Crispy Burrata with Zesty Sauces: Romesco and Spicy Vodka Variations Explored

Name: Crispy Burrata with Zesty Sauces: Romesco and Spicy Vodka Variations Explored
Prep time: 28 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 large ball of burrata or 2 small balls; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or seasoned Italian breadcrumbs); Vegetable oil for frying; 1 (16-ounce) jar roasted red bell peppers, drained; ⅓ cup slivered almonds; 1 ½ tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 2 garlic cloves; ½ lemon, juiced; 3 tablespoons minced parsley; 2 tablespoons minced basil leaves; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil leaves; Grated parmesan (optional); Crostini or crusty bread for serving

By:

Camille Hayes

Published:

May 14, 2025

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Mastering fried burrata

Fried burrata is a luxurious appetizer that combines the rich, creamy texture of fresh burrata cheese with a golden, crispy exterior, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. This recipe is an excellent choice for home cooks seeking a sophisticated yet approachable dish to impress guests or treat themselves. The process is fairly simple, involving breading and frying the burrata to achieve a crunchy crust while maintaining the cheese’s soft center.

The fried burrata pairs beautifully with vibrant sauces like Romesco, which offers smoky, nutty, and tangy notes, or a spicy vodka-style sauce that adds a creamy kick. These accompaniments elevate the dish, providing more depth and complementing the cheese’s indulgence. Served with crostini or crusty bread, this recipe makes for a memorable appetizer that balances richness with zest.

Ideal for special occasions or a luxurious starter, fried burrata is also adaptable. The ingredients are simple and inexpensive, yet the outcome feels gourmet. With clear steps and practical tips, even home cooks who are new to frying cheese can successfully create this dish. Alongside the creamy cheese and crispy coating, the fresh herbs and optional grated Parmesan garnish add bright finishing touches that make the dish shine.

Jump To

1. Mastering fried burrata
2. Benefits and Advantages of fried burrata
3. Essential Ingredients for fried burrata
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your fried burrata
5. How to Prepare the Perfect fried burrata: Step-by-Step Guide
6. Mastering fried burrata: Advanced Tips and Variations
7. How to Store fried burrata: Best Practices
8. Nutritional Value of fried burrata
9. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About fried burrata
10. Crispy Burrata with Zesty Sauces: Romesco and Spicy Vodka Variations Explored

Benefits and Advantages of fried burrata

Ease of Preparation

Despite sounding fancy, fried burrata is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. The breading process follows a classic technique—flour, egg wash, and panko breadcrumbs—ensuring a crisp coating that seals the delicate cheese inside. Freezing the coated burrata for a short time before frying firms up the cheese, preventing it from breaking apart in the hot oil.

Rich Flavor and Texture Contrast

The hallmark of this recipe is the combination of creamy, fresh burrata enveloped in a crunchy shell. This textural contrast makes every bite exciting. The fried exterior offers a satisfying crunch while the inside remains soft and silky, creating an indulgent taste experience.

Versatile Serving Options

Fried burrata can be paired with a variety of sauces, from the bright and slightly spicy Romesco to a creamy spicy vodka sauce. Such options allow for customization based on tastes or available ingredients. The dish also pairs well with simple garnishes like fresh basil and grated Parmesan, which add aroma and extra flavor complexity. Serving alongside crostini or crusty bread rounds out the appetizer, providing a perfect balance.

Indulgent Yet Balanced Dish

While fried burrata is rich and indulgent, it can be balanced with bright and zesty accompaniments to avoid heaviness. The dish works well as a starter that sets the tone for a memorable meal, delighting guests and family alike. Moreover, its components highlight quality cheese and fresh herbs, bringing a touch of Italian-American culinary tradition to your table.

Essential Ingredients for fried burrata

For successful fried burrata, selecting the right ingredients helps achieve desired flavor and texture. Below is a detailed list with precise measurements.

1 large ball of burrata cheese or 2 small balls – The star ingredient, providing creamy richness at the core.
½ cup all-purpose flour – For the initial coating, helps the egg wash adhere to the cheese.
1 large egg, beaten – Acts as a binder for the crust, allowing breadcrumbs to stick.
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or seasoned Italian breadcrumbs) – Creates a light, crunchy outer shell.
Vegetable oil for frying – A neutral oil with a high smoke point ensures even, golden-fried results.
Romesco Sauce:

1 (16 ounce) jar roasted red bell peppers, drained – Adds smoky sweetness and body.
⅓ cup slivered almonds – Contributes nutty flavor and texture.
1 ½ tablespoons tomato paste – Builds deep umami richness.
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil – Provides smoothness and enhances flavor.
2 garlic cloves – Adds aromatic pungency.
½ lemon, juiced – Brightens the sauce with acidity.
3 tablespoons minced parsley – Fresh herbaceous note.
2 tablespoons minced basil leaves – Adds sweet, aromatic earthiness.
Salt and pepper to taste – Balances and seasons the sauce.

Garnish:

Fresh basil leaves – Adds freshness and color.
Grated Parmesan (optional) – Enhances savory depth.
Crostini or crusty bread for serving – Offers texture contrast and complements the richness.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your fried burrata

Adjusting this fried burrata recipe for different dietary preferences or ingredient availability is easy with thoughtful substitutions.

For Lactose Intolerant or Dairy-Free Diets

Burrata alternatives: Since burrata is dairy-based, vegan or dairy-free cheese alternatives can be used, though the texture might differ. Consider using vegan mozzarella-style cheese and prepare similarly, though it may not achieve the same creamy interior.
Parmesan substitute: Nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan replacements work well for garnish.

For Gluten-Free Diets

Flour and breadcrumbs: Replace all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers for breading to maintain crispiness.

Healthier and Lower-Oil Alternatives

Frying method: Instead of deep-frying, use an air fryer to achieve a similar crispy effect with less oil. Set at 375°F and cook for about 10 minutes or until golden.
Breading: Use whole-wheat panko or mix in oat bran for added fiber.

Seasoning Variations and Sauce Options

The Romesco sauce can be swapped out for alternative sauces like a fresh marinara, basil pesto, or a spicy vodka sauce to cater to different flavor profiles and dietary restrictions. These variations keep the dish exciting and adaptable.

Through these substitutions, this fried burrata recipe offers flexibility to accommodate allergies, dietary guidelines, or personal taste without losing its signature crisp and creamy appeal.

How to Prepare the Perfect fried burrata: Step-by-Step Guide

Frying burrata transforms its creamy interior and delicate exterior into a crispy, mouthwatering appetizer. Follow these steps for the perfect fried burrata every time:

First Step: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with ½ cup all-purpose flour, the second with 1 large beaten egg, and the third with 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or seasoned Italian breadcrumbs. This setup helps create a crunchy crust.
Second Step: Gently pat dry 1 large ball of burrata or two small balls to remove any excess moisture, which helps the breading adhere better and prevents the cheese from breaking during frying.
Third Step: Dredge the burrata in flour, tapping off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten egg, coating thoroughly.
Fourth Step: Roll the burrata in the panko breadcrumbs to cover it evenly. For a crispier crust, repeat the egg dip and breadcrumb coating once more to create a double-layered breading.
Fifth Step: Place the coated burrata in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes. This firms up the coating and helps prevent the cheese from leaking during frying.
Sixth Step: Heat vegetable oil in a tall saucepan to 350°F (about 4 inches deep). Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent temperature for perfect frying.
Seventh Step: Carefully lower the burrata into the hot oil. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns golden brown and crispy, turning once halfway through cooking to ensure even color.
Eighth Step: Remove the fried burrata with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Ninth Step: To serve, spread warm romesco sauce on a plate, place the burrata in the center, and garnish with fresh basil leaves and optional grated parmesan. Serve immediately with crostini or crusty bread for a delightful appetizer.

Following this method gives you a beautifully crisp outside while keeping the burrata luxuriously creamy inside.

Mastering fried burrata: Advanced Tips and Variations

Making fried burrata perfectly crispy and flavorful requires a few nuanced techniques. Here are some tips and variations to help you master this dish.

Tips for Perfect Results

Use high-quality burrata with a firm outer skin to reduce chances of breaking during breading or frying.
Double coat the burrata with egg and panko for an extra-crisp crust that holds up better when frying.
Maintain oil temperature around 350°F. Too hot and the crust burns; too cool and it absorbs too much oil and becomes soggy.
Fry burrata in small batches to avoid overcrowding and temperature drops in the oil.
Handle the burrata gently using a slotted spoon or tongs to keep the ball intact.

Flavor Variations

Variation	Description
Spicy Vodka Sauce	Swap the romesco for a creamy, spicy vodka sauce made with tomato paste, cream, garlic, and Parmesan for a rich flavor twist.
Herbed Breadcrumbs	Mix Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and freshly grated Parmesan into the panko for enhanced flavor in the breading.
Air-Fried Burrata	Use an air fryer at 375°F for 7-10 minutes as a healthier alternative to deep frying, creating a crispy texture with less oil.

Trying these options adds variety and lets you customize for different occasions or dietary preferences.

How to Store fried burrata: Best Practices

Since fried burrata is best enjoyed fresh, storage options are limited but manageable.

Refrigeration

Pre-fried, you can bread the burrata balls and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This prep-ahead method saves time before frying.

Once fried, it’s best to serve immediately. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day but will lose crispness.

Freezing

Freezing breaded burrata before frying is possible but not ideal. The coating may become soggy when thawed. If freezing, wrap each ball tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before frying.

Reheating

To reheat fried burrata, bake in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to regain some crispness.
Avoid microwave reheating, which makes the crust soggy and the cheese rubbery.

Follow these practices to keep texture and flavor as close to fresh as possible.

Nutritional Value of fried burrata

Fried burrata offers a rich and indulgent flavor profile but is also a source of nutrition, primarily from its cheese content. Below is a summary of estimated nutritional values per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (Approximate)	Details
Calories	Approximately 296 kcal	A combination of cheese fat and frying oil contributes to calorie density.
Fat	20-25 grams	Includes saturated fats from burrata and oil used for frying.
Protein	12-14 grams	Good source from the mozzarella and cream inside burrata.
Carbohydrates	15-20 grams	Mainly from the breading made with flour and panko breadcrumbs.
Sodium	400-500 mg	Varies based on seasoning and cheese salt content.

For more details on the nutritional benefits of burrata cheese, visit Medical News Today.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About fried burrata

What sauces pair well with fried burrata?

Popular sauces include romesco, marinara, Alfredo, pesto, and a spicy vodka-style sauce. Romesco complements the rich cheese with smoky, nutty flavors, while vodka sauce adds a creamy and tangy kick. Experimenting with different sauces lets you find your favorite flavor combination.

How can I make a vodka-style sauce for burrata?

Sauté garlic in olive oil, add tomato paste and cook briefly. Stir in cream and seasonings, then melt in Parmesan cheese and finish with butter for richness. Adjust the sauce thickness by simmering longer or adding more cream as needed for a smooth texture perfect for fried burrata.

What are the steps to bread burrata for frying?

First, pat the burrata dry. Coat it with seasoned flour, then dip in whisked egg, and roll in Panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and Italian seasoning. For extra crunch, double coat by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps before freezing briefly to firm up the coating.

Which oil is best for frying burrata?

Use neutral oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil. Heat the oil to approximately 350°F to create a crispy crust without burning the breading or melting the cheese prematurely.

Crispy Burrata with Zesty Sauces: Romesco and Spicy Vodka Variations Explored

Mastering fried burrata