If you like cheese, you must have heard of mozzarella, but have you ever encountered the creamy richness and flavour of burrata? Italian luxurious cheese has found fans not only because of its decadent flavour but also for how it adds taste to all sorts of dishes. Whether solo, paired with a fresh tomato, or melted over a pizza, burrata can turn run-of-the-mill dishes into sumptuous feasts. The creamy, buttery centre of this cheese is wrapped in a thin layer of delicate mozzarella, placing it in a class by itself among cheese-glorifying recipes. Now let us look into what makes burrata special and how you can transform plain meals into gourmet meals with top burrata cheese dishes you can try.
What is Burrata Cheese?
Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese that is made from cow's milk, characterized by its shell of a soft, mozzarella type while being filled with creamy almost buttery stracciatella mixed with cream. Originated in Puglia, Italy, this burrata was created to use up the curds that are left when mozzarella is made, and in so doing, it results in richly smooth cheese with a light sweetness. The cheese can release creamy inner content when opened up and accompany a wonderful range of fresh tomatoes and crisp vegetables with warm breads and sometimes fruits. It is no wonder therefore that many chefs and cooks have fallen head over heels for burrata due to its versatility and creamy melt.
Caprese Salad with Burrata
It's a twist on the traditional Caprese, the real difference is creamy burrata instead of mozzarella, with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil. The creamy inside of the burrata releases the sweetness of the tomatoes in it and tastes super when served with basil and olive oil. The different textures and flavours blended together create a really perfect summer starter or lunch.
Burrata Pizza
Adding burrata to a pizza takes it to the next level, creating a luxurious, gooey topping. A simple yet delicious burrata pizza starts with a thin, crispy crust spread with marinara sauce and your topping choice. Place chunks of burrata over the pizza after baking. The cheese would melt gently with the remaining heat to give you a rich creamy finish. The toppings for a classic burrata pizza include arugula, prosciutto, and cherry tomatoes, which you can alter as per your liking.
Roasted Vegetables with Burrata
Roasted vegetables come to life when topped with burrata cheese. It pairs really well with roasted bell peppers, carrots, asparagus, or zucchini. After roasting the vegetables in olive oil and herbs, top them with pieces of burrata before serving. The creamy cheese, against the caramelised veggies, makes for an elegant flavour for a side dish.
Pesto Pasta with Burrata
For an easy yet elegant pasta, toss your favourite pasta with fresh pesto sauce, then top it all off with a generous dollop of creamy burrata. As it's cut, the rich interior of the burrata combines with the pesto, making for an indulgent sauce for the pasta. Simple yet elegant, this dish can be enhanced with cherry tomatoes, arugula, or toasted pine nuts to add texture and more flavour.
Burrata Bruschetta
Burrata bruschetta is such a lovely appetiser with crumbly bread, fresh tomatoes, and creamy cheese. All one needs is toast slices of baguette, rub them with garlic, and top off each bruschetta with diced tomatoes seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Add a spoonful of burrata to each bruschetta, garnish with some fresh basil, and voila! You have a beautiful, yet indulgent, appetiser for gatherings or a light snack.
Fresh Fruit and Honey Burrata
Dessert lovers will love burrata. Try pairing it with fresh fruit and honey. Slice up some peaches, figs, or berries with fresh burrata cheese and drizzle with honey for a decadent, unique dessert. The creamy mild flavour of the cheese balances out the natural sweetness of the fruit and honey, making this light yet indulgent.