Roasted Pumpkin with Burrata: A Perfect Fall Comfort Dish

Name: Roasted Pumpkin with Burrata
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 500g pumpkin, cut into 3cm chunks (skin on); 2 garlic cloves, sliced; 1 large chili, thinly sliced (seeds removed for less heat); 1 lime, juiced; ½ teaspoon sugar; 45g blanched hazelnuts; 20g butter; Pesto or chimichurri, for serving; Olive oil, salt, and pepper, as needed

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Roasted Pumpkin with Burrata transforms humble autumn ingredients into an elegant dish that feels both rustic and sophisticated. Picture this: golden chunks of caramelized pumpkin, their edges slightly crispy from the oven’s heat, paired with creamy burrata that melts into every bite.

This recipe emerged from one of those magical October evenings when the kitchen smelled like toasted hazelnuts and garlic, and I realized that sometimes the most memorable meals come from the simplest combinations. The natural sweetness of roasted pumpkin creates a beautiful contrast with the rich, milky burrata, while a hint of chili adds just enough warmth to make your taste buds dance.

Table Of Contents Hide

1 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

2 Ingredients List

3 Step-by-Step Directions

4 Nutritional Information

5 Healthier Alternatives

6 Serving Suggestions

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid

8 Storing Tips

9 FAQs

10 Roasted Pumpkin with Burrata

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish captures everything I adore about seasonal cooking – it’s effortless yet impressive, requiring minimal prep but delivering maximum flavor. The first time I served this at a dinner party, guests couldn’t stop asking for the recipe. What makes it truly special is how the pumpkin develops these incredible caramelized edges while staying tender inside, and when you add that creamy burrata on top, it creates this luxurious sauce that coats everything perfectly.

The beauty lies in its versatility too. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe adapts beautifully. Explore more seasonal comfort recipes here for additional inspiration that celebrates autumn’s bounty.

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Ingredients List

Ingredient	Quantity
Pumpkin	500g
Garlic cloves	2
Large chili	1
Lime	1
Sugar	1/2 tsp
Blanched hazelnuts	45g
Butter	20g
Pesto or chimichurri	For serving
Oil, salt and pepper	As needed

The ingredient list is intentionally simple, focusing on quality over quantity. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor that complement the star ingredients. Find more simple yet delicious recipes here to discover how minimal ingredients can create maximum impact in your kitchen.

Step-by-Step Directions

Start by preheating your oven to 220°C (200°C fan). Cut the pumpkin into 3cm chunks, keeping the skin on for extra texture and nutrients. Toss the pumpkin pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them in a single layer on a large baking tray. The key to perfect Roasted Pumpkin with Burrata lies in giving each piece enough space to caramelize properly.

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Roast the pumpkin for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn golden and slightly crispy. While the pumpkin cooks, finely slice the garlic and chili, removing seeds if you prefer less heat. In the final 10 minutes of pumpkin cooking time, heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the hazelnuts and toast them until fragrant and lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.

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Add the sliced garlic and chili to the hazelnuts, cooking for another 2 minutes until the garlic becomes aromatic but not browned. Add the roasted pumpkin to the pan along with butter, sugar, and a squeeze of lime juice. Gently toss everything together, allowing the butter to melt and coat the ingredients. Tear the burrata into generous pieces and scatter over the warm pumpkin mixture just before serving.

Exact Timing to make Roasted Pumpkin with Burrata

The entire Roasted Pumpkin with Burrata recipe takes approximately 40 minutes from start to finish. Spend 10 minutes on prep work, cutting the pumpkin and preparing other ingredients. The pumpkin requires 25-30 minutes in the oven, during which you’ll have 15 minutes of inactive time. Use this period to toast hazelnuts and prepare the garlic-chili mixture, which takes about 5-7 minutes of active cooking. The final assembly and plating require just 3-5 minutes, ensuring the burrata stays perfectly creamy when served.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (4 servings)	% Daily Value
Calories	285	14%
Total Fat	22g	28%
Saturated Fat	8g	40%
Protein	12g	24%
Carbohydrates	15g	5%
Fiber	3g	11%
Vitamin A	8,500 IU	170%
Vitamin C	12mg	13%
Calcium	180mg	14%
Iron	2.1mg	12%

This Roasted Pumpkin with Burrata provides exceptional nutritional value, particularly excelling in vitamin A content due to the pumpkin’s high beta-carotene levels. According to USDA nutritional data, pumpkin contains potent antioxidants that support immune function and eye health. The burrata contributes high-quality protein and calcium, while hazelnuts add healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin E. The combination creates a well-balanced dish that satisfies both taste and nutritional needs.

Healthier Alternatives

Original Ingredient	Healthier Alternative	Benefit
Burrata cheese	Reduced-fat mozzarella or ricotta	Lower calories and saturated fat
Butter	Extra virgin olive oil	Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
Sugar	Maple syrup or honey	Natural sweeteners with trace minerals
Hazelnuts	Pumpkin seeds (pepitas)	Higher protein, lower calories
Regular pumpkin	Butternut squash	Higher vitamin C content

Making Roasted Pumpkin with Burrata healthier doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. These modifications accommodate various dietary preferences while maintaining the dish’s essential character. For dairy-free versions, substitute burrata with cashew cream or nutritional yeast for umami depth. Vegan adaptations work beautifully by using coconut oil instead of butter and adding extra herbs for complexity. Explore more quick & easy recipes here to discover additional healthy meal options that fit your lifestyle.

Serving Suggestions

Roasted Pumpkin with Burrata shines as both an elegant appetizer and substantial side dish. Serve it alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken for a complete autumn meal that balances rich and fresh flavors. The dish pairs exceptionally well with crusty sourdough bread, allowing guests to scoop up every bit of the creamy burrata and caramelized pumpkin.

For a more substantial meal, add this over warm farro or quinoa, creating a satisfying grain bowl that works perfectly for lunch or light dinner. The combination of textures and flavors also makes it an ideal addition to cheese boards or mezze platters, where the roasted pumpkin adds warmth and substance to cold appetizers.

Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like basil or sage leaves, which complement the autumn flavors beautifully. A drizzle of good-quality balsamic vinegar or the suggested pesto adds another layer of complexity that elevates the entire dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most frequent error when making Roasted Pumpkin with Burrata is overcrowding the baking tray, which causes the pumpkin to steam rather than caramelize. Ensure pieces have adequate space and use multiple trays if necessary to achieve those coveted crispy edges that make this dish exceptional.

Another common mistake involves adding the burrata too early or to hot ingredients, causing it to melt completely and lose its characteristic creamy texture. Always let the pumpkin mixture cool slightly before adding the cheese, maintaining that perfect contrast between warm roasted vegetables and cool, creamy burrata.

Timing the garlic cooking correctly proves crucial – burning garlic creates bitter flavors that overpower the dish’s delicate balance. Keep heat at medium and watch carefully, removing the pan from heat if the garlic browns too quickly.

Storing Tips

Roasted Pumpkin with Burrata components store best when kept separately to maintain optimal textures and flavors. Store the roasted pumpkin mixture (without burrata) in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve overnight as ingredients meld together.

Keep fresh burrata in its original packaging or wrapped in plastic wrap, storing it in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Use within 2-3 days of purchase for best quality and food safety. Never freeze burrata as it completely changes the texture and becomes grainy when thawed.

When reheating leftover roasted pumpkin, use a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave to restore some of the original texture. Add fresh burrata to reheated pumpkin just before serving to recreate that perfect temperature and texture contrast that makes this dish so appealing.

FAQs

Can I make Roasted Pumpkin with Burrata ahead of time for entertaining?

Yes, you can prepare the roasted pumpkin component up to two days in advance. Store the cooled pumpkin mixture in the refrigerator and gently reheat it in a skillet when ready to serve. Add fresh burrata just before presenting to maintain its creamy texture and optimal temperature contrast.

What’s the best pumpkin variety for Roasted Pumpkin with Burrata?

Sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins work exceptionally well due to their dense, sweet flesh that caramelizes beautifully. Avoid jack-o’-lantern pumpkins as they tend to be watery and less flavorful. Butternut squash makes an excellent substitute if pumpkins aren’t available, offering similar sweetness and texture.

How can I tell when the pumpkin is perfectly roasted for Roasted Pumpkin with Burrata?

Perfect roasted pumpkin should have golden-brown edges with slight caramelization while remaining tender when pierced with a fork. The pieces should hold their shape but yield easily to gentle pressure. Cooking time varies based on pumpkin variety and chunk size, so check after 20 minutes and adjust accordingly.

Can I substitute burrata in Roasted Pumpkin with Burrata without losing the dish’s essence?

While burrata’s creamy center is unique, fresh mozzarella or ricotta cheese can work as substitutes. For dairy-free versions, try cashew cream or a soft goat cheese alternative. The key is using a mild, creamy cheese that won’t overpower the sweet pumpkin flavors while providing that essential temperature and texture contrast.