Burrata Caprese

When summer hits, so does my craving for caprese.  I love fresh tomatoes, basil and burrata cheese.  The combination of flavors is fresh and light.  Perfect for serving with grilled chicken, steak, fish or even pork.  The best part of Burrata Caprese however is the texture.  Creamy burrata cheese with plump tomatoes and fresh basil is made even more amazing with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.  One bite and you will be hooked…trust me!

Do you love Caprese?  Try this Caprese Tart!

What is Caprese Salad?

Caprese Salad is the combination of mozzarella cheese, sliced tomato and basil leaves.  It is said to have originated from the island of Capri and boasts the colors of the Italian flag.

Traditionally a caprese salad is layered.  It starts with a slice of mozzarella cheese, then a slice of tomato and a basil leaf.  Of course, a sprinkle of salt and pepper with a drizzle of olive oil and sometimes balsamic finishes the dish.

What is the Burrata?

First of all, if you have never eaten burrata cheese then you are missing out!  Burrata is a semi soft Italian cheese that is made from mozzarella and cream.  From the outside it could easily be mistaken for a common mozzarella cheese. 

Burrata cheese is different however, in the fact that the inside is full of soft cheese curds and cream.  So when you open it up there is this wonderful and spreadable cheese that is super delicious.

Ingredients Needed

• Burrata Cheese-Two balls of burrata cheese give you a wonderful creamy texture and amazing flavor.
• Tomatoes-Use a variety of tomatoes so that the salad is colorful.  I have used a combination of campari, mini heirloom, cherry tomatoes and sprinkle tomatoes.
• Basil Leaves-Small basil leaves are a great addition to this salad.
• Balsamic Vinaigrette-Newman’s brand is the brand that I reach for.  Although a good balsamic glaze would be great too.

How to Make Burrata Caprese

1. Place the balls of burrata in the middle of a medium platter. Break each of them open slightly and season with salt and pepper.
2. Arrange Campari tomatoes around the burrata cheese. 
3. Add the baby heirloom tomatoes around the burrata cheese.
4. Finally, add the small cherry tomatoes and sprinkle tomatoes around the burrata cheese.
5. Sprinkle the small basil leaves all over the tomatoes and burrata.
6. Top the tomatoes with balsamic vinaigrette or glaze and enjoy. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Burrata Caprese Recipe Variations

There are so many delicious ways to change up this Burrata Caprese Salad recipe.  Just by adding one or more of the following ingredients you can take this salad to the next level.

• Sliced Avocado-adding sliced avocado will give you another creamy and fresh element that pairs perfectly.
• Pesto-If you want more basil flavor or don’t have basil on hand, add a drizzle of pesto to the Caprese Salad.
• Mozzarella-It can be hard to find burrata cheese sometimes and so sliced mozzarella or mozzarella pearls would be a great substitution.
• Sliced Red Onion-Adding a few sliced red onions to this Burrata Caprese Salad would give it extra flavor, color and texture.
• Fruit-Peaches, watermelon and strawberries all work wonderfully with Caprese Salad.  
• Nuts-Pecans, pistachios or pine nuts would all be a great flavor and texture addition to this recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Burrata Caprese be made ahead of time?

This Burrata Caprese recipe is best eaten fresh.  However, if you need to prepare it ahead of time then I would slice the tomatoes and have all of the elements ready to compile separately. 

Then when you are ready to serve the Burrata Caprese Salad it will be easy to assemble and fresh.

How do you eat Caprese?

Caprese Salad can be served as an appetizer, a light lunch or as a side dish at dinner.  Burrata Caprese is a super versatile and delicious recipe that you will find yourself using for many different occasions.

What is the difference between Mozzarella and Burrata?

Mozzarella and burrata are both semi-soft cow’s milk Italian cheeses.  Both are also creamy in texture, white in color and totally delicious.

Mozzarella however has a more elastic texture because it is pulled and stretched, then soaked in cream.  Burrata is softer and made from mozzarella with a cream and cheese curd filling.

What does Burrata go well with?

Burrata is wonderful on just about anything.  Add to the top of a pizza, serve with grilled or roasted vegetables.  Burrata is also delicious on pasta.

What I love most about Burrata cheese is that the outside of the cheese is like mozzarella and then when you open up the inside you have a creamy and delicious surprise!

Is Burrata a good melting cheese?

If you are wanting a really good melting cheese I would reach for mozzarella.  Burrata cheese is best served cold because it can lose its creamy texture when cooked.  However, adding a bit to the top of a pizza is something I love to do.

How do you store Burrata Caprese?

Leftover Burrata Caprese can be kept in the refrigerator for a couple of days.  Make sure that the Caprese Salad is covered tightly but know that it is best fresh.

Do you love salads?  Try these recipes!

• Fiesta Wedge Salad
• Broccoli Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
• Cucumber and Pickled Shallot Salad
• Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds
• Easy Bruschetta Salad Recipe
• Harvest Salad Recipe with Apples