet-tart burst when roasted and fresh.
- Peaches: Look for ripe but slightly firm peaches so they roast beautifully without turning mushy.
- Olive oil or butter: Both add fat for roasting, but butter gives a richer base flavor if you want to skip extra browning later.
- Honey: Just a touch to balance acidity and enhance the peaches’ natural sweetness.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Their subtle earthiness lends depth without overpowering the fruit and cheese.
- Salt, black pepper, chili flakes: Vital seasonings to awaken all the flavors and add a slight kick.
- Burrata cheese: Creamy and luscious—room temperature makes it soft and melty.
- Fresh mozzarella: Mild and milky, it offers textural contrast alongside burrata.
- Fresh basil: The classic caprese herb brings brightness and freshness to every bite.
- Salted butter: For the brown butter, which adds incredible nuttiness and richness.
- Shallot: Soft and sweet, it flavors the brown butter perfectly without being harsh.
- Fresh chopped rosemary and thyme: Fresh herbs to infuse the brown butter with savory perfume.
- Peach or white balsamic vinegar: A tangy counterpoint to the brown butter’s richness—peach balsamic adds a lovely fruity note.
Make It Your Way
I love how flexible this Tomato Peach Caprese with Brown Butter Recipe is. Over the years, I’ve found little tweaks that let you tailor it to your mood, season, or what’s in the fridge, so don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own.
- Use Different Fruits: I’ve tried it with plums or nectarines when peaches aren’t around, and it still sings with roasted tomatoes.
- Herb Swaps: If you don’t have thyme or rosemary, fresh oregano or marjoram works beautifully in the brown butter.
- Spice Level: Play with the chili flakes—from a gentle warmth to a bold kick, whatever fires up your palate.
- Cheese Options: If burrata isn’t your thing, creamy ricotta or feta can be great substitutes.
- Vegan Version: Skip the cheese and use a plant-based butter to make the brown butter sauce vegan-friendly.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Tomato Peach Caprese with Brown Butter Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes and Peaches to Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. Then toss half your cherry tomatoes and peach wedges in a baking dish with olive oil or butter, honey, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Spread them out so they roast evenly, then pop them in the oven for about 15 minutes. You’ll want to watch for the tomatoes to start bursting and the peaches to get tender and caramelized. This step brings out their natural sweetness and makes everything juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Brown the Butter and Infuse It with Herbs
While the fruit’s roasting, melt the butter over medium heat in a skillet. Keep an eye on it—once foam forms and it smells nutty and turns golden brown (usually 5 minutes), remove it from heat. Immediately stir in the chopped shallot, fresh rosemary, and thyme, letting the shallots soften and sizzle in the warm butter. Next, whisk in your peach or white balsamic vinegar, plus season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes to build a balanced, delicious sauce.
Step 3: Assemble Your Caprese with Fresh and Roasted Goodness
Grab a shallow salad bowl and lay down torn or sliced fresh mozzarella and creamy burrata at room temperature—this helps them stay soft and melty. Spoon the warm roasted tomatoes and peaches (and juices) right over the cheese, then scatter the remaining fresh cherry tomatoes on top. Drizzle your warm herbed brown butter all over and scatter fresh basil leaves for a gorgeous, fragrant finish. Serve immediately with some toasted bread to soak up every last drop.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t Overcrowd the Roasting Pan: Giving your tomatoes and peaches space lets them caramelize rather than steam.
- Room Temp Cheese Is Key: Try to pull the burrata and mozzarella out an hour before assembling for best texture and flavor.
- Watch the Butter Closely: Brown butter can go from perfect to burnt quickly, so stay attentive and remove from heat just as it browns.
- Vinegar Touch: Adding balsamic last off heat balances richness—don’t skip it!
How to Serve Tomato Peach Caprese with Brown Butter Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish mine with a scattering of fresh basil leaves—no surprises there—because the herbal, slightly peppery notes brighten every bite. Sometimes I’ll add a light drizzle of aged balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and a pop of visual contrast. A sprinkle of crushed pistachios or toasted pine nuts adds lovely texture and nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the brown butter.
Side Dishes
This salad stands beautifully on its own, but I love pairing it with crusty toasted bread or a crisp baguette to scoop up all the juicy goodness. It also makes a fantastic side to grilled chicken or seafood, turning your meal into an elegant summer feast without spending hours in the kitchen.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving this salad on a large wooden board, layering whole burrata balls, sliced peaches, and tomatoes in overlapping circles. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens adds a pop of color that really wows guests. You can also create individual plates with small portions dressed with brown butter and herbs for a classy appetizer presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (they don’t usually last long!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I recommend keeping the brown butter separate and drizzling it over just before serving again to keep flavors fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
This Tomato Peach Caprese with Brown Butter Recipe isn’t the best candidate for freezing because of the fresh cheeses and delicate fruit textures. I’ve tried freezing leftovers, but the texture gets a bit watery and less appealing upon thawing.
Reheating
When reheating, I gently warm the roasted fruits and brown butter on low heat just until heated through. Add the cheese and fresh tomatoes fresh from the fridge afterward to maintain their creamy goodness and fresh crunch.
FAQs
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Can I use other fruits instead of peaches in this recipe?
Absolutely! While peaches bring a fantastic flavor and texture, you can substitute nectarines, plums, or even apricots. Just pick fruits that can roast well without becoming too mushy, and keep an eye on cooking times to get the perfect caramelization.
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What’s the best way to brown butter without burning it?
Use medium heat and watch carefully as the butter foams. Stir frequently and remove from heat as soon as you notice it turning golden brown and smelling nutty. Remember, it can go from browned to burnt very fast, so stay attentive and ready to pull the pan off the heat.
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Can I prepare this Tomato Peach Caprese ahead of time?
You can roast the tomatoes and peaches and prepare the brown butter in advance, but I recommend assembling just before serving to keep the cheeses fresh and the basil bright. Store components separately in the fridge and bring to room temperature before assembly.
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Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
The traditional recipe isn’t vegan because of the cheeses and butter, but you can swap in plant-based cheese alternatives and use vegan butter to make the brown butter sauce vegan-friendly. Roasted tomatoes and peaches with herbs still taste amazing on their own!
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Tomato Peach Caprese with Brown Butter Recipe holds a special place in my heart for its joyful blend of bright summer flavors and comforting richness. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want to impress guests with minimal effort or simply treat myself to something beautiful and indulgent. I can’t wait for you to try it—grab those ripe peaches, fresh herbs, and get ready for a salad experience that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
PrintTomato Peach Caprese with Brown Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and delicious Tomato Peach Caprese salad featuring roasted cherry tomatoes and peaches, creamy burrata and mozzarella cheeses, and a flavorful herbed brown butter dressing with shallots and fresh herbs. This recipe blends sweet, savory, and tangy elements perfect for a refreshing appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved if large
- 2-3 peaches, sliced into wedges
- olive oil or butter (about 2 tablespoons)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- chili flakes to taste
- 8 ounces burrata cheese, at room temperature
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, at room temperature
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Herbed Brown Butter
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 cup peach or white balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F to prepare for roasting the tomatoes and peaches.
- Roast Tomatoes and Peaches: In a baking dish, combine half of the cherry tomatoes and all the peach wedges. Drizzle with olive oil or butter, add honey, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper to taste. Toss gently to coat. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the tomatoes begin to burst and peaches are tender.
- Prepare Herbed Brown Butter: While the fruit roasts, melt the salted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes until the butter is browned and fragrant. Remove from heat and immediately add shallots, chopped rosemary, and thyme leaves. Let the shallots sizzle in the hot butter for about 1-2 minutes. Then whisk in the peach or white balsamic vinegar along with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: Arrange the burrata and mozzarella cheeses in a shallow salad bowl. Spoon the roasted tomatoes, peaches, and any juices from the baking dish over the cheese. Add the remaining fresh cherry tomatoes on top. Pour the warm herbed brown butter mixture evenly over the salad.
- Garnish and Serve: Scatter fresh basil leaves over the assembled salad. Serve immediately while warm, ideally accompanied by toasted bread for a complete experience.
Notes
- Use ripe peaches for the best sweetness and flavor contrast with the tomatoes.
- Allow the cheeses to come to room temperature before serving to enhance creaminess and flavor.
- Brown the butter carefully, watching it closely to avoid burning for the perfect nutty flavor.
- Honey can be adjusted or substituted with maple syrup for a different sweet note.
- For a spicier dish, increase chili flakes according to your taste.
- The dish is best served warm but can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg