Burrata cheese has become very popular in upscale restaurants across North America and domestic producers are now putting this luxurious product within reach of home cooks as well.
What is Burrata?
Burrata is a type of fresh mozzarella cheese from Puglia in southern Italy. Each baseball-sized round of burrata is stuffed with mozzarella curds and cream, which spill out once it has been cut. Each ball has a ‘knot’ on top where the cheese was sealed, keeping the cream inside. It is often packaged in a damp wrapping or suspended in liquid to protect it. Burrata is extremely delicate and should be consumed within two to three days of production.
Where to Find Burrata
Until recently, burrata had to be flown from Italy to North America, making it very expensive and difficult to find. However, domestic producers in Canada and the United States have started making burrata and a number of upscale restaurants have featured it on their menus and in cookbooks. Producers in the United States include Gioia Cheese, Inc. in southern California and The Mozzarella Company in Dallas, Texas. Burrata can also be ordered from companies such as igourmet.com. In Canada, Bella Casara and Santa Lucia are making burrata and their products can be found at gourmet food shops and upscale cheese mongers. Domestic burrata usually sells for between $12 and $20 a ball. Because of its delicate nature, some cheese shops will only bring it in upon request so be sure to ask if there is none on display.
Serving Burrata
Because of burrata’s mild flavour and creamy texture, it benefits from a simple presentation (see below for suggestions). It is extremely rich so plan a lighter menu around it. It can be served as a starter course, salad or even incorporated into pasta to make a hearty dinner. Be sure to bring the burrata to room temperature before serving so the centre remains creamy.
Suggested recipes for presentation:
Olive Oil and Sea Salt Crisps
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Slice a baguette into rounds about 1/2“ thick. Brush both sides of each slice with olive oil and lay in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 9 to 10 minutes or until the bottoms are golden brown and toasted. Turn crisps over and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sea salt. Crisps can be kept in an airtight container for a few days.
- To serve: Place burrata on a cheese board or plate, drizzle with good quality extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Cut into the cheese and spread the creamy filling on the crisps.
Caprese Style Salad
Arrange burrata on a serving platter. Dice ripe tomatoes and scatter them around the platter. Cut some fresh basil and sprinkle over the cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and season with sea salt.
Prosciutto and Fruit
Spread a bit of burrata on slices of fresh baguette. Top with a piece of prosciutto or other cured ham and top with a sliver of fresh cantaloupe or ripe pear.
Pasta and Cheese
Break up burrata and toss with hot cooked pasta such as spaghetti or penne. Add a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix in some fresh herbs such as basil or oregano if desired.
Arugula and Balsamic Salad
Spread fresh arugula on a platter and top with burrata. Drizzle some good quality balsamic vinegar and olive oil over the cheese and season with salt and pepper.
Trish Coleman - Trish grew up in a small town in New Brunswick, Canada and her family ate fresh home cooked meals every night. Her family grew most of ...
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