Cooking Burrata on Pizza: A Game-Changing Guide

Burrata, the Italian cheese that has captured the hearts of foodies worldwide, is a game-changer when it comes to pizza. This creamy, mozzarella-like cheese is filled with shredded stracciatella and cream, making it a perfect addition to your favorite pizza. However, cooking burrata on pizza can be a bit tricky, as it requires some finesse to achieve the perfect melt. In this article, we’ll explore the art of cooking burrata on pizza, providing you with tips, tricks, and techniques to take your pizza game to the next level.

Understanding Burrata Cheese

Before we dive into the world of cooking burrata on pizza, it’s essential to understand the characteristics of this unique cheese. Burrata is a type of Italian cheese that originated in the region of Puglia. It’s made from mozzarella, cream, and shredded stracciatella, which is a type of Italian cheese that’s similar to mozzarella but has a more delicate flavor.

Burrata has a creamy, soft texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. When you cut into a ball of burrata, the cream and shredded stracciatella spill out, creating a beautiful, Instagram-worthy presentation. This cheese is perfect for pizza, as it adds a rich, creamy element to the dish.

Choosing the Right Burrata for Pizza

When it comes to choosing the right burrata for pizza, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, look for a high-quality burrata that’s made with fresh, creamy ingredients. Avoid burrata that’s been sitting on the shelf for too long, as it may have lost its creamy texture and flavor.

Second, consider the size of the burrata. For pizza, you’ll want to use a smaller ball of burrata, about 1-2 ounces in size. This will allow you to distribute the cheese evenly across the pizza without overpowering the other toppings.

Preparing the Pizza Dough

Before you can cook burrata on pizza, you need to prepare the pizza dough. Here are a few tips for making the perfect pizza dough:

• Use a high-quality flour that’s specifically designed for pizza dough. This type of flour will have a higher protein content, which will help the dough to rise and give it a chewy texture.
• Use a natural yeast starter instead of active dry yeast. This will give the dough a more complex flavor and a better texture.
• Let the dough rise for at least 24 hours before shaping it into a ball. This will allow the yeast to ferment the sugars in the dough, creating a more complex flavor.

Shaping the Pizza Dough

Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it into a ball. Here are a few tips for shaping the perfect pizza dough:

• Use a gentle touch when shaping the dough, as you don’t want to overwork it. This can cause the dough to become tough and dense.
• Use a pizza peel or a piece of parchment paper to shape the dough into a circle. This will help you to achieve a uniform shape and prevent the dough from sticking to the surface.
• Use a dough scraper or a sharp knife to trim the edges of the dough, creating a clean, uniform edge.

Cooking the Pizza

Now that you have your pizza dough shaped and ready to go, it’s time to cook the pizza. Here are a few tips for cooking the perfect pizza:

• Preheat your oven to 500-600°F (260-315°C), with a pizza stone or baking steel inside. This will help to create a crispy crust and a well-cooked base.
• Place the pizza dough on the preheated stone or steel, and top it with your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings.
• Cook the pizza for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Adding the Burrata

Now it’s time to add the burrata to the pizza. Here are a few tips for adding the perfect amount of burrata:

• Use a small ball of burrata, about 1-2 ounces in size. This will allow you to distribute the cheese evenly across the pizza without overpowering the other toppings.
• Place the burrata in the center of the pizza, and use a spoon or a knife to spread it out evenly. You want to create a thin layer of burrata that covers the entire surface of the pizza.
• Use a gentle touch when spreading the burrata, as you don’t want to break the cheese or create a mess.

Tips and Tricks for Cooking Burrata on Pizza

Here are a few tips and tricks for cooking burrata on pizza:

• Use a high-quality burrata that’s made with fresh, creamy ingredients. This will ensure that the cheese melts evenly and has a rich, creamy flavor.
• Don’t overcook the pizza. Burrata is a delicate cheese that can easily become overcooked and tough. Cook the pizza for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Use a gentle touch when spreading the burrata. You don’t want to break the cheese or create a mess, so use a spoon or a knife to spread it out evenly.
• Experiment with different toppings. Burrata pairs well with a variety of toppings, including fresh vegetables, cured meats, and herbs. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when cooking burrata on pizza:

• Overcooking the pizza. Burrata is a delicate cheese that can easily become overcooked and tough. Cook the pizza for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Using low-quality burrata. Burrata is a high-quality cheese that’s made with fresh, creamy ingredients. Avoid using low-quality burrata that’s been sitting on the shelf for too long.
• Not using a gentle touch when spreading the burrata. You don’t want to break the cheese or create a mess, so use a spoon or a knife to spread it out evenly.

Conclusion

Cooking burrata on pizza is a game-changer for any pizza lover. With its creamy texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor, burrata adds a rich, creamy element to the dish. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can create the perfect pizza with burrata. Remember to use a high-quality burrata, cook the pizza for 10-12 minutes, and use a gentle touch when spreading the cheese. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be creating delicious pizzas with burrata in no time.

By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can create the perfect pizza with burrata. Remember to experiment with different toppings and combinations to find your favorite. Happy cooking!

What is Burrata and why is it a great pizza topping?

Burrata is a type of Italian cheese that originated in the region of Puglia. It is a ball of mozzarella filled with cream and shredded stracciatella, which is a type of Italian cheese. Burrata is a great pizza topping because it adds a rich and creamy texture to the pizza, as well as a burst of flavor from the cheese and cream.

When cooked on a pizza, the mozzarella exterior of the burrata melts and becomes golden brown, while the cream and stracciatella inside remain soft and creamy. This contrast of textures and flavors makes burrata a unique and delicious pizza topping that can elevate any pizza to the next level.

How do I choose the right burrata for my pizza?

When choosing a burrata for your pizza, look for one that is made with high-quality ingredients and has a good balance of cream and cheese. A good burrata should have a smooth and creamy texture, and a mild flavor that won’t overpower the other toppings on your pizza.

It’s also important to consider the size of the burrata. A smaller burrata is best for individual pizzas, while a larger one can be used for a bigger pizza or for sharing with a group. You can usually find burrata at Italian markets or specialty cheese shops, or you can make your own at home.

What are some tips for cooking burrata on a pizza?

One of the most important things to keep in mind when cooking burrata on a pizza is to not overload the pizza with toppings. This will help the burrata to melt and cook evenly, and will prevent the crust from becoming soggy. It’s also a good idea to cook the pizza at a high temperature, such as 500-600°F, to get a crispy crust and melted cheese.

Another tip is to cook the pizza for a shorter amount of time than you normally would, as the burrata can melt and become too runny if it’s cooked for too long. You can also use a pizza stone in the oven to help the crust cook more evenly and to get a crispy crust.

Can I use burrata on any type of pizza crust?

While burrata can be used on any type of pizza crust, it’s best paired with a crust that is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. A Neapolitan-style crust or a crust made with a high-protein flour is a good choice, as it will hold up well to the creamy burrata.

A crust that is too thin or too crispy may not be the best choice for burrata, as it can become too crunchy and may not hold up well to the cheese and cream. On the other hand, a crust that is too thick or too doughy may not cook evenly and may become soggy from the burrata.

What are some other toppings that go well with burrata on a pizza?

Burrata is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of toppings to create a delicious and unique pizza. Some popular toppings that go well with burrata include fresh vegetables such as cherry tomatoes and arugula, cured meats such as prosciutto and salami, and herbs such as basil and oregano.

You can also pair burrata with other cheeses, such as mozzarella or parmesan, to create a rich and creamy pizza. Just be sure not to overload the pizza with too many toppings, as this can make the crust soggy and overpower the flavor of the burrata.

Can I make my own burrata at home?

Yes, you can make your own burrata at home, although it may take some practice to get it right. To make burrata, you will need to start with a ball of mozzarella cheese, which you can either make yourself or purchase at a store. You will then need to fill the mozzarella with a mixture of cream and shredded stracciatella cheese.

To assemble the burrata, you will need to stretch the mozzarella cheese around the filling and seal it with a knot. You can then serve the burrata on its own or use it as a topping for pizza or other dishes. Making your own burrata at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, and allows you to customize the flavor and texture to your liking.

How do I store leftover burrata?

If you have leftover burrata, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s best to keep the burrata in its original packaging or to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Before using leftover burrata, be sure to let it come to room temperature to allow the cheese and cream to soften and become creamy again. You can also freeze burrata for up to 3 months, although the texture and flavor may be slightly affected. To freeze burrata, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.