Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese known for its soft outer shell and rich, creamy center. Often mistaken for mozzarella, burrata delivers a more luxurious texture and flavor that makes it a favorite in modern kitchens and restaurants worldwide.
What Is Burrata Cheese
Burrata is a fresh cow’s milk cheese that originated in the southern region of Apulia. It is made from mozzarella and cream. The outer layer is solid mozzarella, while the inside is filled with stracciatella, a mixture of cream and shredded mozzarella curds. When cut open, the creamy center flows out, creating its signature indulgent texture.
How Burrata Is Made
Burrata begins the same way as mozzarella, with milk curds stretched into a smooth elastic dough. A pouch is formed from the mozzarella, then filled with cream and curd strands. The pouch is sealed and chilled, preserving its delicate structure. Because it is fresh and minimally processed, burrata has a short shelf life and is best eaten soon after production.
Burrata vs Mozzarella
While mozzarella is firm and sliceable, burrata is soft and creamy at the center. Mozzarella offers a clean, milky bite, whereas burrata provides a richer mouthfeel due to the cream filling. Burrata is usually served fresh and raw, while mozzarella is more commonly cooked or melted.
Flavor and Texture Profile
Burrata tastes mildly sweet, buttery, and fresh. The outer mozzarella is elastic and gentle, while the interior is lush and spoonable. This contrast is what makes burrata ideal for simple dishes where the cheese remains the star.
Is Burrata Cheese Healthy
Burrata is high in fat and calories due to its cream content, but it also provides protein and calcium. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, paired with vegetables, whole grains, or fresh fruit.
How to Store Burrata
Burrata should always be kept refrigerated and consumed by the use-by date. Once opened, it is best eaten the same day. Storing it submerged in its liquid helps maintain freshness, but extended storage reduces quality quickly.
How to Cook With Burrata Cheese
Burrata is rarely cooked directly because heat causes the cream to separate. Instead, it is typically added at the end of cooking or served fresh over warm dishes.
Burrata With Tomatoes
The most classic use is serving burrata with ripe tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and basil. The simplicity allows the cheese’s creamy center to shine without competition.
Burrata on Pizza
Add burrata to pizza after baking rather than before. Tear it gently and place it on the hot crust so it softens slightly without melting completely. It pairs especially well with tomato sauce, prosciutto, and fresh herbs.
Burrata With Pasta
Serve burrata over hot pasta dishes such as tomato-based sauces, roasted vegetable pasta, or pesto. Break it open just before serving so the cream coats the noodles naturally.
Burrata With Grilled Vegetables
Warm roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus contrast beautifully with cool burrata. The combination balances richness and freshness.
Burrata With Bread
Burrata works exceptionally well with toasted sourdough or focaccia. Drizzle with olive oil and add cracked pepper or chili flakes for a simple appetizer.
Burrata With Fruit
Pair burrata with peaches, figs, strawberries, or citrus for a sweet-savory contrast. A touch of honey or balsamic glaze enhances the flavor.
Common Mistakes When Using Burrata
Cooking burrata directly over high heat ruins its texture. Over-seasoning masks its subtle flavor. Serving it straight from the refrigerator dulls its creaminess; letting it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes improves taste.
How to Choose High-Quality Burrata
Look for burrata with a short ingredient list and a recent production date. Authentic Italian burrata is often labeled as Burrata di Andria. Freshness matters more than brand.
Trusted External Resources on Burrata
For a detailed explanation of burrata and its origins, see Eataly’s Italian cheese guide: https://www.eataly.com/us_en/magazine/culture/burrata/. Serious Eats explains how burrata differs from mozzarella and how to serve it properly: https://www.seriouseats.com/what-is-burrata-cheese. For traditional Italian standards and cheese classifications, the Italian Trade Agency provides official dairy information: https://www.italianfood.net/.
Why Burrata Is Best Kept Simple
Burrata does not need heavy sauces or complex preparation. Its value lies in contrast, freshness, and restraint. When treated gently and paired thoughtfully, burrata transforms ordinary ingredients into refined, restaurant-quality dishes.