Grilled Marinated Peppers with Burrata and Crunchy Breadcrumbs
These Grilled Marinated Peppers with Burrata and Crunchy Breadcrumbs are one of those recipes that look fancy enough for a dinner party but are surprisingly easy to make. Sweet peppers are grilled until lightly charred, marinated with garlic, olive oil, and herbs, then served with creamy burrata and crispy golden breadcrumbs.
I made this one weekend when I had a few beautiful peppers sitting in the kitchen and wanted to turn them into something special. I grilled them until the edges picked up that smoky char, then tossed them with lemon, garlic, and olive oil.
When I placed the peppers on a platter and added a big ball of burrata in the middle, I knew it was going to be good. Then came the crunchy breadcrumbs. The combination of smoky, sweet peppers, creamy burrata, bright lemon, and crispy crumbs was absolutely delicious.
My family kept going back for “just one more bite,” and by the end of dinner, there was barely anything left on the platter.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Smoky and sweet
- Creamy and crunchy
- Beautiful enough for entertaining
- Simple ingredients
- Easy to prepare ahead
- Perfect Mediterranean-inspired side dish
- Delicious served warm or at room temperature
Ingredients
For the Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers, mixed colours
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Crunchy Breadcrumbs
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
- Pinch of salt
For Serving
- 1 large ball burrata cheese
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Lemon zest, optional
- A little flaky sea salt, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Wash and dry the peppers.
Remove the stems and seeds, then cut them into large strips.
Step 2: Grill the Peppers
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Brush the peppers lightly with olive oil.
Place them on the hot grill and cook for approximately 3–5 minutes per side, turning as needed.
You want them tender with beautiful charred edges.
Step 3: Make the Marinade
While the peppers are grilling, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4: Marinate the Peppers
Transfer the grilled peppers to a shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over them while they are still warm.
Gently toss to coat.
Allow them to marinate for at least 20 minutes.
For deeper flavour, refrigerate them for several hours and bring them back toward room temperature before serving.
Step 5: Make the Breadcrumbs
Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
Add the breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt.
Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and crisp.
Add the minced garlic during the final minute.
Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
Step 6: Assemble
Arrange the marinated peppers on a serving platter.
Place the burrata in the centre.
Drizzle the burrata and peppers with extra virgin olive oil.
Scatter the crunchy breadcrumbs over everything.
Finish with fresh basil or parsley and a little lemon zest if desired.
Serve immediately.
Expert Tips
Get a Good Char
Don’t constantly move the peppers around. Let them sit against the hot grill long enough to develop those delicious smoky marks.
Marinate While Warm
Warm peppers absorb the garlic, lemon, and olive oil beautifully.
Keep the Breadcrumbs Crisp
Add the breadcrumbs just before serving so they stay crunchy.
Use Good Burrata
Since burrata is one of the main ingredients, a fresh, creamy burrata makes a noticeable difference.
Delicious Variations
Spicy Grilled Peppers
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Balsamic Peppers
Replace the red wine vinegar with a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Herb-Marinated Peppers
Add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to the marinade.
Pistachio Crunch
Replace some of the breadcrumbs with finely chopped toasted pistachios.
Mediterranean Antipasto Platter
Serve the peppers and burrata with olives, artichokes, tomatoes, and grilled bread.
What to Serve with Grilled Peppers and Burrata
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty sourdough
- Grilled bread
- Focaccia
- Fresh tomato salad
- Grilled chicken
- Grilled fish
- Pasta
- Roasted potatoes
- Other Mediterranean appetizers
Make-Ahead Instructions
The peppers can be grilled and marinated 1–2 days ahead.
Store them covered in the refrigerator.
Prepare the breadcrumbs separately and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Assemble with fresh burrata just before serving.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keep leftover breadcrumbs separate so they don’t become soggy.
Burrata is best enjoyed fresh.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 25g
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fibre: 4g
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without a grill?
Absolutely. Roast the peppers in a hot oven or cook them in a grill pan or skillet.
Can I use mini peppers?
Yes. Mini sweet peppers work wonderfully and require less preparation.
Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
Yes, although burrata gives the dish a much creamier texture.
Can I make the peppers ahead?
Yes. Marinating them ahead actually gives the flavours more time to develop.
Can I skip the breadcrumbs?
Of course. The peppers and burrata are delicious on their own, although you’ll miss the wonderful crunchy contrast.
What kind of peppers work best?
Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers are especially delicious because they become sweet and tender when grilled.
Final Thoughts
These Grilled Marinated Peppers with Burrata and Crunchy Breadcrumbs are proof that a handful of simple ingredients can make an unforgettable dish.
The smoky grilled peppers are sweet and tender, the burrata is rich and creamy, and those golden breadcrumbs add just the right amount of crunch. I love putting this on the table when friends or family come over because it looks impressive without requiring hours of work.
It’s the kind of recipe where everyone gathers around the platter, takes a bite, and then quietly reaches for another. 🌶️🧀🍋🫒🌿