If you're searching for the perfect cheese, stop right here because the answer is burrata. Keep reading to learn what makes it so special and discover 10 delicious ways to eat burrata.
What is Burrata?
Created in Italy in the early 20th century, burrata originated as a way to use up extra curds left over after making mozzarella. While still warm, a piece of regular mozzarella is formed into a pouch. The pouch is filled with a mixture of leftover curds (basically, mozzarella before it's been kneaded and stretched to its normal consistency) and fresh cream, then it's closed and twisted into a topknot to seal in the filling.
The result is a white, chewy ball that, when cut open, oozes a creamy filling with a texture like runny ricotta. The flavor is almost indescribable: The sweet, rich cream and curds are the essence of freshness and delicacy, yet simultaneously the most intensely milky thing you've ever eaten. Originally, burrata, like mozzarella, was made from the milk of water buffalo, but today, most producers use cow's milk.
Burrata is simply the dreamiest. It's creamy, luscious, and the kind of thing we lie awake thinking about at night. In fact, burrata is Italian for the word butter, if that gives you any clues on how rich it can be. Cutting into a fresh ball of burrata is undoubtedly one of the most glorious cheese experiences you can ever have.
How to Eat Burrata
Burrata tastes amazing with every kind of summer produce you have lying around. Tear the outside of your burrata into pieces and add it to pastas or salads. Drizzle the creamy inside with olive oil, sprinkle with flakey salt, and serve alongside tomatoes, grilled bread, or roasted vegetables. The possibilities are endless and when you are dealing with a cheese this ethereal, you really can't go wrong.
10 Burrata Recipes
2. Barley, Cauliflower, and Herbs with Burrata
3. Pickled Nectarine Salad with Burrata
4. Snap Pea Salad with Burrata
5. Tomato, Pickled Melon, and Burrata Salad
6. Grilled Beets with Burrata and Poppy Seed Vinaigrette
7. Crispy Pancetta, Burrata, and Tomato Sandwiches
8. Campanelle Pasta with Burrata, Spinach, Lemon, and Toasted Almonds
9. Crostini with Burrata, Pink Pepper, and Arugula Leeks
10. Vinaigrette with Burrata and Mustard
Photo by Michael Graydon & Nikole Herriott
Where to Buy Burrata
Until fairly recently, burrata was unknown outside of its native region of Puglia, but there are now several importers who bring it to the U.S.. Importing it is not a simple process, however — burrata is highly perishable and must be eaten within a week of being made or it will dry out and loose its unique, fresh flavor.
