Burrata Pizza Recipe: The Creamiest, Dreamiest Pizza You’ll Ever Make

Picture this: a perfectly crisp pizza crust, slathered with tangy tomato sauce, adorned with fragrant basil, and then, the star of the show, a generous dollop of creamy, dreamy burrata cheese that melts into a luscious puddle with every bite. This isn’t just pizza; it’s an experience. Our Burrata Pizza recipe is designed to bring that restaurant-quality indulgence right to your kitchen, with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. Get ready to elevate your pizza night!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe isn’t just about slapping some burrata on a pizza and calling it a day. We’ve carefully considered each element to ensure a symphony of flavors and textures. Here’s why it works:

• Pre-Baking the Crust: This prevents a soggy bottom! Pre-baking allows the crust to firm up before the sauce and toppings are added, ensuring a crispy base that can hold its own against the creamy burrata.
• Simple Sauce: We use a high-quality canned tomato sauce and enhance it with garlic, oregano, and a touch of red pepper flakes for a bright, flavorful base that doesn’t overpower the delicate burrata.
• Fresh Basil: Adding fresh basil after baking, instead of before, preserves its vibrant green color and aromatic flavor. It’s a crucial element that complements the richness of the cheese.
• Burrata Timing: Adding the burrata after baking is key. Baking burrata can cause it to lose its creamy center and become rubbery. Adding it fresh ensures that beautiful, molten interior is the star of the show.
• Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients, especially the burrata and tomato sauce, makes a world of difference. You’ll truly taste the difference.

Ingredients

• Pizza Dough: 1 pound store-bought or homemade pizza dough (Neapolitan style recommended)
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (or more, to taste)
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, plus more for drizzling
• Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, fresh leaves
• Burrata Cheese: 8 ounces (2 balls), at room temperature
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
• Optional Toppings: Arugula, prosciutto, balsamic glaze

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Baking Stone (or Pizza Steel): Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a baking stone or pizza steel on the middle rack for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial for achieving a crispy crust.
2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stretch the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough to your desired shape and thickness. Aim for a 12-14 inch pizza.
4. Pre-Bake the Crust: Carefully transfer the stretched dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or flour. Slide the dough onto the preheated baking stone or pizza steel. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden and slightly puffed up.
5. Add Sauce and Bake: Remove the pre-baked crust from the oven. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edge. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
6. Add Burrata and Basil: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly for a minute or two. Gently tear the burrata balls into pieces and arrange them evenly over the pizza. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves.
7. Serve Immediately: Drizzle with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, if desired. Slice and serve immediately. Optional: Top with arugula, prosciutto, or a balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overload the Dough: Too much sauce or toppings can make the crust soggy. Less is more when it comes to pizza, especially with burrata.
• Use a Pizza Peel: A pizza peel makes transferring the pizza to and from the oven much easier and safer. If you don’t have one, you can use the back of a baking sheet.
• Let the Dough Come to Room Temperature: If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before stretching. This will make it easier to work with and prevent it from tearing.
• Don’t Overbake the Burrata: The burrata is best enjoyed fresh and creamy. Adding it after baking ensures it retains its texture and flavor.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings that complement the burrata, such as roasted vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives.

Storage Instructions

Burrata pizza is best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, but the crust will likely become soggy. If you must store it, separate the burrata from the pizza before refrigerating. Reheat the pizza in the oven or a skillet to crisp up the crust. Add the burrata after reheating. Leftover burrata can be stored in its liquid in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of cheese? While burrata is the star of this recipe, you could substitute fresh mozzarella if needed. However, the creamy texture of burrata is what makes this pizza so special.
• Can I use a pre-made pizza crust? Yes, you can use a pre-made pizza crust, but be sure to choose a high-quality one that will hold up to the toppings. Pre-bake it according to the package instructions before adding the sauce.
• Can I make the pizza dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the pizza dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before stretching.
• What if I don’t have a pizza stone or steel? If you don’t have a pizza stone or steel, you can use a baking sheet. Preheat the baking sheet in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking the pizza.
• Where can I find burrata cheese? Burrata cheese can be found at most specialty cheese shops and some well-stocked grocery stores. Look for it in the cheese section, usually near the fresh mozzarella.

Conclusion

This Burrata Pizza recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of the crispy crust, tangy sauce, fragrant basil, and creamy burrata is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night with friends or just looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create the creamiest, dreamiest pizza you’ve ever tasted! Enjoy!