30-Minute Burrata

Jul
15


Burrata, melted with olive oil and dipping herbs.

Last month, in my quest for a super-soft mozzarella, I made A Cheese of My Own. This month, continuing my cheese challenge for New England Cheesemaking, I’m taking mozzarella in another direction.

Mozzarella is a pasta filata cheese, which means a cheese in which the curds have been stretched or spun. Filata means “spun” and pasta means “paste” in reference to the cheese paste or curds. Burrata is another pasta filata cheese, a softer twin of mozzarella in which one portion of the cheese is stretched while another portion is separated, broken up, mixed with heavy cream, then put back as the filling in a sort of “purse” made of the remaining cheese. You have to work fast and make a tight purse, which can be a little tricky. The softness of this cheese comes from the curd filling–which is not worked much.

This cheese is best made with farm-fresh or local milk, either slow-pasteurized (at 145 degrees for 30 minutes) or used raw. If you’re using pasteurized store-bought milk, add 1/2 teaspoon calcium chloride directly to the milk when you put it in the pot. Do NOT use ultra-pasteurized milk.

Get all your ingredients and equipment out and at the ready.

This burrata recipe is based on Ricki Carroll’s 30-Minute Mozzarella. Artisan cheesemakers make burrata using a traditional mozzarella method (with thermophilic culture etc), so I guess you can call this 30-Minute Burrata!

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How to make 30-Minute Burrata:

1/2 teaspoon calcium chloride (only if using store milk)
1 1/2 level teaspoons citric acid dissolved in 1/2 cup cool water
1 gallon whole milk
1/4 teaspoon lipase powder (Italase) dissolved in 1/4 cup cool water (for 20 minutes prior to using)*
1/4 teaspoon liquid rennet diluted in 1/4 cup cool, unchlorinated water
1-2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon cheese salt

*Do not add lipase if using milk from the store. It will make your curds too soft.

Step 1. If using store milk, add the 1/2 teaspoon calcium chloride directly to the milk when you put it in the pot. While stirring the milk constantly, add the citric acid solution.

Step 2. Begin heating the milk, continuing to stir, until it reaches 90 degrees.

Step 3. Stir in the diluted lipase. Mix thoroughly then stir in the diluted rennet with an up-and-down motion. If using raw milk, continue heating (stop stirring) the milk to 100-105. Turn off the heat and let sit for 5 minutes before transferring to a microwaveable bowl. I use a glass two-quart bowl with a pour spout.

If using store-bought milk, after adding the rennet at 90, turn off the heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Check the curd. If it’s too soft, let it sit a few more minutes. Cut the curd into 1-inch squares with a knife that reaches the bottom of the pot. Place the pot back on stove and heat to 105 while stirring slowly. Take it off the heat and continue stirring slowly for 2-5 minutes before transferring to a microwaveable bowl.

Curd pulling away from the sides of the pot, revealing the whey:

Here is where we are diverging from the traditional 30-Minute Mozzarella recipe entirely!

Step 4. After pouring off as much whey as you can, separate one-third of the curds.

Place the one-third portion in a colander to drain.

Crumble the one-third portion into small pieces (about thumbnail size).

Drain off any whey that comes out, move it to a small bowl, and add 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream plus 1 teaspoon salt. Mix well to form a creamy cottage cheese-like mixture.

Step 5. Heat the two-thirds portion in the microwave for 1 minute, kneading, stretching, and draining off whey as usual.

Don’t waste all that whey, by the way! Dogs and chickens like it, and I also always put up a quart jar in the fridge to use for bread.

If it’s stretching, you’re ready to move on to the next step. If it’s not stretching yet, heat it again for 30 seconds. (If using raw milk, you probably don’t need to heat it again. It will be stretching already.) Shape/stretch it into a bowl or purse-shape. Place it in a bowl or on a plate.

Step 6. Spoon the curd/cream mixture onto the stretched cheese bowl you’ve made.

Shape and seal the cheese around the filling, tightly pressing it all together. The cheese will want to seal back onto itself.

If you have trouble sealing, reheat the cheese (the whole thing) for another 30 seconds to make it more pliable then seal.

I wrap mine in cheesecloth after it’s shaped and sealed to help it hold its shape. It may still need to drain for another few minutes. I place the cheesecloth-wrapped cheese on a rack over a plate to drain.

Eat immediately, or chill until firm. The cheese shell will be firm with a soft, rich center.

According to Epicurious, burrata “originated as a way to use up extra curds left over after making mozzarella.” While I made my burrata in one long pouch, it’s often made in small balls in which the pouch is closed and twisted into a knot around the filling. Burrata means “buttered” in Italian, and refers to the heavy cream mixed with the curds in the filling. Burrata is a relative newcomer to the gourmet scene, but you can make it at home!

Get the handy printable at Farm Bell Recipes here: Burrata

See how to make a homemade cheese press here. The spring-loaded press I use now can be found here.

See how I made my cheese cave here.

See all my posts in Cheesemaking here.

I get my supplies here.

This is my cow.

To help you get started making cheese, New England Cheesemaking is providing a package including (value of each item in parentheses): Citric acid ($5.95), liquid rennet–animal or vegetable, your choice ($6.50), calcium chloride ($4.95), Italase–lipase powder ($6.95), basic kit mold ($5.50), and curd knife ($20.00). The total value of the package is $49.85. Note: This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. (P.S. Or at least a U.S. shipping address. You can have a friend or relative send it on to you if they have a U.S. shipping address.)

For a chance to win: Leave a comment on this post and let me know you want it. ONE winner will be drawn by random comment number to receive the package. Eligible entry cut-off is midnight Eastern (U.S.) time tomorrow night (July 16). This post will be updated with the winner by 9 a.m. Eastern (U.S.) time on Sunday (July 17). Return to this post to claim your prize!

You must be registered to comment. If you’re not registered, you can register here. If you’re already registered but not logged in, go here to log in.

UPDATE 07/17/11: The winning comment number, drawn by random.org, is comment #33, prayingpup. Email me at [email protected] with your full name and address for shipping!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED TO ENTRY.

Comments

  1. dma2195 says:

    I would love to win this. I recently took a cheesemaking class but still need some of the basic supplies.

  2. Turtle Mom says:

    I love cheese and I’d love to learn how to make cheese! Your cheese always looks so yummy!!! 🙂

  3. mommafox says:

    My son and DIL went to a cheese making demonstration in California. How fun if I could win and they could show me how to make cheese.

  4. wannabee says:

    I have always thought that cheese was one of the worlds greatest inventions! I would love to learn to make it at home and this kit would be a BIG help in getting started.

  5. enjay says:

    please enter me,thanks!

  6. judydee says:

    I have never heard of Burata, and really enjoyed this informative post. I would love to win the cheese kit so that I could try to make my own. Please enter me.

  7. shrinkingknitter says:

    Wish I’d read this yesterday, BEFORE I made my mozzarella. I’ll definitely be trying it next week. Thanks for the recipe, and for the opportunity to win new supplies!

  8. anghaley says:

    Good Morning! I would love to win this…I need to learn how to make cheese. It is on my long 😉 bucket list, lol

  9. Sheila Z says:

    Yes, I want this! I so want to try out real cheese making. Still on my to do list. Only cheese I’ve ever made was paneer.

  10. dmr301 says:

    WOW! Looks amazing. I’d like to try it too! Thanks. dmr301

  11. kbradleyslp says:

    I would love to win this! And this recipe looks great! Wonder where I could find farm fresh, or local milk in WV?

  12. Cat M says:

    I would love win the kit!! Thank you for telling us about the Burrata. It’s amazing how many things people can learn to do with food.

  13. Victoria says:

    Been wanting to make cheese for awhile now. I would love to win the kit. Thanks! :moo:

  14. nutritionlady says:

    would love to share this with my children, who like me, are trying to eat healthy, organic foods….as much as possible….both are avid cooks as am I.

  15. Leah's Mom says:

    :hungry: Yum….

    Count me in on the drawing!

  16. debg says:

    I’m enjoying learning cheesemaking, but still need a lot of help. Please count me in on the drawing.

    Thanks

  17. Auntie Linda says:

    Great post! I’ve often wondered how this was done and the instructions are great. Please enter me in the drawing.

  18. fullquivernow says:

    I’ve been reading your cheese making posts for quite some time. I am inspired, but haven’t taken the plunge. Count me in for the drawing…may be just what I need to get started!

  19. rurification says:

    I love your cheese posts! Sign me up!

  20. Hugh says:

    Thanks. This sounds great and I’d love to try making it.

  21. DebrafromMD says:

    I just saw a recipe that uses this cheese and now I know how to make my own. All I need are the supplies to follow your recipe. Please put my name in the drawing.

  22. doxie says:

    Well thats an interesting cheese…never heard of it before. I love your cheese posts. 🙂

  23. mafong says:

    Learning to make cheese is on my bucket list. Please enter my name in the drawing.

  24. laurie hamar says:

    Looks great. I’m making Carphilly tomorrow, so this might be the next on the list. Thank you and please include me in the drawing!

  25. langela says:

    Please enter me for the drawing. I’d love to make my own cheese!

  26. Darlene in North GA says:

    I’d love to win this prize package. I’ve made soft cheeses before, but never any hard cheese and never used anything other than liquid rennet to make my cheese.

    Love your cheese-making series! Making more cheese is on my bucket list of things to do.

  27. momtoadiva says:

    I would love to win this! I so want to try making my own cheese. I love your site and it starts my day off right each and every day 🙂

  28. dustymom says:

    This cheese sounds fantastic for a party that’s coming up – we’d love to have a kit to make it . . . thanks for your versions of the cheese cave and what you do – love to do things like they “used to”.
    Marilyn

  29. chillywilly says:

    I’ve had burrata cheese twice…it is wonderful ! I can only imagine that homemade would make it even better. I would love to win the kit and try making it myself. Your tutorials make things seem so do-able…I think the pictures are so helpful too. Thanks for all your hard work, Suzanne !

  30. TeresaJM says:

    Looks delicious – I’d love to win!

  31. roosterrun says:

    I have a birthday coming up and I am taking a cheese making class the day after. It would be great to win this kit and be ready to start making cheese. I keep putting it off, I’m intimidated!!Hoping that the class helps with that though. Sign me up please.

  32. tsmith says:

    I would love to win this!

  33. prayingpup says:

    That looks like a neat cheese! I can imagine all kinds of uses for it! Please enter me in the contest!

  34. ejc says:

    I’ve tried home made yogurt and would love to try this cheese!

  35. lizajane says:

    I would love to win this!

  36. TinaBell says:

    Burrata?! Where has this cheese BEEN all my life? Oh my gosh it looks heavenly….if I had a cheese-making kit I would make it. And Probably Eat It ALL!!! :pinkpig:

  37. lauren says:

    Would love a chance for some more cheese making supplies 🙂

  38. JerseyMom says:

    Enter me, please….and can somebody also send me some raw milk because I can’t buy any here and the store milk just does not work :hissyfit:

  39. chives says:

    I would just love to win this. Cheese making is something I have not done yet and you make seem so easy.

  40. jamitysmom says:

    Me too! Me too! I would love to learn how to make cheese – this looks so good. I love your site…

  41. Merryment says:

    If you don’t try, you can’t win! Please enter me in the drawing. Burrata just look extra yummy. PS The whey can also be given to pigs and chickens. They hens lay lovely eggs when regularly given whey. :shimmy:

  42. Windy Ridge Farm says:

    Would love to win this; my cheese supplies are running low right now. Can’t wait to try this new recipe too!

  43. dancinggrapes says:

    I would like to win! I’m still perfecting my mozzarella basic but the stuff would give me extra motivation to keep trying!

  44. DebbieM says:

    I would love to win the cheese making supplies giveaway-thanks so much!

  45. joykenn says:

    Enter me in the drawing! Cheese in 30 mins. sound fantastic. I haven’t run across Burrata but it sounds yummy.

  46. giddyupz says:

    Once again, you are furthering me along in my cheesemaking endeavors! So wish I had BP in my pasture to milk. Can’t convince the hubby to add a cow to the menagerie just yet.

  47. yysmom says:

    Love the post! So glad I found your site!! :snoopy:

  48. joeyfulnoise says:

    Sounds yummy, I’ll have to try it. Please enter me in the drawing.

  49. bennettm says:

    Please enter me in the drawing. This sounds like a great variation of a favoriet receipe. I am going to try this.
    thanks

  50. gerryvoland says:

    My family loves cheese and I would love trying to make some. Please enter me in the drawing.

  51. Groundling says:

    I’d like to enter the drawing. That burrata looks delicious.

  52. Cheryl LeMay says:

    I’ve never heard of burrata, but it looks really good! I’d love a chance to win – please enter me. Thanks.

  53. jenncheese says:

    oooh i have always wanted to know how to make burrata, ever since someone started selling some amazing homemade stuff at my farmer’s market! so excited to try this recipe, hope to win the kit!

  54. Kathi says:

    Jim and I canNOT wait to make our first cheese. This is exciting. Thanks for another great post.

    Yes, I want it. I really want it! :>

    https://granddadscorner.blogspot.com
    https://howweregonnadoit.blogspot.com

  55. DancesInGarden says:

    I have dreamt about this cheese ever since seeing it on TV show about Italy. Nobody has heard of it around here, not even in our “Little Italy” section of town. Either that or they are keeping mum to keep it all to themselves! I am Canadian, but my parents have a US address, so please enter me!

    And for the others, Grandmother bread made with whey instead of water is the best bread I have ever tasted. I freeze the whey in proper amounts for a recipe, reheat in micro until hot, then proceed.

  56. jensensrus1 says:

    I learned how to make cheese in Vermont while visiting my sister-in-law. Would love to continue making here in AZ. Not working so well lately. Need to keep trying.

  57. kellytorrey says:

    please count me in for this drawing!

  58. tmcamil says:

    Please enter me in the contest. I am just beginning to make different cheeses. Thank you.

  59. tea4too0 says:

    Please enter me in the contest. Thanks Suzanne, for another mouth watering cheese. T

  60. Liz Pike says:

    If I made cheese, I’d be stingy with my whey, keeping it for bread baking! Please enter me! Thanks!

  61. annirvine says:

    Please enter me as well! Thanks for all of the information as always!

  62. CarrieJ says:

    Burrata sounds good..enter me please!

  63. AmyCook in WI says:

    Would love to win! By the way, please add what wattage your microwave is…I have a “slower” model and have to adjust my times accordingly, what other people say is one minute can be 2 or 3 minutes in my micro. Thanks!

    • Suzanne McMinn says:

      Amy, I’m not sure what wattage my microwave is (and just looked and it doesn’t say on it that I can see) but I don’t think what you’d want to do is put it in for more time. I think what you’d need to do instead is to repeat the 35-second reheating a time or two extra, and you’ll need to experiment to see what works best for you in your microwave.

  64. AmyFN says:

    Can’t wait to make this one!! Sign me up for the drawing, please!

  65. cecilyfuhr says:

    PLEASE sign me up – I love to make cheese, but I’m perennially short on supplies!

  66. marymac says:

    I would love to win the cheese making kit!

  67. september says:

    I would love a cheese making kit. You have me really excited about trying more of your recipes.

  68. KLabmom says:

    I would LOVE to win, please eneter me :sheepjump:

  69. imfrantic says:

    Wow, I would love to win! The burrata looks soooo yummy. I’m just a baby cheesemaker, so that prize would surely be appreciated.

  70. Carmi says:

    I would love to win this. Please enter my name in the drawing. :purpleflower:

  71. hansbrough says:

    This looks great!!

  72. schmiedlin says:

    I would love to win this. Please enter me in the drawing.

  73. CasieD says:

    Oh how I’d love to try making my own cheeses!!
    Pick me!! :cowsleep:

  74. EightPondFarm says:

    That first photograph simply stopped me in my tracks! What a beautiful sight. Please enter me in the drawing. Better yet, please pick me :-))

  75. nmorrow77 says:

    Please enter me! I love making the 30 minute mozzarella and would love to try this!!!

  76. knittypat says:

    I can’t wait to make this one. It looks so good. I have taken a couple of cheesemaking classes and even made some cheese, but not as much as you. Good luck with your quest to make a different cheese each month. :chicken:

  77. absinthe says:

    I would love to win a cheese kit! I make my own yogurt, so I’m eager to try cheese!

  78. kath86 says:

    I would love to win your give away so I could start making cheese, been following u thru the new england cheese making co. for a while now but just registered with you today, Love your site!!!

  79. ashmmorgan2 says:

    I would LOVE to win this kit! I’m dying to make some homemade cheese and this burrata look so yummy :happyfeet:

  80. heidinawrocki says:

    We can’t wait to move to our land and get a dairy cow. Much cheese and ice cream will be consumed!

  81. Miss Nellie says:

    I’ve made quick cheese and ricotta but would love to try making others cheeses. Pleae enter me for the chance to win the cheese making kit.

  82. Abby's Mom says:

    This looks lovely! Please enter me? I would love to win this kit! :clover:

  83. Nadeanne says:

    I wanna make cheese!

  84. featherjack says:

    I would LOVE to learn how to make cheese! May I win this prize, pretty please? :snoopy:

  85. Debbie says:

    I am learning to make cheese and would love to win the NEW ENGLAND CHEESEMAKING company’s starter kit!

  86. Miz Carmen says:

    I’d love to give this a try!

  87. eferre says:

    I have never tried a Burrata and only recently succeeded with a mozzarella! All your wonderful pictures will help me attempt to make this delicious sounding cheese!

  88. Badgerdance says:

    Looks like a great recipe to try. Might be nice to have a cheesemaking kit with which to try it! Please enter me in the drawing!

  89. cindyinohio says:

    I would love to make this and to win the cheesemaking supplies!

  90. jan n tn says:

    That looks SOOOOO good, I could eat the pictures.
    Enter me please!

  91. Joan Galbi says:

    July is my birthday month and I’m hoping that luck will reign!
    I haven’t had much luck with moz cheese so maybe I need to start with a kit and new recipes.

  92. Rosemeri says:

    This looks so good. I love mozzarella cheese, Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you.

  93. Posie says:

    I would really love to win the cheese making kit, plus Sunday is my Birthday. We would also like permission to use recipes and craft ideas in our monthly magazine.

    Thanks,
    Posie

  94. lavenderblue says:

    This cheese looks so good. Its like a little cheese present wrapped in…cheese! What’s not to love?

    Would love to win the cheese-making kit so I could make cheese wrapped cheese presents, too!

  95. gailoliverio says:

    I am very anxious to start making cheese. All I need are the ingredients…Please enter me in a change to win.

  96. cmashorty says:

    I would Love to win! I am trying the new Burrata cheese recipe this afternoon with raw Nubian milk!

  97. dianeg says:

    I’ve made 30 minute Mozzarella cheese and it was so much fun. I’ve also made paneer chesse. It was great paired with tomatoes and herbs on toasted sourdough. Making chesse is the greatest!

    I’d love to win the drawing!

  98. AutumpneReyn says:

    Please enter me 🙂

  99. JaniceAndrea says:

    Please enter me. This looks like something I could try. :eating:

  100. Darlene says:

    Count me in! Cheese making is next on my agenda.

    Darlene in Ks

  101. NavyGal says:

    Oh how I would love to have this prize package! I’ve tried (and failed miserably) on several occasions to make homemade cheese. Haven’t given up yet!!!

  102. masmith25 says:

    Mmm…looks delicious. Please enter me in the contest!

  103. jbbtjbbt says:

    I would love to make my own cheese for my vegetarian daughters!!

    Brigitte C.

  104. bearswife says:

    Oh please let me get this kit! I can’t find any cheese making equip. where I live!!

  105. jenarzo says:

    I would luv to win this giveaway and make this cheese for my hubby as a tease…his nickname is “burro”…jejeje…thanx for the opportunity to participate in this giveaway!

  106. Valerie says:

    I would LOVE to receive this cheese making kit. Oh PLEASE choose me!

  107. bmizes says:

    I’d love to win and expand my cheese making equipment. Thanks to Rikki for making this possible. Barry

  108. artsjoy says:

    Even my DH wants to try making cheese!!!!! Please enter me in your drawing ! Luv your website. :wave: :moo:

  109. Lana says:

    Hi, Suzanne. Please enter me in the drawing. Where do you get your cheese recipes … they are so interesting and different!!

    Thanks!

  110. Beecie says:

    Cheese!!! This one just sound decadent!

  111. Liz says:

    :wave: Hey Suzanne~ I would love to win the Cheese Making Kit!
    You make it look so real……..and I know I am ready to try making my first cheese if I am the lucky winner!
    Liz in PA

  112. mamajoseph says:

    I almost waited too late to enter…pick me!

  113. CindyP says:

    That burrata looks amazing. Would love the cheese kit!

  114. annieodell says:

    I am feeling random today…..pick me please :}

  115. LisaAJB says:

    Pick me for a chee making kit!

  116. mtnmedx says:

    Oh please put my name in the drawing! I have “Little House in the Big Woods” aspirations, but no calf stomach available. Drat the luck!

  117. PetalzAndFinz says:

    Looks yummy–especially the first pic of the finished product on bread. Plus I’m getting backed up on milk, so I may have to give this a try today or tomorrow. Thanks for the giveaway!
    ~Jenny~

  118. marie in Amite says:

    I would love to win a cheese kit!!

    ~Marie

  119. Raiquee says:

    Ohhh! Pick me Pick me! I would love to have the cheese kit 🙂 :wave:

  120. ksgrandmak says:

    I would love to teach my grandchildren to make healthy things like cheese that they would love as much as …Twizzlers. I guess I can’t hope to outdo chocolate chip cookies, but the cheese kit would sure be a step in the right direction!

  121. valerielynn says:

    Would love to win more supplies! I make fromage blanc and yoghurt, but need to branch out. :moo:

  122. Jeannie S. says:

    This is the first time I’ve read this blog and it seems well suited to my interests. I’ve love the cheese-making kit so put my name in the hat!

    Last weekend my daughter helped a neighbor on vacation by milking her goats five times and I used the raw milk to makes cheese. Luckily our local brewing store had Rikki’s supplies on hand, so I made: mozzarella, queso blanco, fromage blanc, and chevre. They all turned out just fine and now I’m ready to try some other styles.

  123. laurajenkins says:

    would love this kit. I have made some cheeses.

  124. rustinsmommy says:

    Please enter me into the drawing!

  125. tdu1964 says:

    CHEEEEEZE !!!!!

  126. casey3853 says:

    I’ve been making the 30 min mozzarella for a long time, in fact I teach homecheese making classes in my community as well. I just had a fella a couple of months ago ask about Burrata. THANKS SO MUCH FOR MAKING IT LOOK SO EASY AND TAKING THE MYSTERY OUT! I’ll be giving it a shot this coming week. I too buy my stuff from NECMS and would love the kit.

  127. Sandra in SC says:

    I would love to win the cheese making supplies!!! Thanks!!!

  128. luvliljo says:

    I would really like to make this, but all I have is half and half, will it work? Maybe just not as yummy?

    • Suzanne McMinn says:

      UPDATE 07/17/11: The winning comment number, drawn by random.org, is comment #33, prayingpup.

      THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED TO ENTRY.

      P.S. luvliljo–yes, you could use half-and-half. It wouldn’t be quite as rich, but it would work fine!

  129. galagal says:

    Please i need suplies. I really, really want to try , and as every man will tell you. YOU NEED THE RIGHT TOOLS. hope to win

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