Burrata is a creamy Italian cheese from Puglia, cherished for its soft mozzarella shell and luscious centre of stracciatella and cream. This article delves into burrata’s history, cultural resonance, preparation, recipes, reviews, and addresses burning questions about this cheese.
What Is Burrata?
Burrata is an artisanal Italian cheese, recognisable by its mozzarella “pouch” filled with shredded mozzarella and cream, known as stracciatella. The name “burrata” means “buttery” in Italian, alluding to its rich, delicate flavour and texture. It’s typically made from cow’s milk, though buffalo milk versions exist, showcasing Italian dairy craftsmanship at its peak. Burrata is best enjoyed fresh, ideally soon after production, when its centre oozes with buttery decadence.
How Burrata Is Made
The making of burrata is an art form rooted in traditional Italian cheese-making. Here’s how the magic happens:
- Milk Heating: Fresh cow’s milk is warmed, and rennet is added to start curdling.
- Stretching Mozzarella: The curds are stretched and kneaded in hot water to create mozzarella.
- Forming the Pouch: The mozzarella is shaped into a pouch, ready for filling.
- Stracciatella Filling: The inside is filled with stracciatella, a blend of shredded mozzarella and fresh cream, the secret to burrata’s oozy centre.
- Sealing: The mozzarella pouch is sealed, encasing the creamy goodness within.
- Storing and Serving: Burrata is best enjoyed at room temperature, shortly after production, to preserve its soft texture.
Artisanal burrata relies on handwork and freshest ingredients, while industrial production uses machines, often impacting the texture and flavour.
Burrata in Recipes
Burrata’s lush texture and mild flavour make it a star ingredient in both classic Italian and modern dishes. Here are some beloved ways to enjoy burrata:
- Burrata Salad: Combine torn burrata with cherry tomatoes, basil, pine nuts, olive oil, and balsamic glaze for a flavour-packed salad. Serve with crostini or crusty bread.
- Pasta Dishes: Drop a ball of burrata atop fresh pasta with tomato sauce, a showstopping centrepiece for gatherings.
- Simple Antipasto: Enjoy burrata with prosciutto and fresh bread; its creamy centre complements salty cured meats beautifully.
- On Pizza: Burrata elevates pizzas with its melty, creamy burst, especially paired with roasted vegetables or pesto.
Tips for Serving:
- Bring burrata to room temperature before serving for the creamiest texture.
- Pair with seasonal fruits, roasted vegetables, or a drizzle of honey.
- Use high-quality ingredients for truly outstanding results.
Origins and History
Burrata’s roots lie in the town of Andria in Puglia, Italy, where cheesemakers creatively repurposed leftover mozzarella curds and fresh cream in the early 20th century. While some sources cite its birth in the 1920s by Lorenzo Bianchino, others pinpoint the official recipe as emerging in 1956. It was locally delivered on horseback, wrapped in asphodel leaves to remain moist, and served to Italy’s affluent society. Burrata was, and remains, a symbol of resourcefulness and culinary innovation, designed to minimise food waste and transform dairy remnants into a luxurious, sought-after treat.
Burrata in Italian Culture
Burrata is more than just cheese; it symbolises southern Italian culture, regional pride, and artisanal tradition. Its protected geographical indication (PGI) status for “burrata di Andria” ensures true burrata is only crafted in its native region and with local ingredients. Across Italy, burrata graces dining tables on special occasions, featured in antipasti, salads, and classic pasta dishes. Internationally, its creamy charm and artisanal reputation have made it a highlight of gourmet menus and food markets the world over, while remaining a point of pride for Italian producers.
Reviews: The Best Burrata Brands
Burrata’s reputation for quality varies among brands and producers. Recent reviews highlight several options available for home cooks and foodies:
Most reviewers recommend splurging on artisanal or premium brands when possible, as the flavor and texture are noticeably superior. Burrata is often described as “milkier, richer, and smoother” than everyday mozzarella.
Burrata’s Culinary Adaptability
Burrata’s versatility is unmatched. It can elevate simple salads, inspire hearty pasta dishes, and add a luxurious touch to pizzas, grains, and grilled veggies. Its mild flavour adapts to every season and cuisine, from Italian classics to modern fusion.
Popular serving ideas include:
- Salads with heirloom tomatoes, basil, arugula, and olive oil
- Roasted vegetable platters (asparagus or eggplant)
- Grain bowls (farro, quinoa) with summer herbs
- As a luxurious topping for sourdough pizzas or flatbreads
Whether served alone or as part of a more complex dish, burrata’s signature creaminess never fails to impress.
Burrata’s Nutritional Profile
Burrata is a fresh cheese, higher in moisture and fat compared to regular mozzarella. A serving provides:
- Calories: Higher due to rich cream content
- Protein: Substantial, thanks to milk and mozzarella curds
- Fat: Elevated, contributing to its creamy texture
Burrata, like all cheeses, should be enjoyed in moderation. Its rich profile makes even small servings deeply satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze burrata?
Freezing burrata is not recommended, as it ruins its creamy texture and flavour.
How long will burrata last?
Burrata should be eaten fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day. Once opened, consume it within hours for optimal texture.
What is the difference between burrata and mozzarella?
Burrata has a creamy, loose interior, while mozzarella is semi-firm and elastic. Burrata is filled with stracciatella and cream; mozzarella is uniform throughout.
Is burrata only made from cow’s milk?
Traditionally, yes, but buffalo milk burrata exists and offers a richer flavour profile.
Can burrata be used in cooked dishes?
Burrata excels as a finishing cheese, gently placed atop cooked dishes (like pasta or pizza) just before serving. Heating burrata too much can ruin its unique texture.
How do you serve burrata?
Tear open the pouch gently to let its creamy filling flow. Pair with vegetables, fruits, or bread for spectacular results.
Why is burrata so expensive?
Burrata’s short shelf life, artisanal methods, and high-quality ingredients make it a premium product, earning its place as a delicacy.
Where can you buy burrata?
Look in speciality cheese shops, Italian markets, or major grocery stores. Availability may range from fresh, local burrata to imported options.
Reviews & Enthusiast Opinions
Cheese lovers frequently sing the praises of burrata; its luscious, creamy centre and tender exterior have captured hearts worldwide. Some budget-conscious buyers find that store-bought versions can be decent, but connoisseurs insist nothing compares to artisanal, fresh-made burrata.
Across review sites, BelGioioso is one of the most recommended store brands, striking a balance between accessibility, price, and deep, milky flavour. Meanwhile, Trader Joe’s and Aldi offer competitive options for cost-conscious foodies, with Aldi often outshining expectations.
Not all feedback is positive; some critics find burrata overrated or too rich for their taste, emphasising that its enjoyment may hinge on freshness and context. The overall consensus remains that, at its best, burrata is a showstopper worthy of its fame.
Burrata and Modern Food Culture
In recent years, burrata has skyrocketed in global popularity, appearing on menus from high-end restaurants in New York and London to trendy cafes in Asia and Australia. Chefs cherish burrata’s ability to transform simple ingredients into unforgettable experiences, whether in rustic Italian salads or modern fusion fare.
Despite its rising fame, burrata remains an icon of Italian culinary artistry, always rooted in its regional identity and traditional methods. Its protected status underscores the importance of authenticity, even as it finds new fans far beyond Italy’s borders.
