Everything You Need to Know About Burrata

Imagine a ball of mozzarella filled with cream and shredded pieces of mozzarella called "stracciatella." When you slice it open, the sweet cream and stracciatella slide out onto your plate, offering a cool, refreshing experience that's unlike any cheese you've ever tried before. The mozzarella is light, mildly sweet and bursting with rich, creamy flavor. It's a hedonistic experience that reminds you why fine cheese is a culinary delicacy.

You've just treated yourself to burrata--a delicious Italian cheese that's highly undervalued in the culinary world. Traditional burrata is made from buffalo milk, but most modern brands offer cow's milk varieties. You can enjoy it right out of the fridge or add it to a hot dish like pizza or pasta. To surprise your guests, add a lump of burrata to their plate and let them cut it open so the sweet cream and stracciatella mingles with the pasta and sauces.

Burrata offers a new twist on mozzarella, which is one of the most iconic Italian cheeses. But how can you bring this creamy, mild cheese into your kitchen?

How Do You Use Burrata?

You can use burrata just like any other cheese. If you're a fan of mozzarella, you can drop it on a plate and eat it by itself. Some people add a drizzle of olive oil to give it more flavor. You can also tear it into shreds and add it to a summer salad.

If you want to try something new in the kitchen, use burrata instead of mozzarella when you cook your favorite Italian dishes. Add it to pasta, tear it into shreds and spread it over a pizza or mix it with your Caprese salad. For an appetizer, serve burrata with roasted vegetables and crusty bread or miniature toasts. If you're planning a multi-course meal, burrata is the perfect introduction to an evening of heavy pasta dishes. You could even serve it at the end as a light after-dinner snack.

You're not limited to Italian dishes, either. Serve burrata with scrambled eggs, spread it on a piece of toast, add it to a burger or make it a regular part of your charcuterie boards. You can do just about anything with this mild, versatile cheese.

Where Can You Find Burrata?

You probably won't find burrata at Walmart or a rural grocery store. However, you can find burrata at gourmet food stores, specialty stores and high-end grocery stores like Whole Foods. You can also buy it online if you don't mind paying an extra shipping fee. To support local businesses, check out your nearby butcher shops and farmers' markets to see if they sell homemade burrata.

Can You Make Burrata at Home?

Yes! If you have the right ingredients lying around, you can use dozens of online recipes to make fresh burrata right in your own kitchen. Unlike other types of cheese, burrata doesn't need to be aged. If anything, it's best when served immediately, although you can store it in the fridge for a day or two.

How Long Can You Store Burrata?

Homemade burrata is best when you eat it within a couple of days. Store-bought burrata lasts longer, but like regular mozzarella, it's best when eaten fresh. Check the expiration date to make sure you don't let it in your fridge for too long. Most store-bought burrata comes in a plastic tub full of water to keep the cheese fresh, cool and moist.

Now that you're a burrata expert, it's time to try this cheese for yourself and start making some new dishes in the kitchen. If you found this article helpful, please leave me a tip so I can write more articles about cheese and other culinary topics!