Burrata, an Italian cheese known for its rich, creamy texture, is a beloved staple in many culinary traditions. Typically made from mozzarella and cream, this cheese has a soft shell and a luscious, creamy interior.
This summer, we’ve been keeping a close eye on how celebrity chefs use burrata. For instance, Giada De Laurentiis who recently shared a raw zucchini salad recipe that she tops with fresh burrata—a perfect dish for beating the heat.
But what do all of us dairy-free folks do when a burrata craving hits? Luckily, these days, all types of cheeses are getting the dairy-free treatment, including creamy mozzarella-cream mixture.
My Vegan Minimalist
What is burrata?
Created in the early 20th century in the Murgia region of Puglia, Italy, Burrata is a fresh cheese made from mozzarella and cream. Its name, derived from “burro,” the Italian word for butter, reflects its rich, buttery interior.
It is believed that Lorenzo Bianchino, a cheesemaker, invented burrata as a way to use up leftover curds and cream. He encased these ingredients in a shell of mozzarella, forming a ball with a rich, creamy center.
Initially, burrata was a way to reduce waste and make use of excess dairy. Over time, its unique texture and flavor gained popularity, and it became a delicacy across Italy and beyond.
Today, burrata is enjoyed worldwide, both in its traditional form and in innovative plant-based versions.
Vie De La Vegan
Why choose dairy-free burrata? Vegan burrata provides several benefits over its dairy counterpart. For individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, it serves as a safe and delicious alternative.
In addition to ethical considerations, dairy-free cheeses generally have a lower environmental impact, as they require fewer resources such as water and land compared to dairy farming.
Vegan burrata recipes to try
Creating vegan burrata cheese at home is easier than you might think, and it allows you to enjoy this creamy delight in a variety of dishes such as caprese salad, grilled vegetables, pasta, pizza, and even as a dollop to enhance avocado toast.
You will need a high-speed blender and just a handful of ingredients to make your creamy dairy-free burrata dreams come true. Here are five recipes to get you started:
My Vegan Minimalist
1My Vegan Minimalist
This recipe creates a creamy burrata using cashews and almond milk, perfect for adding to pizzas or spreading on bread. The use of agar agar ensures a firm yet creamy texture, ideal for various dishes.
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Vie De La Vegan
2Vie De La Vegan
This straightforward recipe uses cashews and nutritional yeast to achieve a cheesy flavor. It’s a versatile option that can be used in salads, pastas, and more.
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Health My Lifestyle
3Health My Lifestyle
Combining cashews with coconut cream, this recipe delivers a rich, indulgent vegan burrata. It’s ideal for those looking for a dairy-free alternative that doesn’t compromise on creaminess.
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You Eat Plants
4You Eat Plants
A simple recipe using staples such as cashews and nutritional yeast, this vegan burrata’s firmer texture makes it perfect for adding to salads or as a spread. You Eat Plants also offers a version of vegan burrata made with firm tofu.
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The Hungry Carrot
5The Hungry Carrot
This recipe takes dairy-free burrata to the next level. First, cashews and dairy-free milk serve as the base for this cheese, which gets a panko coating and quick deep fry for some added textural complexity.
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This post was originally published on VegNews.com.