Savor the Summer: 12 Irresistible Burrata Cheese Recipes You Need to Try

Summer is a season synonymous with warmth, sunshine, and a glorious bounty of fresh produce. For many food enthusiasts, myself included, the relaxed pace and vibrant flavors of summer cooking are a true highlight. It’s a time when simplicity reigns, allowing the natural deliciousness of seasonal fruits and vegetables to truly shine, often requiring minimal effort to create unforgettable dishes. From sun-ripened tomatoes to juicy peaches and fragrant basil, the options are endless for light, refreshing, and incredibly flavorful meals.

Among the many wonderful ingredients that elevate summer dishes, one stands out as a particular favorite: fresh burrata cheese. While some might consider it “trendy” or over-used, there’s no denying its universal appeal and my personal, undeniable weakness for its creamy indulgence. Living in a city like Chicago, where a fresh ball of burrata can be found for a mere five dollars, only exacerbates this delightful obsession. It’s simply too good to resist.

For those unfamiliar with this Italian culinary treasure, burrata is far more than just another cheese. Imagine fresh mozzarella, but with a magnificent secret hidden inside. It’s essentially a delicate pouch of mozzarella, traditionally made from cow or buffalo milk, that’s lovingly stuffed with a rich, decadent mixture known as stracciatella. This stracciatella is comprised of soft, shredded pieces of mozzarella curds, generously soaked in fresh cream. The result is a cheese that offers a unique contrast: a slightly firm, elastic outer shell that, once pierced, gives way to an impossibly creamy, gooey, and utterly glorious interior. It’s an experience that far surpasses regular mozzarella, offering a richness and mouthfeel that makes you want to put it on absolutely everything.

Burrata’s delicate, milky flavor and luxurious texture make it incredibly versatile. It transforms a simple piece of toast into a gourmet experience, elevates a basic salad to something extraordinary, and adds a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth quality to pizzas and pasta. Its inherent richness is balanced by a subtle sweetness, making it a perfect canvas for both savory and slightly sweet pairings. This balance is precisely why burrata is an ideal component for summer cooking – it’s decadent without being heavy, and its freshness complements the bright, crisp flavors of seasonal ingredients beautifully.

The beauty of burrata in summer lies in its ability to enhance fresh, raw ingredients. Unlike heavier cheeses that require cooking or elaborate preparations, burrata often tastes best when served at room temperature, allowing its creamy interior to be at its most yielding and flavorful. It pairs exquisitely with vibrant summer produce like juicy heirloom tomatoes, sweet peaches, peppery arugula, and fragrant basil. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt are often all it needs to create a sublime appetizer or a light, satisfying meal.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, enjoying a quiet evening on the patio, or simply looking for an easy yet impressive dish, burrata is your go-to ingredient. Its elegance and simplicity make it a favorite for both seasoned cooks and culinary novices. Its visual appeal, with that iconic creamy interior spilling out, also makes it a fantastic centerpiece for any summer gathering. It’s a cheese that truly embodies the essence of effortless summer dining.

Ready to dive into the creamy, dreamy world of burrata? Here are 12 absolutely delicious burrata recipes (including a personal favorite, a vibrant burrata salad) that you simply must try this summer. Prepare for your taste buds to be utterly delighted!

Transform your next pizza night with the luxurious addition of burrata. Its creamy texture melts beautifully, adding an irresistible richness to every slice.

Burrata Pizza Pie | What’s Gaby Cooking

This salad is a celebration of summer’s bounty, combining earthy beets, sweet peaches, and creamy burrata for a vibrant and sophisticated dish.

Beet, Peach, & Burrata Salad with Basil Oil & Candied Pistachios | A Beautiful Plate

Elevate your pasta game with this exquisite ravioli dish, featuring the creamy goodness of burrata and a nutty pistachio pesto for a truly gourmet experience.

Ravioli alla Burrata with Pistachio Pesto | The New York Times

A classic and utterly simple summer delight, this dish highlights the perfection of fresh heirloom tomatoes paired with cool, creamy burrata.

Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes | Kitchen Confidante

Warm, savory sautéed tomatoes infused with white wine and garlic provide a delightful contrast to the cool, rich burrata in this comforting appetizer.

Burrata with White Wine and Garlic Sautéed Tomatoes | In Sock Monkey Slippers

Experience an explosion of summer flavors with this refreshing salad, where sweet peaches and ripe tomatoes meet the luxurious creaminess of burrata.

Tomato, Peach, & Burrata Salad | Two Peas & Their Pod

A sophisticated blend of sweet figs, salty prosciutto, peppery arugula, and creamy burrata makes for an exquisite and satisfying salad.

Fig, Prosciutto, and Burrata Cheese Salad | Just A Taste

Discover an unexpected yet delightful combination of crisp marinated fennel, fresh mint, and the rich creaminess of burrata for a unique appetizer.

Lemon & Olive Oil Marinated Fennel with Burrata and Mint | Food52

Comfort food gets a gourmet upgrade! Crispy roasted potatoes topped with a dollop of creamy burrata create an incredibly satisfying side or light meal.

Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Burrata | I Am A Food Blog

A creative and refreshing salad that balances the tangy sweetness of pickled nectarines with the luxurious, mild flavor of burrata.

Pickled Nectarine Salad with Burrata | Eats Well With Others

Enjoy the fresh taste of spring and summer asparagus, roasted to perfection and topped with creamy burrata and a zesty gremolata for an elegant side.

Quick Roasted Asparagus with Burrata and Gremolata | Fork Knife Swoon

A light and vibrant dish featuring delicate pea shoots, creamy burrata, a bright lemon olive oil dressing, and the satisfying crunch of toasted sesame seeds.

Pea Shoots with Burrata, Lemon Olive Oil, and Toasted Sesame Seeds | Cookbooks 365

From simple salads that highlight the season’s best produce to more inventive pairings that showcase its incredible versatility, burrata truly is the undisputed queen of summer cheeses. Its rich, creamy texture and mild, milky flavor effortlessly elevate any dish, making every bite a luxurious experience. We hope these delightful recipes inspire you to embrace the magic of burrata and make it a staple in your summer kitchen. Happy cooking!