There’s nothing quite like the contrast of textures in this dish—crispy, golden-fried burrata with a warm, creamy, and gooey center. The indulgent richness of the cheese is balanced by the bold and spicy vodka-style sauce, making each bite an explosion of flavor. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread to soak up every last drop, and you have a showstopping appetizer that’s both elegant and irresistibly delicious.
Perfect for entertaining or treating yourself to something decadent, this fried burrata is a must-try for cheese lovers. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or making it as a snack for a cozy night in, it’s guaranteed to impress. The sauce is easily customizable, so feel free to swap it with your favorite marinara, pesto, or even a creamy Alfredo. However you serve it, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more!
Full Recipe:
For the Burrata:
- 2 fresh burrata balls
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Spicy Vodka-Style Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
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Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook until it deepens in color, about 2 minutes.
- Add red pepper flakes and dried basil. Stir well.
- Pour in heavy cream and mix until smooth.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
- Finish with butter for a rich texture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Keep warm on low heat.
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Bread the Burrata:
- Pat the burrata dry with a paper towel.
- Set up a breading station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each burrata ball in flour, dip into the egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for extra crispiness.
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Fry the Burrata:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place breaded burrata in the hot oil and fry for about 2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel.
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Assemble the Dish:
- Spread the warm vodka sauce on a plate.
- Place fried burrata on top.
- Garnish with fresh basil. Serve immediately with crusty bread.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Fried Burrata with Spicy Vodka-Style Sauce: A Decadent Indulgence
Few things in the culinary world rival the indulgence of crispy, golden-fried burrata paired with a creamy, rich, and spicy vodka-style sauce. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the molten, gooey center makes this dish an unforgettable experience for any cheese lover. Whether served as an appetizer or a luxurious snack, it is guaranteed to impress your guests and elevate your dining experience.
What is Burrata?
Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. While it may look like a regular ball of mozzarella from the outside, the inside is filled with a soft, creamy mixture called stracciatella, which gives it a unique texture. Burrata originates from Puglia, Italy, and has become a favorite worldwide due to its luscious and delicate consistency. Unlike mozzarella, which is firmer, burrata offers a more indulgent, buttery mouthfeel that makes it perfect for pairing with bold flavors like a spicy vodka-style sauce.
Why Fry Burrata?
Burrata is typically enjoyed fresh, but frying it adds a whole new dimension to its texture and flavor. The process of breading and frying creates a crispy outer layer that provides the perfect contrast to the creamy, melty cheese inside. When you cut into it, the burrata oozes out in a way that is visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. The crispiness from the Panko breadcrumbs, combined with the richness of the cheese, makes this dish a decadent treat for any occasion.
The Magic of Spicy Vodka-Style Sauce
The spicy vodka-style sauce is what truly takes this dish to the next level. Inspired by the famous vodka pasta sauce, this version is rich, tangy, and slightly spicy, perfectly complementing the fried burrata. The sauce is made by sautéing garlic in olive oil, adding tomato paste for depth of flavor, and finishing with heavy cream and Parmesan to create a luxurious, velvety texture. The addition of red pepper flakes brings the right amount of heat, balancing the richness of the dish without overpowering it.
One of the best things about this sauce is its versatility. While it pairs beautifully with fried burrata, it can also be used in other dishes such as pasta, roasted vegetables, or even as a dip for breadsticks and fries. It’s a sauce that enhances any meal with its bold, creamy flavor.
How to Achieve the Perfect Crispiness
The key to frying burrata successfully is ensuring that the outer coating is crispy and well-adhered while preventing the delicate cheese inside from leaking out. There are a few essential steps to achieving this:
- Pat the Burrata Dry: Since burrata contains a high amount of moisture, drying it with a paper towel before breading is crucial. This helps the breading stick better and prevents splattering in the oil.
- Double Coating for Extra Crunch: Using a three-step breading method—flour, egg wash, and Panko breadcrumbs—creates a solid barrier around the burrata. For an even crispier crust, repeating the egg wash and breadcrumb step ensures a thicker layer of crunch.
- Use the Right Oil Temperature: Maintaining an oil temperature of around 350°F (175°C) is critical for achieving the perfect golden-brown crust. If the oil is too hot, the breading will burn before the cheese inside is warmed through. If it’s too cold, the burrata may absorb too much oil and become greasy instead of crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Fried burrata is best enjoyed immediately while it’s still warm and gooey. The most traditional way to serve it is on a bed of spicy vodka-style sauce, garnished with fresh basil and extra grated Parmesan. However, there are plenty of creative ways to enjoy this dish:
- With Crusty Bread: A sliced baguette or toasted sourdough is perfect for scooping up the melted burrata and sauce.
- As a Salad Topping: Placing fried burrata on a bed of arugula or mixed greens, drizzled with balsamic glaze, makes for an elegant appetizer.
- Paired with Pasta: For an indulgent meal, place the fried burrata on top of a plate of creamy vodka pasta. When cut open, the cheese melts into the pasta, creating a luxurious sauce.
- As a Tapas Dish: Serve smaller portions as part of a tapas or charcuterie board alongside cured meats, olives, and roasted peppers.
Variations and Customizations
While this recipe is already a showstopper, there are endless ways to tweak it based on personal preferences and dietary needs:
- Swap the Sauce: If spicy vodka-style sauce isn’t your favorite, try serving the fried burrata with marinara sauce, pesto, Alfredo, or a drizzle of truffle honey for a sweet and savory combination.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour and Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives to create a gluten-free version without sacrificing texture.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Adding smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture can add extra depth of flavor.
- Try Air-Frying: For a healthier option, the breaded burrata can be cooked in an air fryer at a high temperature until crispy and golden.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Entertaining
Fried burrata is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks just as impressive as it tastes. The dramatic moment of cutting into the crispy shell and watching the creamy cheese spill onto the plate is enough to captivate any guest. It’s an appetizer that feels gourmet but is actually quite simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for dinner parties, romantic date nights, or special occasions.
Additionally, it pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir enhances the richness of the burrata, while a classic Italian cocktail like an Aperol Spritz or Negroni adds a refreshing contrast.
How to Store and Reheat Fried Burrata
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, it is possible to store leftovers and reheat them with some success. To store fried burrata, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, reheat it in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to help restore some of the crispiness. Avoid using a microwave, as it will make the breading soggy.
If you need to prepare in advance, you can bread the burrata and store it in the fridge for a few hours before frying. This way, all that’s left to do is fry them fresh when needed.
Conclusion
Fried burrata with spicy vodka-style sauce is the ultimate indulgence that combines texture, flavor, and visual appeal in one unforgettable dish. The crispy, golden coating encasing the rich, creamy cheese creates an explosion of flavor with every bite, while the bold and creamy sauce adds a spicy kick that elevates the dish to a whole new level.
Whether you’re looking for an elegant appetizer to impress guests or a luxurious snack to enjoy at home, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Its versatility allows for endless variations, and its showstopping presentation ensures it will be the centerpiece of any dining experience. If you love cheese, crunch, and bold flavors, this dish is an absolute must-try.