Ultimate Guide
Burrata Cheese: What It Is, How to Serve It + Burrata Recipe Ideas 🧀
Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese that’s basically mozzarella’s softer, more indulgent cousin. From the outside, it looks like a smooth ball of mozzarella, but once you cut into it, it has a rich, creamy centre made from stracciatella (shreds of mozzarella) mixed with fresh cream. It has a mild, milky flavour and is fantastic spread on bread, crackers, or in a salad.
Burrata vs. Mozzarella — What’s the Difference?
Burrata and mozzarella might look similar, but their insides are different. Mozzarella is a semi-soft cheese made from stretched curds, giving it a firm yet springy texture and a clean, milky flavor. It’s solid all the way through, which makes it super versatile for things like slicing, shredding, melting on pizza, or layering into sandwiches without making a mess.
Burrata has a thin mozzarella shell, but inside is a rich, creamy filling of stracciatella and cream. The result is softer, more luxurious, and meant to be eaten fresh rather than melted. While mozzarella plays well in cooked dishes, burrata is best served in simple ways, torn open, drizzled with olive oil, and enjoyed for that creamy centre.
How to Serve Burrata
Burrata is best served with simple ingredients so its creamy centre can really shine. Take it out of the fridge about 20–30 minutes before serving to let it come to room temperature. By doing this, it makes the texture softer and the flavor more pronounced. Place it on a plate, gently cut it open, and finish with good olive oil, flaky salt, and cracked pepper. Classic pairings like ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, peaches, or roasted grapes balance the richness and keep things feeling fresh (vs. heavy).
Burrata can also be used in warm dishes, as long as it’s added at the very end. Tear burrata over hot pizza, pasta, roasted vegetables, or grilled bread and let the residual heat do the work. You want it to soften, not fully melt.
Best Flavors & Pairings
There are so many delicious things that go well with burrata’s creaminess. Here is some inspo depending on what you’re in the mood for:
Sweet Pairings:
- Fresh peaches or nectarines
- Figs or fig jam
- Roasted grapes
- Honey or hot honey
- Strawberries with balsamic glaze
Savory Pairings:
- Tomatoes (fresh, roasted, or confit)
- Basil, pesto, or herb oil
- Roasted peppers
- Caramelized onions
- Olives + citrus zest
- Chili crunch
Carbs & Bases:
- Grilled sourdough or crostini
- Roasted potatoes
- Pasta (warm or room temp)
- Pizza (added after baking)
- Risotto
Burrata Recipe Ideas
Appetizers & Snacks
Mains & Sides
How to Store Burrata
Burrata is a bit delicate, so storage is all about keeping it fresh and happy. Keep it in the fridge in its original container and liquid. Try to use it as soon as possible (ideally the same day you buy it, or within 24–48 hours max for best flavour and texture).
Once opened, store any leftover burrata submerged in its liquid in an airtight container and refrigerate. Always let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.
FAQ
Stracciatella: ribbons of soft cheese mixed with fresh cream.
Serve it at room temperature for best results. You can also melt it in or on dishes in the final few minutes of cooking.
If it’s unopened, it’ll last until the expiry date on the container. When open, it’s best to consume within 24-48 hours.
Use warm water or a warm plate; never heat directly because you don’t want it to explode!
So much! Pair it with veggies like arugula or tomatoes, make a dip out of it, top it on a salad or bowl, add it into the last few minutes of your pasta dish, etc.
