Burrata Cheese Recipe
If you’ve ever sliced open Burrata Cheese and watched its creamy center spill out onto a plate, you know why this Italian gem has captured food lovers’ hearts worldwide. Burrata Cheese boasts a dreamy, rich interior encased by delicate mozzarella—it’s a showstopper on any cheese board, unbelievably impressive yet surprisingly simple to make at home. A perfect blend of freshness, texture, and flavor, Burrata Cheese is the kind of dish that invites you to slow down and savor each bite, especially when shared with people you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready for a remarkably short ingredient list! Each element is essential, lending its own special magic to the final texture and flavor of your Burrata Cheese. Even better, you might already have most of these on hand.
- Fresh mozzarella curd (1 pound): The foundation of Burrata Cheese; start with the curd for the best stretch and subtle milky sweetness.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): This is the secret to Burrata’s signature luscious, flowing center.
- Sea salt (1/4 teaspoon): A little goes a long way to enhance the cheese’s delicate flavor without overpowering it.
- Hot water (2 cups, about 180°F): Provides just the right temperature to make the curd pliable enough to shape—don’t skip this!
- Ice water (for cooling): Essential to quickly set the cheese and lock in its lovely texture after shaping each pouch.
How to Make Burrata Cheese
Step 1: Soften the Mozzarella Curd
Start by immersing the fresh mozzarella curd into hot water. The goal is to get the curd warm and pliable—about 1 to 2 minutes should do it. Use either a heat-safe bowl or pot, and gently nudge the curd pieces around, letting them soak up the warmth. As soon as they’re soft and stretchy, you’re ready for the fun part: hands-on cheese magic!
Step 2: Knead Until Smooth
Once your curd has softened, carefully lift it out of the water. Place it on a clean work surface and, when cool enough to touch, knead until the texture is smooth, shiny, and elastic. This step is where you get that signature mozzarella stretch—knead with a little patience, and you’ll literally feel the cheese transforming beneath your fingers.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Filling
Tear off a portion of the mozzarella curd and set aside for the filling. Shred or pull apart this portion into small pieces, then mix with the heavy cream and sea salt in a separate bowl. This mixture becomes the oozy, decadent center of your Burrata Cheese, the hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.
Step 4: Shape the Burrata Cheese Pouch
Flatten another portion of the kneaded curd into a thin disk, aiming for even thickness throughout. Spoon a generous dollop of the creamy filling right into the center. Now, gather up the edges—carefully, but confidently—pinching and twisting to form a tight, sealed pouch. Don’t worry if it’s not super smooth; the charm of homemade Burrata is all about rustic beauty.
Step 5: Seal and Set
With your Burrata Cheese pouches complete, transfer them gently into a bowl of ice water. This quick chill helps the cheese set its shape and stay wonderfully tender. Just five minutes is all it takes! Set aside any remaining curd and filling, then repeat the process until you’ve used up every last creamy bit.
How to Serve Burrata Cheese
Garnishes
Garnishing your Burrata Cheese elevates both its beauty and taste. Try drizzling with extra virgin olive oil, adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or scattering a few freshly ground black pepper flakes. For a gorgeous finish, add fresh basil leaves or edible flowers—the contrast of colors really makes the creamy cheese pop!
Side Dishes
Pair Burrata Cheese with ripe, juicy tomatoes for a classic Italian vibe, or serve it alongside charred asparagus, grilled peaches, or roasted grapes for something unique. A hunk of crusty bread or some seeded crackers is a must—perfect for scooping up every bit of the luscious, creamy center.
Creative Ways to Present
Showcase Burrata Cheese as the main attraction on a cheese board, or slice it open tableside for maximum wow factor. You can also tear it over warm pizza, nestle it into a vibrant salad, or add it atop hearty roasted vegetables. The beautifully creamy filling brings luxury to any meal, from brunch to dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Freshly made Burrata Cheese is truly at its best the very same day, when its texture is most delicate and the flavors are brightest. If you happen to have any leftovers (lucky you!), cover tightly and refrigerate. Eat within 24 hours for optimal freshness—after that, the texture can change and the filling may begin to weep.
Freezing
Freezing Burrata Cheese is not recommended. The structure of both the mozzarella shell and creamy filling will suffer after thawing, leading to a grainy and watery texture that’s just not worthy of such a special cheese. Enjoy your Burrata fresh for the dreamiest experience.
Reheating
Burrata Cheese really shines at room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge, simply set it out for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors bloom and the center return to its signature creamy state. Avoid microwaving or heating, as this can cause the delicate curd to toughen and the cream to separate.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought mozzarella balls instead of fresh mozzarella curd?
For authentic Burrata Cheese, starting with fresh mozzarella curd is key. Store-bought mozzarella balls won’t achieve the same luscious, mozzarella-wrapped creaminess, as they’re already set and not pliable enough to shape. Seek out mozzarella curd from a cheese shop or Italian market for best results!
Is Burrata Cheese safe for vegetarians?
Yes! Burrata Cheese, when prepared with vegetarian rennet, is suitable for many vegetarian diets. Always check the label of your curd source to confirm the type Appetizer.
My Burrata keeps bursting open—what am I doing wrong?
If your Burrata Cheese pouch pops open, it’s usually because the curd disc isn’t thick or even enough, or the twist wasn’t tight when sealing. Practice helps, and a gentle hand (plus taking your time with the ice water set) will improve results each time you make it.
Can I flavor the filling with herbs or truffle?
Absolutely! For a gourmet twist, fold in chopped fresh herbs like chives, basil, or parsley to the creamy filling, or stir in a drizzle of truffle oil. Just take care not to overpower that classic milky, sweet flavor of Burrata Cheese.
How long does homemade Burrata Cheese last?
Homemade Burrata Cheese is delicate and perishable, best eaten within 24 hours. While you can store it in the fridge for up to a day, the magic of the creamy center fades with time, so serve as fresh as possible!
Final Thoughts
Making Burrata Cheese at home is pure joy—a delicious little adventure that results in melty, creamy, utterly irresistible cheese. If you’re even slightly tempted, go for it! You’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can come together to create something so luxurious and share-worthy. Invite your friends, set the table, and let the Burrata Cheese magic begin!
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Burrata Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Learn how to make delicious homemade Burrata cheese with this easy recipe. Creamy mozzarella filled with a rich, savory cream, perfect for a classic Italian appetizer.
Ingredients
Mozzarella Curd:
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella curd
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
For Shaping:
- 2 cups hot water (about 180°F)
- Ice water for cooling
Instructions
- Warm the Mozzarella Curd: Place mozzarella curd in hot water until pliable, about 1–2 minutes.
- Knead the Curd: Gently knead curd until smooth and elastic.
- Create Filling: Mix curd shreds with heavy cream and salt to create filling.
- Shape the Burrata: Flatten curd into disk, add filling, seal, and twist to close securely.
- Set Burrata: Place in ice water to set for about 5 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy fresh at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- Burrata is best enjoyed the same day it’s made.
- Pair with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, and crusty bread for a classic Italian appetizer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook, Fresh Cheese Making
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 ounces
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
