Burrata Cheese Pizza with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil
If you havent tried burrata cheese yet, its sure to be your sweet siren song too. Its rich, creamy, and if you can stop yourself from inhaling the entire ball for long enough to scatter it over a pizza crust and pop it into an oven, it makes the most fantastic pizza pie.
You can bake it with a tomato-based pizza sauce, as we usually do, or swap it out and make a pesto burrata pizza instead.
OR dont choose. Make a tomato sauce burrata pizza, then drizzle some pesto over the top. When you are eating a burrata pizza, it really does feel like you can have it all.
We also included a few key tips for burrata pizza success. When you are making a classic Italian pizza like this one, our biggest tip is: DO NOT OVERDO IT ON THE TOPPINGS.
With burrata pizza, restraint is the move. Keep it all about the burrata itself.
Ideas: Some blistered cherry tomatoes. Maybe some prosciutto and a handful of arugula. Drizzle on a balsamic reduction if you absolutely must. Just keep it simple and classic. Velvety, lightly sweet, and unadulterated burrata floating atop a crispy, chewy crust will be your reward.
What is Burrata
Burrata is made by taking fresh mozzarella and forming it into a pouch, then filling it with extra soft mozzarella and CREAM. Its pure luxury, and if I were queen, I would eat it every day.
Where to Buy Burrata
Fortunately for you can find our DiStefano burrata throughout the US, in grocery stores like Whole Foods, Eataly or at our Burrata Houses store in LA (3272 Motor Ave A Unit A, Los Angeles, CA 90034).
How to Make Whole Burrata Pizza
This pizza really only needs three ingredients (four, if you count the salt we add to ours). Once you have the burrata cheese, its easy-peasy to stretch the dough, top it off, and bake.
The Core Ingredients
Burrata. The star of the pie. We are able to find it at Whole Foods, Eataly or at our Burrata Houses store in LA.
Pizza Dough. You can make your own (this easy and forgiving homemade whole wheat pizza crust is our favorite) or purchase refrigerated pizza dough. Many grocery stores sell ready-made pizza dough now, as does Trader Joe.
Sauce. We use store-bought tomato sauce. For a pesto burrata pizza, swap pesto sauce.
Kosher Salt. Add a small sprinkle prior to baking. It helps bring out the flavor of the burrata.
At this point, all other toppings are optional. Here are a few we love for inspiration.
Burrata Pizza Topping Ideas
Cherry Tomatoes and Basil. Classic Caprese inspo that will never do you wrong. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half to keep them from becoming too mushy. Fresh basil should be added AFTER the pizza bakes to preserve its flavor.
Prosciutto and Arugula. Add both to the pizza in the final minute of baking, or wait until after the pizza has baked fully, then scatter it over the top.
A Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes. A touch of heat makes the burrata pizza all the more addictive.
The Directions
Lets start by setting your oven to 500 degrees F (hot temps = perfect crust!), then place your pizza stone in the lower third of the oven.
Make a work surface by laying out a large sheet of parchment paper. Coat the parchment paper with nonstick spray, place the dough in the middle, then mist the top of the pizza dough ball with nonstick spray too.
Grab your rolling pin, and make a circle with your dough (about 10 inches). It doesnt have to be perfect.
Cover the circle with the second sheet of parchment paper, then continue to roll the dough until its about 11 1/2 inches. The second sheet of parchment will make your rolling pin live far easier.
Remove the parchment paper from the top of the dough, and dust lightly with flour. Coat your pizza peel with all-purpose flour too, then use the parchment paper to flip your dough onto it (parchment paper side up). Remove and discard the remaining parchment.
Spread that yummy pizza sauce all around the dough (leaving a bit of space for a crust). Then, evenly top with the cherry tomatoes (or other toppings of your choice). Wait to add the burrata. That part is coming shortly.
Carefully remove your pizza stone from the oven (it will be VERY hot, so use caution.) Gently slide your dough onto the pizza stone, and bake for 10 minutes at 500 degrees F.
Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle the luscious, creamy burrata over the top (no judgment if you sneak a few bites). Place the pizza back in the oven and bake for 3 to 4 more minutes. The burrata should be melty and hot at this point.
Transfer the pizza to a cutting board, and sprinkle with spices and fresh basil as desired. Cut your pizza into slices, and serve. Dont worry about burrata calories in this pizza. Prepare to be enveloped in melted cheesy gloriousness!
Enjoy and may the Burrata be with you!
Credit: https://www.wellplated.com/burrata-pizza