Burrata Cheese
Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese consisting of a thin shell of mozzarella filled with a creamy center of stracciatella curd and sweet cream. Created in Apulia in the 1950s, it has become a modern luxury ingredient celebrated for its delicate flavor and luxurious texture. The contrast between the elastic exterior and the unctuous, flowing interior defines its culinary appeal. It is best enjoyed fresh and served at room temperature to showcase its full sensory complexity.
Flavor Profile
Sweet, lactic creaminess from the stracciatella center with subtle dairy notes
Delicate fresh milk flavor that evokes high-quality cow's milk and gentle fermentation
Subtle yogurt-like tang that brightens the richness without overwhelming
Whisper of grass and wildflower honey from pasture-fed milk
Seasonality
Late spring through early autumn (May-September)
Year-round in most regions, though quality diminishes in winter months
Best Months
Culinary Uses
Available Forms
Key Techniques
- Serving at room temperature (never heating)
- Tearing by hand to release creamy center
- Drizzling with finishing oils and vinegars
- Plating with fresh seasonal elements
- Gentle tossing with warm (not hot) ingredients immediately before service
Classic Dishes
Flavor Pairings
Perfect Pairings
Acidity cuts through richness; colors complement; summer seasonal affinity
Enhances savory notes and provides textural contrast to the smooth interior
Herbaceous brightness amplifies the delicate dairy notes; classic Italian pairing
Adds texture contrast and complementary herbal/peppery notes to enhance complexity
Adds texture contrast and complementary herbal/peppery notes to enhance complexity
Good Pairings
Creamy texture and mild flavor allow prosciutto's complexity to shine while adding richness
Salty, savory cured meat complements the mild sweetness of fresh cheese
Earthy sweetness and vibrant color create visual contrast and flavor balance
Nutty earthiness and buttery quality echo burrata's richness with textural crunch
Warm stone fruit sweetness provides sophisticated contrast to cool, creamy texture
Storage & Handling
Method
Refrigerate in original packaging or in a sealed container with whey brine; keep away from aromatic foods
Duration
3-5 days maximum
Pro Tips
- Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow cream to reach optimal soft consistency
- Store in the coldest part of refrigerator (back of bottom shelf) at 35-40°F
- Never freeze burrata as it destroys the delicate creamy interior texture
- If packaged in liquid, keep it in that liquid to maintain moisture and flavor
- Consume as close to purchase date as possible; freshness is paramount
Origin & Heritage
History
Burrata was invented in Andria, Apulia in the 1950s by innovators seeking to use mozzarella scraps creatively by combining them with cream into a new cheese form. Initially a local specialty, it remained relatively unknown outside southern Italy until the 1990s when artisanal food movements brought it to international acclaim. Today, PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) burrata from Andria commands premium prices globally, though production has expanded to other regions attempting to replicate the original.
Cultural Significance
Burrata represents the pinnacle of Southern Italian cheesemaking tradition and ingenuity, embodying the resourcefulness of Apulian dairy makers. It has become an iconic ingredient of modern Italian cuisine, particularly celebrated during summer months and featured prominently in contemporary fine dining. The cheese symbolizes luxury and craft in Italian gastronomy, protected by strict geographical and production regulations for authentic PDO versions.
The Science
Understanding the key chemical compounds helps explain why burrata cheese pairs well with certain ingredients.
Provides subtle tangy note and contributes to creamy, smooth mouthfeel while promoting gut health
Imparts delicate buttery richness; a short-chain fatty acid contributing to the luxurious texture
Creates the elastic mozzarella shell and provides structural integrity; whey in the cream adds velvety texture
Concentrated in the stracciatella center, delivering richness and mouthfeel with subtle sweetness
Residual milk sugar provides gentle sweetness; relatively low compared to fresh milk due to fermentation
Create the luxurious, flowing quality of the cream interior and contribute to satiety
Quick Tips
TL;DR for Burrata Cheese
Best For
Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes and Basil, Burrata with Roasted Beets and Pistachio
Top Pairing
Heirloom Tomatoes
Pro Tip
Serving at room temperature (never heating)
Storage
3-5 days maximum fresh · Not suitable for freezing frozen
Nutrition
Per 100g
Health Benefits
- Rich in digestible whey proteins that support muscle maintenance and satiety
- High in bioavailable calcium for bone health and density
- Contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) associated with anti-inflammatory properties
- Provides probiotics and beneficial lactic acid bacteria for gut health
Buying Guide
Price Range: $$$
Look For
- Pristine white color with no yellowing or browning on exterior
- Smooth, unblemished mozzarella shell without cracks or separation
- Slight give when gently pressed (not rock-hard)
- Packaged in clear whey liquid or brine (traditional packaging)
Avoid
- Discoloration, yellow patches, or brown spots indicating age or mold
- Cracks, leaking liquid, or visible separation of whey from curds
- Plastic smell or sour aroma (should smell like fresh dairy and grass)
- Rock-hard exterior indicating freezing or extreme age
Where to Find
- Italian specialty markets and delicatessens, High-end grocery stores with dedicated cheese counters, Farmers' markets with artisanal dairy vendors (particularly in summer), Direct from Italian importers and online gourmet cheese retailers, Restaurants with quality antipasti services (for immediate consumption), Organic and upscale natural food markets
Did You Know?
- 1.Burrata was invented in the 1950s in Andria, Apulia as an ingenious way to use mozzarella scraps and milk left over from production—what began as resourcefulness became a luxury product commanding $25-40 per ball at retail
- 2.The name 'burrata' derives from the Apulian dialect word 'burro' (butter), reflecting the creamy, butter-like texture of the stracciatella-filled interior, though it contains no butter
- 3.True PDO Burrata di Andria must be made from specific cow milk breeds (Italian Friesian or Podolica) and produced within defined geographic boundaries using traditional methods, with strict regulations limiting production to ensure quality and exclusivity
- 4.The cheese's delicate nature means it is primarily enjoyed fresh and at room temperature; in Italy, serving burrata hot or cold from the refrigerator would be considered a culinary crime that destroys its defining textural contrasts
- 5.Burrata's rapid rise in global popularity is a recent phenomenon—it was virtually unknown outside Apulia before the 1990s and remained rare in the US until the early 2010s when celebrity chefs and upscale restaurants brought it to mainstream attention
Plating Guidance
Explore all techniques →Vessel
Temperature-appropriate plates - chilled for cold dairy
Color Palette
White and cream tones, contrast with colorful accompaniments
Arrangements
Garnish Ideas