HOW TO MAKE BURRATA AT HOME (ORIGINAL RECIPE)
Burrata is one of those cheeses that feels like a special treat. It is creamy, milky, and absolutely delicious. I used to buy it from the store, but then I learned how easy it is to make at home. In this post, I will share the original burrata recipe and many ways to use it. From pasta to pizza, salad to breakfast, you will find a recipe for every craving. Let me show you how to make burrata from scratch and turn it into amazing meals.
Burrata Original Recipe
The Burrata Original Recipe starts with fresh mozzarella and cream. Burrata means buttered in Italian. It is a pouch of soft mozzarella filled with stracciatella, which is shredded mozzarella soaked in cream. The outside is firm, but the inside is luscious and spreadable. This creamy burrata is perfect on its own with good bread and olive oil. The blog has all the details for making it at home.
Ingredients
- 1 gallon whole milk (not ultra pasteurized)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons citric acid dissolved in 1/2 cup cool water
- 1/4 teaspoon liquid rennet diluted in 1/4 cup cool water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
How To Make
- Pour milk into a large pot. Stir in the citric acid solution. Heat slowly to 90°F.
- Add the rennet mixture. Stir gently for 30 seconds. Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes until the curd sets.
- Cut the curd into a grid pattern. Heat again to 105°F while stirring gently.
- Scoop the curds into a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds. Drain the whey.
- Stretch and fold the curd until smooth. Add salt. Work quickly while hot.
- Pull off a piece of stretched curd and flatten it into a disc.
- In a small bowl, mix some shredded curd pieces with heavy cream to make stracciatella.
- Place a spoonful of stracciatella in the center of the disc. Gather the edges and pinch to seal.
- Place the finished burrata in a bowl of cold salted water. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Burrata Pasta Recipe
Burrata Pasta Recipe is my favorite weeknight dinner. The pasta is tossed in a simple tomato sauce with garlic and basil. Then you top it with a whole ball of creamy burrata. When you cut into the burrata, the soft center melts into the pasta and creates a rich, silky sauce. No heavy cream needed. It is a burrata pasta bowl that tastes like a restaurant dish.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or pappardelle)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ball burrata cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How To Make
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Season with salt and pepper. Add the cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water. Toss to coat.
- Transfer pasta to a serving bowl or plate.
- Place the burrata ball in the center. Tear fresh basil over everything.
- Break open the burrata at the table. Toss gently before serving. Top with Parmesan if desired.
Homemade Burrata Recipe
Homemade Burrata Recipe is easier than you think. The process is similar to making mozzarella, but you create a pouch and fill it with stracciatella. The stracciatella is simply shredded mozzarella curds mixed with fresh cream. Making fresh burrata at home is so rewarding. The taste is miles ahead of store bought. The blog has step by step photos to guide you.
Ingredients
- 1 gallon pasteurized whole milk (not ultra pasteurized)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons citric acid dissolved in 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon liquid rennet dissolved in 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cheese salt or flaky sea salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
How To Make
- Heat milk and citric acid mixture in a large pot to 90°F. Stir gently.
- Add rennet mixture. Stir for 30 seconds. Let sit for 10 minutes until the curd sets.
- Cut the curd into 1 inch cubes. Heat slowly to 105°F while stirring.
- Scoop curds into a colander to drain whey. Transfer curds to a microwave safe bowl.
- Microwave for 30 seconds. Drain excess whey. Repeat until curds are hot and stretchy.
- Add salt. Stretch and fold the curd until smooth.
- Pull off a small piece to test stretch. If it stretches easily, you are ready.
- Form the curd into a flat disc. Set aside.
- Take another piece of curd and tear it into small shreds. Mix shreds with heavy cream to make stracciatella.
- Place a spoonful of stracciatella in the center of the disc. Gather the edges and pinch tightly to seal.
- Drop the sealed burrata into a bowl of cold salted water. Let it rest for at least 1 hour.
- Serve fresh or store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Burrata Salad Recipe
Burrata Salad Recipe is all about fresh, simple ingredients. The classic pairing is ripe tomatoes and basil. I use heirloom tomatoes in the summer and cherry tomatoes in the winter. The tomato burrata salad gets a drizzle of good olive oil and balsamic glaze. The creamy burrata balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly. This salad takes 5 minutes to assemble.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed heirloom or cherry tomatoes, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 ball burrata cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- Flaky sea salt and black pepper
- Toasted bread for serving
How To Make
- Arrange the tomatoes on a serving plate or shallow bowl.
- Tear the basil leaves and scatter over the tomatoes.
- Place the burrata ball in the center.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over everything.
- Sprinkle with flaky salt and black pepper.
- Serve immediately with toasted bread on the side.
- Break open the burrata at the table and spread it on the bread with the tomatoes.
Burrata Dinner Recipe
Burrata Dinner Recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something satisfying but not heavy. I roast a sheet pan of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Then I add a creamy burrata on top. The heat softens the cheese, and when you break it open, it coats the vegetables. Serve it as a burrata bowl over grains or with crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ball burrata cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Cooked quinoa or crusty bread for serving
How To Make
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut vegetables into bite sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Spread vegetables in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until tender and lightly charred.
- Transfer roasted vegetables to a serving bowl or plate.
- Place the burrata ball on top of the hot vegetables.
- Tear fresh basil over everything.
- Let the burrata soften for 1 to 2 minutes, then break it open and toss.
- Serve with quinoa or crusty bread.
Burrata Appetizers Recipe
Burrata Appetizers Recipe ideas will impress your guests without much work. Burrata crostini with roasted grapes and thyme is a crowd pleaser. Burrata bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and garlic is a classic. Or make a burrata platter with prosciutto, figs, honey, and toasted nuts. Each one is simple to assemble but looks beautiful on a party table.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ball burrata cheese
- Toppings: roasted grapes, fresh figs, prosciutto, honey, balsamic glaze, toasted nuts, fresh herbs
- For bruschetta: 2 cups diced tomatoes, 2 cloves garlic, fresh basil, salt, pepper
How To Make
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet.
- Brush with olive oil. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until crisp and golden.
- For roasted grape crostini: toss grapes with olive oil and thyme. Roast at 400°F for 10 minutes. Top toasted bread with burrata and roasted grapes.
- For fig and prosciutto: top toast with a piece of burrata, a slice of prosciutto, and a fresh fig half. Drizzle with honey.
- For tomato bruschetta: mix diced tomatoes, minced garlic, basil, salt, and pepper. Top toast with burrata and tomato mixture.
- Arrange all crostini on a large platter. Serve immediately.
Burrata Sandwich Recipe
Burrata Sandwich Recipe is the ultimate lunch. Use focaccia or ciabatta bread. Layer on pesto, roasted red peppers, arugula, and a whole creamy burrata. When you bite into it, the cheese oozes out. It is a burrata toastie that feels like a special treat. I make this when I have leftover burrata and want something quick but delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 piece focaccia or ciabatta roll, sliced in half
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
- 1 ball burrata cheese
- Handful of arugula or spinach
- Salt and pepper
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)
How To Make
- Toast the bread lightly if desired.
- Spread pesto on both sides of the bread.
- On the bottom half, layer roasted red peppers and arugula.
- Place the burrata ball on top of the greens.
- Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if using.
- Close the sandwich with the top half of the bread.
- Press down gently. You can wrap it in foil and press with a heavy pan for a few minutes to help the sandwich hold together.
- Slice in half and serve.
Burrata Healthy Recipe
Burrata Healthy Recipe proves that you can enjoy creamy cheese and still eat well. Burrata healthy means pairing it with fresh vegetables and lean protein. I make a burrata bowl with quinoa, roasted chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon dressing. The cheese adds creaminess so you do not need heavy sauces. It is filling, nutritious, and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup roasted chickpeas (canned chickpeas tossed with olive oil and paprika, roasted at 400°F for 15 minutes)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 ball burrata cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How To Make
- In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Divide cooked quinoa between two bowls.
- Top with roasted chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Place half a burrata ball in each bowl (or one whole ball for two to share).
- Drizzle with dressing. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Break open the burrata and mix everything together before eating.
Burrata Pizza Recipe
Burrata Pizza Recipe takes pizza night to a whole new level. Bake your pizza crust with tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella, and basil. When it comes out of the oven, add torn creamy burrata on top. The residual heat softens the burrata without melting it completely. Each bite is stretchy, milky, and perfect. It is a burrata pizza that beats any delivery.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store bought)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ball burrata cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
How To Make
- Preheat oven to 475°F with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface.
- Transfer dough to a piece of parchment paper.
- Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove pizza from the oven. Tear the burrata into pieces and scatter over the hot pizza.
- Top with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
- Let the pizza rest for 2 minutes before slicing.
Burrata Breakfast Recipe
Burrata Breakfast Recipe is a game changer. Toast a thick slice of sourdough bread. Top with burrata toast, smashed avocado, a poached egg, and red pepper flakes. The runny egg yolk and creamy burrata together are heavenly. It is a burrata breakfast that keeps you full for hours. I make this on weekend mornings when I have a little more time.
Ingredients
- 2 slices sourdough bread
- 1 avocado
- 1 ball burrata cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar (for poaching)
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh chives or parsley for garnish
How To Make
- Toast the sourdough bread until golden and crisp.
- Mash the avocado in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread mashed avocado on each toast.
- Tear the burrata into pieces and place on top of the avocado.
- To poach eggs: bring a pot of water to a simmer. Add vinegar. Crack each egg into a small bowl. Gently slide into the water. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon.
- Place a poached egg on each toast.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and fresh chives.
- Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make burrata without rennet?
Rennet is essential for curdling the milk. You can find vegetable rennet online or at cheese making supply stores. Without it, the curds will not set properly.
How long does homemade burrata last?
Fresh burrata is best eaten within 24 to 48 hours. Store it in the whey or salted water in the fridge. The texture changes after a few days.
What is the difference between burrata and mozzarella?
Mozzarella is solid throughout. Burrata has a solid outer shell and a creamy, soft interior made of stracciatella and cream.
Can I freeze burrata?
Freezing is not recommended. The creamy center becomes watery and grainy when thawed. Always eat burrata fresh.
What should I serve with burrata?
Burrata pairs well with tomatoes, basil, olive oil, balsamic, prosciutto, roasted vegetables, crusty bread, pasta, and pizza.
Is burrata healthy?
Burrata is high in protein and calcium. It also has fat, so enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Making burrata at home is a fun and rewarding project. Whether you start with the original recipe or use store bought burrata for quick meals, there are so many ways to enjoy this creamy cheese. I hope you try the burrata pasta or the burrata pizza. They are family favorites. And do not forget the burrata breakfast for a special weekend treat. With these 10 recipes, you will never run out of ideas for fresh burrata. Happy cooking.