Pomegranate and Burrata Christmas Ornaments
Pomegranate and Burrata Christmas Ornaments are a festive and fun way to celebrate the holidays with a fresh twist. These delightful treats combine the juicy, ruby-red seeds of pomegranate with…
Tip: save now, cook later.Pomegranate and Burrata Christmas Ornaments are a festive and fun way to celebrate the holidays with a fresh twist. These delightful treats combine the juicy, ruby-red seeds of pomegranate with the creamy, rich texture of burrata cheese, creating bites that look like little edible ornaments. They’re perfect for adding a pop of color and flavor to any holiday gathering.
I love making these ornaments because they’re so simple yet impressive. The sweet and tangy burst of pomegranate pairs beautifully with the smooth softness of burrata, and the way they sparkle on a plate brings an instant festive mood. I always find that the contrast between the crunchy seeds and the creamy cheese makes everyone smile. Plus, putting them together feels like a little holiday craft session in the kitchen, which makes it even more enjoyable.
My favorite way to serve these ornaments is on a big platter decorated with fresh herbs like rosemary or mint. They make a lovely appetizer or party snack, and guests can easily pick them up to enjoy without any fuss. If you want to make the holiday table a bit more special, adding these pomegranate and burrata bites is a simple way to impress and bring everyone into the Christmas spirit.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Burrata Cheese: Burrata’s creamy center makes the dish special. If you can’t find burrata, fresh mozzarella is a good substitute, though it’s less creamy inside.
Pomegranate Seeds: These add color and a sweet-tart crunch. If pomegranates aren’t available, you can try fresh red currants or dried cranberries for a similar festive look.
Pomegranate Molasses: This syrupy ingredient adds deep tangy sweetness. You can swap it with a mix of balsamic vinegar and honey if you don’t have molasses on hand.
Mint: Fresh mint adds a bright, fresh note. If mint isn’t your preference, basil can work nicely as a fresh herb alternative.
How Do I Handle Burrata Without Breaking It?
Burrata is delicate and creamy inside, so gentle handling is key!
- Remove burrata balls from the packaging carefully to keep their shape.
- Pat them gently with paper towels to remove moisture, which helps toppings stick without slipping off.
- Place on the serving plate with care, avoiding any pressure that could cause breakage.
- Add toppings slowly and evenly, so the burrata stays intact and looks like a festive ornament.
Taking your time here will keep the burrata looking beautiful and ready to impress your guests!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Small serving platter – to display your burrata “ornaments” beautifully.
- Small bowl – handy for mixing or holding pomegranate molasses and garnish ingredients.
- Spoon – for drizzling molasses and balsamic glaze neatly over the cheese.
- Paper towels – to gently pat the burrata dry without breaking it.
- Sharp knife – useful if you want to slice mint leaves or cut bread/crackers for serving.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap burrata for fresh mozzarella if you prefer a firmer cheese that holds shape better.
- Add chopped pistachios or toasted walnuts for crunch and nutty flavor.
- Use fresh basil instead of mint for a sweeter herbal note that pairs well with pomegranate.
- Drizzle a little honey instead of pomegranate molasses for a milder, floral sweetness.
Pomegranate and Burrata Christmas Ornaments
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 large balls of burrata cheese (approx. 6-8 oz each)
- 1 cup fresh pomegranate arils (seeds)
For Topping and Garnish:
- 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional for extra tang)
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced or torn
- 1 tsp ground sumac (optional, for a lemony tang)
- Edible gold ornament hooks or small gold foil decorations (optional for garnish)
To Serve:
- Crackers or toasted bread
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and assemble. There’s no cooking involved, so it’s quick to put together right before your guests arrive, keeping the burrata fresh and creamy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Burrata
Take the burrata balls out of their packaging and gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the toppings stick better. Place each burrata ball carefully on a serving platter.
2. Add Pomegranate Arils
Sprinkle fresh pomegranate seeds generously over the top of each burrata and around the platter. Let some seeds cling to the sides, mimicking the look of festive ornaments.
3. Drizzle Molasses and Glaze
Drizzle the pomegranate molasses evenly over the burrata balls, allowing it to drip to create a decorative effect. For a little extra flavor, drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over the top as well.
4. Add Fresh Mint and Sumac
Sprinkle the thinly sliced or torn fresh mint leaves over the burrata and pomegranate to add a refreshing contrast. Dust lightly with ground sumac if using, which adds a nice touch of citrusy brightness.
5. Add Ornament Garnish
If you have edible gold ornament hooks or small gold foil decorations, gently place them on top of each burrata ball. This creates a festive ornament look that will wow your guests.
6. Serve
Serve the pomegranate and burrata ornaments immediately with crackers or toasted bread slices on the side, so guests can easily scoop and enjoy this creamy, flavorful holiday appetizer.
Can I Use Frozen Burrata for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh burrata for this dish because frozen burrata can lose its creamy texture when thawed. If you must use frozen, thaw it gently in the fridge overnight and handle carefully to avoid breaking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Burrata is delicate and best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep pomegranate seeds separate and add fresh mint just before serving again.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While you can prep the pomegranate seeds and herb garnishes in advance, it’s best to assemble the burrata ornaments just before serving to keep the cheese fresh and prevent it from becoming watery.
What Can I Substitute for Pomegranate Molasses?
If you don’t have pomegranate molasses, a mixture of balsamic vinegar and honey works well as a tangy-sweet alternative that complements the flavors beautifully.
