If you are searching for a dazzling dish that effortlessly balances sweetness, creaminess, and a hint of spice, the Peach & Burrata Caprese with Hot Honey and Candied Pecans Recipe is an absolute must-try. This vibrant salad brilliantly enhances the classic Caprese by swapping traditional tomatoes for juicy peaches, complemented by luscious burrata cheese, fiery hot honey, and crunchy candied pecans. Each bite bursts with contrast—ripe peaches, creamy cheese, spicy honey, and crunchy nuts—that makes this salad endlessly memorable and perfect for any season when you want to wow friends or treat yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peach & Burrata Caprese with Hot Honey and Candied Pecans Recipe relies on a handful of simple but distinct ingredients that come together to create a stunning balance of flavor and texture. Every item has a role—from the floral sweetness of honey to the fresh brightness of basil—ensuring your salad pops with color and excitement.
- Honey: Use a flavorful, raw honey to bring natural sweetness and serve as the base for the hot honey glaze.
- Ground cayenne: Just enough spice to add a pleasant kick without overpowering the sweet elements.
- Granulated sugar: Essential for perfectly coating the pecans with a glossy, crunchy candy shell.
- Toasted pecans: Adds a rich nuttiness and delightful crunch to contrast the creamy burrata.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness with a subtle savory note.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Offers mild heat and depth adjoining the sweet and spicy flavors.
- Basil leaves: Fresh and aromatic, basil provides a classic herbal note familiar to Caprese dishes.
- Medium peaches: Ripe but firm peaches lend juicy sweetness and beautiful color to the salad.
- Burrata cheese: Creamy, soft, and indulgent, this cheese is key to achieving the salad’s luscious texture.
- Lemon wedge: A squeeze brightens the peaches and adds a refreshing zing.
How to Make Peach & Burrata Caprese with Hot Honey and Candied Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Create the Hot Honey
Start by transforming ordinary honey into a spicy-sweet hot honey that will drape your salad with irresistible flavor. Gently heat the honey until it simmers and infuse it with ground cayenne for that perfect smoky spice. Simmering the mixture until it bubbles vigorously thickens it slightly, allowing every drizzle to cling beautifully to the peaches and burrata.
Step 2: Candy the Pecans
Now let’s turn toasted pecans into crunchy jewels for this salad. Using granulated sugar, melt it carefully over low heat until it just begins to caramelize, then toss in the pecans with a pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Stir constantly to coat each nut in that glossy candy shell, then cool them on parchment paper. This crackly coating contrasts wonderfully with the creamy cheese and juicy fruit.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Lay a bed of fresh basil leaves evenly on a serving platter to infuse an herbaceous foundation for your dish. Next, arrange the sliced peaches around the platter, and give them a quick splash of fresh lemon juice to enhance their natural sweetness and prevent browning. Nestle a whole burrata ball in the center and gently slice it open so the creamy interior begins to flow invitingly.
Step 4: Add the Final Touches
Scatter your beautifully candied pecans over the peaches and burrata, then generously drizzle the hot honey to add that tantalizing spicy-sweet glaze. A touch of good-quality olive oil brings silkiness and richness, and if you have some fresh mint on hand, sprinkle it on last for a refreshing aromatic lift before serving.
How to Serve Peach & Burrata Caprese with Hot Honey and Candied Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is already the star herbal garnish, but a handful of mint or even edible flowers can elevate the visual appeal and add a whisper of extra fragrance. A light crack of black pepper just before serving also boosts the flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
This salad is so flavorful and fulfilling it can stand alone as a light lunch or appetizer, but pairing it with crusty bread, grilled chicken, or a simple green salad rounds out the meal beautifully. The creamy burrata and spicy honey bring enough heartiness to complement many dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try serving this Peach & Burrata Caprese with Hot Honey and Candied Pecans Recipe on a rustic wooden board or a large white platter to highlight the vibrant colors. Individual portions on small plates work great for parties. You can also layer the peaches and burrata in clear glass bowls for an eye-catching effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately if possible: keep the peaches and cheese chilled in airtight containers and the candied pecans in a dry place. Once assembled, it’s best eaten the same day, but refrigerated leftovers can last up to 24 hours, though the nuts may lose crispness.
Freezing
This Peach & Burrata Caprese with Hot Honey and Candied Pecans Recipe is not suitable for freezing due to the delicate texture of the fresh peaches and creamy burrata, which both suffer from freezing and thawing.
Reheating
Since this dish is served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary. You can gently warm the hot honey if it has hardened, but the rest of the ingredients are best enjoyed fresh.
FAQs
Can I substitute burrata with another cheese?
Absolutely! Fresh mozzarella is a great alternative, though it lacks the creamy interior that makes burrata so special. For a richer twist, try fresh ricotta or even a mild goat cheese if you prefer tang.
How spicy is the hot honey in this recipe?
The spice level is mild to moderate, depending on how much cayenne you use. You can adjust the cayenne amount to suit your heat tolerance, or omit it entirely for just sweet hot honey.
Are candied pecans difficult to make?
They are surprisingly easy and quick! Just watch the sugar carefully as it melts to prevent burning. Stirring constantly and removing the pan as soon as caramel starts to smoke is the key to perfect candied pecans.
What type of peaches should I use?
Choose firm, ripe peaches that are fragrant but not overly soft so they hold their shape in the salad. Freestone peaches make slicing easier, but clingstone will work too if ripe and juicy.
Can this salad be made vegan?
For a vegan version of the Peach & Burrata Caprese with Hot Honey and Candied Pecans Recipe, swap the burrata for a plant-based cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey to create a vegan-friendly hot syrup.
Final Thoughts
This Peach & Burrata Caprese with Hot Honey and Candied Pecans Recipe feels like a special gift—combining favorite summertime flavors with a surprising twist that will impress anyone lucky enough to try it. It’s fresh, decadent, and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for casual dinners or festive get-togethers. Trust me, once you give it a whirl, this salad will have a permanent spot on your must-make list!
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Peach & Burrata Caprese with Hot Honey and Candied Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Peach & Burrata Caprese salad featuring sweet peaches, creamy burrata cheese, spicy hot honey, and crunchy candied pecans, perfectly balanced with basil, lemon, and olive oil. This recipe combines sweet, spicy, and savory elements for a delightful appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
Hot Honey
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tsp ground cayenne
Candied Pecans
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup toasted pecans
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Salad
- 3/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 medium peaches, sliced
- 1 (4-oz.) round burrata cheese
- 1 lemon wedge
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Fresh mint leaves, 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 and blend thoroughly. Reduce the heat to low and cook the honey until it bubbles vigorously, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the honey to cool completely to let the flavors infuse.
- Make the candied pecans: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large pot over low heat, spread the granulated sugar evenly and heat until it is mostly melted but not burnt. Add the toasted pecans along with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir constantly, coating the pecans with the melted sugar until caramelized and beginning to smoke. Immediately remove from heat and transfer the pecans onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Use two nonstick spatulas to carefully separate the pecans while they cool and harden.
- Assemble the salad: On a medium serving platter, spread the basil leaves evenly. Arrange the sliced peaches around the platter and squeeze the lemon wedge over the peaches to add brightness and prevent browning. Place the burrata cheese in the center of the platter and slice it open gently with a knife to reveal its creamy interior.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle the cooled candied pecans evenly over the peaches and basil. Drizzle the entire salad generously with the prepared hot honey and olive oil. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an added touch of color and flavor. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the honey cools completely before drizzling to preserve its thick texture and avoid melting the burrata cheese.
- Use ripe but firm peaches to maintain shape and freshness in the salad.
- The candied pecans can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Adjust cayenne quantity in the hot honey to control spice level.
- If burrata is not available, fresh mozzarella can be used as a substitute but with less creaminess.
