Burrata is a delicious Italian cheese that has captured the hearts of food lovers worldwide. With its creamy interior and fresh mozzarella exterior, it can elevate a variety of dishes. From appetizers to main courses, burrata can add richness and flavor to many meals.
This guide will explore several delightful ways to use burrata in your cooking. We’ll cover recipes, pairing suggestions, and creative uses that make this cheese a beloved ingredient in any kitchen.
What to Make with Burrata?
Burrata can be used in various dishes, including salads, pasta, pizzas, and more. Its creamy texture and rich flavor complement many ingredients, making it a versatile choice. Here is a detailed exploration of dishes you can prepare using burrata, featuring recipes and helpful tips.
Classic Burrata Salad
This salad is a simple yet elegant way to showcase burrata. The combination of fresh greens, vine-ripened tomatoes, and extra virgin olive oil perfectly balances the cheese’s richness.
- Yield: 4 servings
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 balls of burrata cheese (about 150g each)
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, and kale work well)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Serving platter
- Knife for slicing
- Spoon for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the mixed greens and cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
- On a serving platter, arrange the salad mixture.
- Carefully open the burrata balls and place them on top of the salad.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
- Add roasted peppers or olives for extra flavor.
- Experiment with different greens or seasonal vegetables.
- Replace balsamic vinegar with lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
Spaghetti with Burrata and Cherry Tomatoes
This dish is a comforting plate of pasta that uses burrata as a creamy sauce. The vibrant tomatoes add a fresh, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly.
- Yield: 4 servings
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 balls of burrata cheese (about 150g each)
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Sauté pan
- Colander for draining pasta
- Large mixing bowl
- Serving bowls
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring until the tomatoes start to soften and burst.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the pan and toss to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add some reserved pasta water until you reach desired sauciness.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Plate the spaghetti and top with torn pieces of burrata. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Common Mistakes
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture.
- Be cautious with adding salt to pasta water as the cheese is rich in flavor.
Burrata and Prosciutto Appetizer
This simple appetizer combines the creaminess of burrata with the savory flavor of prosciutto, making for a delightful starter or snack.
- Yield: 4 servings
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
- 4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh arugula, for garnish
- Balsamic glaze (optional), for drizzling
Equipment
- Plate for serving
- Knife for slicing
Instructions
- On a serving plate, place the burrata cheese in the center.
- Artistically arrange the slices of prosciutto around the burrata.
- Drizzle olive oil over the burrata. If using, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Garnish with fresh arugula for a pop of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with toasted baguette slices or crostini for added texture.
- Add figs or peaches for seasonal sweetness.
Baked Burrata with Garlic and Herbs
Baking burrata enhances its creaminess and adds a warm, comforting quality. This dish is perfect for sharing and pairs well with crusty bread.
- Yield: 4 servings
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 balls of burrata cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Crusty bread, for serving
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Small bowl
- Oven
- Serving platter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix the sliced garlic, olive oil, rosemary, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place the burrata in a baking dish and pour the garlic-herb mixture over it.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly bubbly.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping.
Make-Ahead Guidance
- You can prepare the garlic-herb mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days.
- Bake the burrata just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Burrata Pizza
This pizza highlights burrata’s creamy texture, offering a decadent and satisfying experience. You can make it with a homemade or store-bought crust.
- Yield: 2 pizzas
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough ball (store-bought or homemade)
- 3/4 cup marinara sauce
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Equipment
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Oven
- Pizza cutter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and place the pizza stone in the oven if using.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the rolled dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet. Spread marinara sauce evenly on top.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce, then tear the burrata and distribute it across the pizza.
- Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil, and slice to serve.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- To reheat, place the pizza in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Creative Sandwiches with Burrata
Burrata can be a fantastic addition to sandwiches, providing a creamy element that can make a simple sandwich more exciting. Here’s a quick idea for a burrata sandwich.
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 slices of sourdough bread
- 4 ounces burrata cheese
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers
- 1/4 cup fresh arugula
- 1 tablespoon pesto
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Equipment
- Grill pan or regular skillet
- Spatula for flipping
Instructions
- Spread pesto on each slice of sourdough bread.
- Layer roasted red peppers, arugula, and burrata on two slices of bread. Season with salt and pepper.
- Top with the other slices of bread to create two sandwiches.
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Grill the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese is warmed through.
- Slice in half and serve immediately.
Dessert with Burrata
Burrata can even find its way into desserts, providing a unique twist to classics such as fruit salads. Here’s a sweet take on burrata.
- Yield: 2 servings
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
- Pinch of black pepper (optional)
Equipment
- Plate for serving
- Knife for slicing
Instructions
- On a serving plate, arrange the peach slices.
- Top with torn pieces of burrata.
- Drizzle honey over the top. For an added twist, sprinkle a pinch of black pepper.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.
Common Variations
- Replace peaches with figs or strawberries for seasonal adaptations.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor profile.
Storing Burrata: Essential Tips
Properly storing burrata helps maintain its creamy texture and flavor. Here are some storage tips:
- Keep burrata refrigerated until ready to use. The ideal temperature is around 35°F (1.5°C).
- Store burrata in its original packaging or in a covered container submerged in water to prevent it from drying out.
- Consume burrata within 3-5 days of opening to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Burrata is an incredibly versatile cheese that can enrich many dishes, from salads to desserts. By experimenting with different recipes and combinations, you can discover unique approaches to using this delightful ingredient. Whether you keep it classic or get creative, burrata is sure to elevate your culinary creations.
For more delightful recipes, consider trying your hand at whipped ricotta or explore marinated cheese options. Each carries the spirit of fresh, Italian flavors that complement various meals beautifully. Happy cooking!