When it comes to indulgent, creamy cheeses, burrata reigns supreme. Hailing from southern Italy, burrata is a fresh cheese known for its soft mozzarella shell encasing a rich, creamy interior known as stracciatella. While burrata might seem like the stuff of gourmet restaurant menus, it’s surprisingly easy to make in your own kitchen. This guide will walk you through each step of the burrata-making process, ensuring you get that perfect balance of texture and flavor every time.
If you’re ready to impress friends, family, or simply treat yourself, here’s how to make burrata cheese from scratch.
What Is Burrata Cheese ?
Before diving into the process, let’s take a moment to understand what makes burrata so special. Burrata is an Italian cheese made from fresh mozzarella with a soft center of mozzarella shreds mixed with cream. This combination gives burrata its unique texture—a contrast between the firm outer layer and the soft, milky core that oozes out when sliced.
Originally from the Puglia region of Italy, burrata was traditionally crafted to preserve leftover scraps of mozzarella. However, this cheese has since become a favorite among food enthusiasts worldwide. The word “burrata” means “buttered” in Italian, which perfectly describes the rich, buttery taste of this cheese.
Why Make Burrata at Home ?
You might be wondering: why go through the trouble of making burrata when you can buy it? While it’s true that you can find burrata at most specialty stores, making it yourself comes with several advantages:
- Freshness: Burrata is best enjoyed fresh, and homemade burrata gives you the freshest possible product.
- Control over ingredients: When you make burrata yourself, you know exactly what’s going into your cheese—no preservatives or additives.
- Customization: You can experiment with different flavors and textures, adding herbs, spices, or even garlic to the filling.
- Satisfaction: There’s something incredibly rewarding about creating your own cheese, especially one as luxurious as burrata.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed.
Before you begin, it’s important to gather the right ingredients and tools. The key to making burrata cheese is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Ingredients:
- ¾ pound of fresh mozzarella curd: You can either make mozzarella from scratch using milk, citric acid, and rennet, or buy pre-made mozzarella curd from a cheese supplier.
- 1 pint of heavy cream: Opt for the highest-quality cream you can find. The richness of the cream will directly impact the taste of your burrata.
- Salt: Regular table salt or sea salt will work.
- Boiling water: This is used for softening and stretching the mozzarella curd.
Optional Ingredients:
- Citric acid and rennet: If you want to make the mozzarella curd from scratch, you’ll need these ingredients.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Heatproof bowl
- Thermometer
- Gloves (optional)
- Cheesecloth (optional for making mozzarella)
- Knife
If you don’t have access to fresh mozzarella curd, you can still make a simplified version of burrata using store-bought mozzarella for the shell and mascarpone or ricotta for the filling.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Burrata cheese ?
Step 1: Prepare the Stracciatella (Creamy Filling).
The stracciatella filling is what gives burrata its signature creamy center. Here’s how to prepare it:
- Warm the curd: Take about ¼ pound of your mozzarella curd and place it into a heatproof bowl. Cover it with boiling water and add a generous pinch of salt (similar to the amount you’d use for salting pasta water).
- Stretch the curd: As the curd begins to soften in the hot water, use your hands to stretch and fold the curd, making sure it’s smooth and glossy. The texture should be elastic but not tear easily. If the curd cools too much, add more hot water to keep it malleable.
- Tear and mix with cream: Once the curd is stretched, pull it apart into long, stringy pieces and place them in a separate bowl. Add your heavy cream and salt to taste, stirring to combine the cream and cheese shreds.
- Set aside: This creamy stracciatella mixture will serve as the rich center of your burrata. Set it aside while you work on the outer shell.
Step 2: Form the Mozzarella Shell.
Now that the filling is ready, it’s time to work on the mozzarella shell:
- Heat and stretch the remaining curd: Using the same process, place the remaining ½ pound of mozzarella curd in a bowl, cover with boiling salted water, and stretch the curd until it becomes smooth and glossy.
- Shape the curd: Instead of pulling the curd into strings like you did for the filling, shape it into a round disk. The disk should be about 6 inches in diameter, with the middle thicker than the edges. The goal is to create a “pouch” that can hold the creamy filling.
- Troubleshooting: If the curd tears, simply dip it back into the hot water to reshape it. The key is to make sure the shell is strong enough to contain the creamy center without leaking.
Step 3: Stuff and Seal the Burrata.
Now that you have your mozzarella shell and creamy filling, it’s time to assemble your burrata:
- Add the filling: Place the mozzarella disk into a small bowl to help form the shell. Spoon the stracciatella filling into the center of the mozzarella disk.
- Seal the burrata: Gently pull the edges of the mozzarella over the filling, pinching the top to seal it. Be careful not to tear the shell—if it does tear, dip it back into the hot water and reshape it.
- Finish sealing: To fully seal the burrata, dip the pinched top back into the hot water and smooth it out with your hands.
Burrata cheese Serving Ideas: Creative Ways to Enjoy It.
Now that your homemade burrata is ready, the possibilities are endless. Burrata’s rich, creamy texture pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious serving ideas:
1. Classic Burrata Caprese
One of the most popular ways to enjoy burrata is in a Caprese salad. Simply place the burrata on a plate with sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This classic Italian dish is both simple and flavorful, letting the creamy burrata shine.
2. Burrata and Grilled Vegetables
For a more substantial dish, pair burrata with grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers. The smoky flavor of the grilled veggies contrasts perfectly with the rich creaminess of the cheese.
3. Burrata Toast
If you’re looking for a quick appetizer, spread burrata on slices of toasted sourdough and top with roasted cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and fresh herbs. This dish is perfect for brunch or as a starter at dinner parties.
4. Burrata with Prosciutto and Fruit
Create an elegant appetizer by serving burrata with thin slices of prosciutto, arugula, and seasonal fruits like peaches or figs. The saltiness of the prosciutto balances the sweetness of the fruit and the creaminess of the burrata.
5. Burrata Pasta
Toss burrata with your favorite pasta, roasted tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil for a luxurious and simple meal. As the burrata melts into the pasta, it creates a creamy sauce that coats each strand perfectly.
Expert Tips for Perfect Burrata cheese Every Time.
Making burrata can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to stretching the mozzarella curd and sealing the cheese. Here are a few expert tips to help you master the art of homemade burrata:
- Maintain the right water temperature: One of the keys to successfully stretching mozzarella curd is keeping the water at the right temperature. If the water is too cold, the curd won’t stretch properly. If it’s too hot, it could burn your hands. Aim for water that’s just under boiling.
- Don’t overwork the curd: While stretching the curd is essential for achieving the right texture, be careful not to overwork it. If the curd becomes too tough, it will be difficult to form the burrata shell.
- Use fresh ingredients: Burrata is a fresh cheese, so using the freshest ingredients is crucial. If possible, make your mozzarella curd from scratch using high-quality milk. The quality of the cream and salt you use will also affect the final flavor of the cheese.
- Eat burrata fresh: Burrata is best enjoyed within a day or two of making it. If you need to store it, keep it in the refrigerator in a container of salted water. However, it’s worth noting that the texture and flavor are at their peak when the burrata is fresh.
FAQs.
What’s the difference between mozzarella and burrata ?
The main difference is that mozzarella is a solid cheese, while burrata has a soft, creamy center made from stracciatella. Burrata is essentially a mozzarella shell filled with a mixture of cream and mozzarella shreds.
Can I freeze burrata cheese ?
It’s not recommended to freeze burrata, as the texture can be compromised. The cream inside may separate, and the mozzarella shell can become tough. Burrata is best enjoyed fresh.
How long does homemade burrata last ?
Homemade burrata will last for up to 2–5 days in the refrigerator if stored in a container of salted water. However, the fresher, the better—try to consume it within 1–2 days for the best flavor and texture.
Can I make burrata without mozzarella curd ?
No, the mozzarella shell is essential for making traditional burrata. However, you can make the stracciatella filling using store-bought mozzarella, ricotta, or mascarpone. This filling can be enjoyed on its own as a spread or as part of another dish.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Culinary Skills with Homemade Burrata cheese.
Making burrata cheese at home might seem like a challenge, but with the right techniques and ingredients, it’s an achievable and rewarding project. Whether you’re adding it to a simple salad, spreading it on toast, or using it to top pasta, burrata adds a luxurious, creamy element to any dish. Plus, making it from scratch gives you the opportunity to customize the flavors and create a fresh, homemade cheese that will impress everyone at the table.
So, roll up your sleeves and give it a try homemade burrata is well worth the effort!
When suggesting burrata variations or creative ways to serve it, especially when serving with a crunchy side, you could link to a cracker recipe
1 thought on “How to make burrata cheese ?”