What is Burrata and How Is It Made?

Italians are renowned for their cheese, but few rival the charm of burrata. A relatively modern creation, this cheese emerged in the 20th century. Its exterior may resemble fresh mozzarella, but slice it open, and you'll discover a rich, creamy filling of cheese curds and cream—perfect for pairing with a piece of crusty Italian bread.

Uncover the magic of burrata, explore delicious recipes, and learn everything there is to know about this iconic Italian cheese.

What is Burrata?

Burrata is a creamy, fresh Italian cheese crafted from cow's milk. While it looks similar to fresh mozzarella on the outside, the soft mozzarella shell encases a luscious interior of cream and cheese curds, making it a truly indulgent treat.

When you break into it, prepare for a delightful surprise: a luscious, oozing center made of cheese curds and cream. The name 'burrata' comes from the Italian word 'burro,' meaning butter, hinting at just how rich and indulgent this cheese truly is.

This rich and creamy cheese hails from southern Italy and was first created in the early 1900s—several centuries after mozzarella. Since then, burrata has been featured in classic Italian dishes like pizza, pasta, and Caprese salads. However, in my opinion, there's no better way to enjoy burrata than with a drizzle of olive oil and a slice of crusty Italian bread.

How is Burrata Made?

Burrata is essentially a mozzarella shell enclosing a decadent blend of cheese curds and cream, all molded into a soft, pliable ball. But how does this delicious creation go from basic mozzarella and cream to the indulgent cheese we love? It’s a delicate process, perfected by skilled Italian artisans, which we’ll break down into simpler terms.

The process begins like any cheese-making, with cultures and rennet added to warm, fresh cow's milk. As the milk curdles, the whey separates and is drained away. Then, boiling water is poured over the curds, and they are stretched, essentially forming mozzarella.

Where burrata differs from mozzarella is in the next step: The stretched curd is formed into a pouch, which is filled with a creamy mixture of fresh curds and cream. The pouch is sealed, giving burrata its signature dumpling-like shape.

What Does Burrata Taste Like?

Burrata is known for its richness, so it’s no surprise that it’s often described as 'buttery.' What makes this fresh cheese so extraordinary is its perfect balance of flavor and texture. It shares flavor notes with fresh mozzarella, but with a deeper, more concentrated milky taste and a sweetness that brings to mind the richness of cream.

Burrata vs. Mozzarella: What's the Difference?

At first glance, burrata and fresh mozzarella may look alike, but there’s more than meets the eye. Mozzarella is used to create burrata’s outer shell, but unlike mozzarella, which is made from curds that are stretched throughout, burrata’s center is a luxurious blend of fresh cream and curds.

While both cheeses share similar flavors, burrata stands out with a richer, creamier texture, thanks to its creamy filling. It’s also higher in fat content than mozzarella because of the cream. Both cheeses are typically stored in liquid to preserve moisture, but burrata’s indulgent center makes it perfect for a special treat.

Are Ricotta and Burrata the Same?

Though they are both soft, fresh Italian cheeses with similar names, ricotta and burrata are quite different and are not interchangeable. Ricotta is made from the whey leftover from other cheeses and has a mild, sweet, and creamy taste. Unlike burrata, it doesn’t feature the signature mozzarella pouch and is highly spreadable due to its high moisture content. Ricotta is often found in plastic containers next to cottage cheese in supermarkets and is a key ingredient in dishes like lasagna, pastas, cakes, and even cookies.

Substitutes for Burrata

The closest substitute for burrata is fresh mozzarella. Both cheeses share similar flavors and ingredients, making mozzarella the top choice for recipes calling for burrata. However, mozzarella won’t deliver that same creamy, soft texture that makes burrata so special.

If you plan to melt the cheese, fresh mozzarella is a better (and more budget-friendly) option. The magic of burrata lies in its creamy center, which disappears once melted.

How to Eat Burrata

To truly savor burrata, incorporate it into dishes that highlight its unique texture contrast. Always serve it at room temperature for the best experience. As I’ve mentioned before, drizzling it with olive oil and enjoying it with crispy Italian bread is the ultimate indulgence.

Burrata can also be served on top of a salad, paired with fresh fruit, or used as a pizza topping (just be sure to add it after baking to maintain its creamy texture). And, of course, this Italian delicacy is a perfect match for fresh tomatoes and basil.

How to Store Burrata

Because of its rich, creamy texture, burrata is tricky to store. Once cut, it’s best to enjoy it right away. This cheese doesn’t freeze well due to its high moisture content. To store, keep it in its original packaging or place it in an airtight container filled with water, and refrigerate for up to five days.