At Gourmet Italiano, we pride ourselves on bringing the finest Italian delicacies to Cascais, Portugal. Among our selection of premium products, one stands out as a true masterpiece of Italian culinary craftsmanship: burrata. This creamy cheese has captured the hearts of food lovers worldwide, and we are excited to offer it in our store. If you’re unfamiliar with burrata or simply eager to learn more about it, join us as we explore the origins and ways to enjoy this exceptional cheese.
What is Burrata?
Burrata is often referred to as one of Italy’s most luxurious cheeses, known for its delicate, buttery texture and rich, milky flavor. Originally from the Puglia region, in the Southern Italy, the Burrata was first made by local dairy farmers in the early 20th century. These artisans developed the cheese as a way to use leftover pieces of mozzarella and cream, crafting a product that quickly gained popularity across Italy. The name burrata derives from the Italian word burro, meaning “butter”, which is an apt description of its soft and creamy interior. Burrata begins with a mozzarella shell — made from fresh cow’s milk — that is then filled with stracciatella, a mixture of cream and mozzarella curds. The result is a cheese that looks firm on the outside but, when cut open, reveals a luscious, creamy filling that oozes out, creating an indulgent experience for the senses. The craftsmanship required to produce Burrata is what makes it so special. The cheese must be made with the freshest ingredients and handled with care to preserve its delicate texture.
Burrata is revered for its unique texture and flavor, which sets it apart from other cheeses. Upon first bite, you’ll notice the contrast between the outer mozzarella shell and the creamy interior. The outer layer provides a mild, milky flavor with a hint of salt, while the inside is rich, buttery, and slightly sweet. The cream gives the cheese a luxurious mouthfeel, making it melt effortlessly on the palate. The subtle flavor of Burrata allows it to pair well with a variety of ingredients, making it a versatile addition to both simple and complex dishes. In fact, its flavor is not overwhelming, which allows it to enhance and complement other components of a dish without overpowering them.
At Gourmet Italiano, we believe in offering only the highest quality Burrata, so you can experience the cheese as it was meant to be enjoyed — fresh, creamy, and utterly delicious. This is why we take great care to source our Burrata from trusted Italian producers who prioritize quality and authenticity. By offering this product in Cascais, we’re bringing a piece of Italy’s rich cheese-making heritage to Portugal.
How to enjoy this delicious cheese?
One of the beauties of Burrata is its versatility in the kitchen. While it is often celebrated as a luxurious cheese, it is surprisingly easy to incorporate into a wide range of dishes. Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy this product, all of which you can recreate at home using the fresh Burrata available in our grocery store with typical Italian products.
- Classic Burrata with tomatoes and basil: This simple yet sophisticated dish showcases the purity of Burrata’s flavor. Arrange fresh slices of tomatoes on a plate, top with torn basil leaves, and place a ball of burrata in the center. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and then sprinkle with sea salt and cracked black pepper. The creaminess of the Burrata pairs perfectly with the acidity of the tomatoes and the freshness of the basil, creating a dish that is both refreshing and indulgent.
- Burrata Pizza: You can also upgrade your homemade pizza by adding Burrata as the star ingredient. After baking the pizza with a traditional tomato sauce and mozzarella base, remove it from the oven and place a few dollops of Burrata on top. Let the residual heat from the pizza soften the cheese, creating a creamy, decadent finish. Moreover, we suggest to add a few slices of Prosciutto di Parma PDO to enhance the flavor of your pizza even more.
- Burrata and grilled vegetables: Burrata complements grilled vegetables perfectly, offering a creamy richness that contrasts beautifully with their smoky, charred notes. Grill a selection of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, and then serve them with a ball of fresh Burrata. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice for a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s both satisfying and wholesome — perfect for warm Italian-style dining.
- Burrata with pasta: Take your pasta dishes to the next level by adding burrata as a finishing touch. Cook your favorite pasta and toss it with fresh pesto, tomato sauce, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Once plated, place a ball of Burrata on top, allowing the heat from the pasta to melt the cheese slightly. As you break into the Burrata, it will mix with the pasta, creating a luxurious, creamy sauce that elevates the entire dish.
Burrata is more than just a cheese — it’s an experience. At Gourmet Italiano, we are thrilled to offer our customers the chance to experience authentic Burrata in Cascais. As with all of our products, we are committed to providing only the highest quality cheese, sourced directly from Italy’s finest producers. Our burrata is delivered fresh, ensuring that it maintains its delicate texture and flavor, so you can enjoy it in its truest form. Whether you’re planning a special dinner, hosting an aperitivo with friends, or simply looking for a way to elevate your everyday meals, Italian Burrata is the perfect addition. We encourage you to experiment with Burrata in your cooking and discover how this exquisite cheese can transform even the simplest meals into something extraordinary. With every bite, you’ll be transported to the sun-drenched fields of Puglia, where centuries of tradition and craftsmanship come together to create this exceptional cheese. Discover the true taste of Italy with Burrata, now available at Gourmet Italiano in Cascais.
