You’ve heard of mozzarella, but have you heard of burrata? A soft, creamy Italian cheese which has become a staple in Italian dining. In appearance it can be mistaken for mozzarella, a smooth shiny ball of white cheese, and that’s because burrata starts its life as mozzarella.
What is burrata and how is it made?
Originally from Murgia, the south of Italy, burrata is a type of Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It is a fresh cheese with a soft, creamy texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavour. The exterior of burrata is a solid mozzarella shell, while the inside contains a mixture of shredded mozzarella and cream that spills out when cut open.
It is traditionally made by filling a thin pouch of mozzarella with a mixture of mozzarella curds and heavy cream, creating a soft, delicate cheese with a creamy centre. The cheese is typically served fresh, within a few days of being made, and is often used as a topping for salads, pizzas, or simply enjoyed with bread and olive oil.
What does Burrata taste like?
Burrata has a delicate, creamy and slightly tangy flavour with a smooth texture. The flavour is mild, yet rich and buttery, with a subtle tang from the fresh mozzarella curds. The texture is a highlight of the cheese, with the creamy centre offering a contrast to the chewy mozzarella exterior. Overall, burrata is a delightful and indulgent cheese that is a treat for the taste buds.
What is the difference between burrata and mozzerella?
Burrata and mozzarella are both fresh cheeses, but they are different in terms of texture, flavour and preparation.
Mozzarella is a traditional cheese made from cow's milk that is often used in dishes such as pizza and salads. It is a semi-soft cheese that is smooth and elastic, with a mild and slightly tangy flavour. Mozzarella is commonly sold in balls or as pre-shredded cheese.
Burrata, on the other hand, is a more recent creation that is made by filling a thin pouch of mozzarella with a mixture of mozzarella curds and cream. This creates a cheese with a soft, creamy centre and a delicate texture. The flavour of burrata is rich and buttery, with a subtle tang from the mozzarella curds. Burrata is often served fresh and used as a topping for pasta and pizza, or used as a starter with bread and salads.
What do I pair burrata with?
It is typically served as a starter or main dish, often accompanied by bread, fruit, and vegetables. When cut open the middle deliciously melts out, adding theatre and decadence to any dish.
Burrata pairs perfectly with fresh tomatoes and basil, giving a light and refreshing dish, just like our starter; Burrata with Tomatoes & Pesto. A whole burrata serviced with sun-blushed tomatoes, roquito peppers and our house-made basil pesto.
Just like mozzarella, burrata goes deliciously well with oven-baked pasta dishes, such as our Aubergine Parmigiana. Layers of aubergine baked in a rich garlicky, tomato, red wine sauce, topped with toasted breadcrumbs, creamy burrata and basil.
