What is burrata cheese
Burrata cheese is a type of Italian cheese that originates from the region of Apulia, specifically from the cities of Andria and Trani. It is a type of filled cheese, meaning it has a filling inside, which is typically made of shredded stracciatella cheese, cream, and shredded mozzarella. The outer layer of the cheese is made of mozzarella, which is stretched and molded to form a ball or egg shape.
The filling is what gives burrata its unique characteristic: when you cut into the cheese, the stringy mozzarella outer layer gives way to a creamy, cheesy center. This surprise element has made burrata a popular ingredient in modern Italian cuisine.
The history of burrata cheese dates back to the 1920s, when it was created by Lorenzo Bianchini, a cheesemaker from Andria. Bianchini was looking to create a cheese that would be easy to transport and store, and that could be consumed fresh or aged. He experimented with different fillings and eventually came up with the stracciatella and cream filling that is characteristic of burrata today.
Burrata cheese is often served as an antipasto or appetizer, paired with fresh vegetables, bread, or crackers. It's also a popular ingredient in salads, pasta dishes, and pizzas. Some popular recipes that feature burrata include:
- Bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil
- Burrata salad with arugula and balsamic glaze
- Burrata pizza with prosciutto and arugula
- Burrata-stuffed chicken breasts with roasted vegetables
For those looking to try burrata cheese, some recommended products include:
- BelGioioso Burrata Cheese, available at most gourmet grocery stores
- Mozzarella Company Burrata, available online and at specialty cheese shops
- DIY Burrata Cheese Kit, available at cooking supply stores and online retailers