What is burrata cheese and why everyone’s obsessed

A tear. A spill. A pause. Burrata is one of those rare foods that makes you slow down, whether you're eating it with crusty bread in a candlelit trattoria or standing barefoot in your kitchen with a spoon. It’s cheese, yes—but it’s also ceremony.

You may have seen it on menus next to heirloom tomatoes, resting gently on pizza just out of the oven, or perched dramatically on a wooden board at brunch. It’s familiar but special, minimal yet decadent. And even if you’ve tasted it, you might still be asking: What exactly is burrata cheese? Let’s slow down and get into it.

Burrata’s story begins humbly in Apulia, the sun-soaked heel of Italy’s boot. In the 1950s, a local cheesemaker—faced with leftover mozzarella curds and cream—decided to wrap the mix in a soft shell of mozzarella. The goal was simple: reduce waste. The result? Magic.

From those rural beginnings, burrata became a staple in southern Italy. For decades, it remained relatively unknown outside Europe. But sometime in the last ten years, it quietly crossed the ocean and slipped into American consciousness—first on artisanal cheese boards, then into casual dining. Now, it’s everywhere. And once you understand how it’s made, you’ll see why.

Burrata is a member of the pasta filata family—cheeses made by stretching curds in hot water until they become pliable and elastic. This is the same technique used to make mozzarella, and it’s no coincidence: burrata’s outer layer is mozzarella. But here’s where it differs.

That mozzarella is formed into a delicate pouch. Inside, cheesemakers place a luxurious mixture of stracciatella (shreds of mozzarella curd) and panna (Italian-style cream). The pouch is then twisted shut, sealed, and cooled—forming what looks like a smooth, white orb of fresh cheese. Except this one oozes.

Slice into it and the creamy center spills out, soft and glistening, inviting bread or spoon or fingers. It’s tender, rich, and totally unlike aged cheeses that slice clean or crumble. This one melts into your plate.

Mild. Milky. Buttery. And just a touch salty. Burrata has a light sweetness and creaminess that balances well with sharp, acidic, or even spicy foods. It doesn’t demand attention the way a strong blue or cheddar might—it invites you in.

Its flavor profile is best described as clean comfort. The outer shell gives you the bounce and chew of fresh mozzarella. The inside is smooth, spoonable, and decadent, without being heavy.

What makes burrata stand out is texture. It’s not just eaten—it’s felt. The slight resistance of the outer shell gives way to soft cream, making each bite a small tactile event. If you’ve ever sliced into a perfectly poached egg, you know the kind of quiet delight this brings.

Technically, burrata contains mozzarella—but it’s not the same. Mozzarella is uniform all the way through. It’s springy, structured, and versatile. You can cube it, melt it, shred it, grill it.

Burrata is a dual-texture experience. Outside: the familiar mozzarella shell. Inside: a rich mix of cream and shredded curd. Because of the cream filling, burrata has a shorter shelf life and is usually best within 48 hours of production. Think of mozzarella as your everyday classic. Burrata is your weekend indulgence.

The beauty of burrata is how effortlessly it elevates a dish. It doesn’t need much—just contrast. Something crunchy, acidic, herbal, or salty brings out its richness without overwhelming it.Here are a few favorite ways to serve it:

• Classic Italian-style: With sliced tomatoes, basil, flaky salt, and olive oil
• On toast: Spread over sourdough with a smear of pesto or fig jam
• On pizza: Add after baking so the cream stays intact
• In salad: Try with arugula, grilled peaches, and a balsamic glaze
• Over pasta: Let it melt slowly into warm noodles with roasted veggies
• With soup: A dollop on French onion or tomato soup adds instant depth

And yes, you can eat the “skin.” That outer mozzarella layer is not just edible—it’s essential. The contrast between outer firmness and inner cream is what makes burrata burrata.

Burrata is a fresh cheese, which means it’s meant to be eaten soon after it's made. Ideally, within a couple of days. Unlike aged cheeses that can linger in the fridge for weeks, burrata loses its charm quickly. Keep it cold, in its liquid-packed container. Once opened, use it the same day. You’re not saving this one—you’re savoring it.

And while it’s fine to let burrata sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating (to bring out the full flavor and texture), don’t cook it for too long. The cream filling will spill and separate, and you’ll miss the best part.

Like most cheeses, burrata is a mix of pros and cons nutritionally. It’s high in fat and calories, thanks to the cream filling. But it’s also a good source of protein and calcium. As with all rich foods, moderation is key. If you're comparing cheeses, burrata is richer than feta or goat cheese, but gentler on the palate than hard aged varieties. It’s not a diet food—but it can be part of a balanced, celebratory meal. And emotionally? Burrata is very good for you.

There’s something about slicing into a burrata that feels ceremonial. Maybe it’s the surprise of the filling, or the slowness it invites. You don’t rush through burrata. You pause. You notice. You share. It’s a cheese that insists on presence. In a world where so much food is about speed, burrata asks for stillness. You tear bread by hand. You spoon gently. You gather people close and say, “Try this.”

Maybe that’s why it’s taken off in recent years—not just because it tastes good, but because it feels good. In kitchens and on café tables around the world, burrata is creating small moments of softness.

Burrata is more than a trend. It’s a quiet celebration of texture, ritual, and slowness. It turns leftovers into luxury and invites simplicity onto the plate. In an age of overcomplication and performance cooking, burrata reminds us that pleasure can be simple. A tear. A spill. A pause. And maybe that’s the point.