Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsLaura Lee'sBurrata Cheese Recipe

Burrata Cheese Recipe

Inspired by Laura Lee's
Time30m
Serves4

focaccia, castelvetrano olives, ham vinaigrette

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Ingredients

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Focaccia & Assembly

Optional Garnish / Toast

Method

Focaccia & Assembly

  1. 1

    Warm and prep focaccia

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). If the focaccia is large, slice into serving pieces or halves. Place the focaccia on a baking sheet and warm for 6–8 minutes until just heated through and slightly crisp at the edges. Remove and let cool slightly.

  2. 2

    Prepare burrata

    Remove the burrata from the refrigerator 10–15 minutes before serving to take the chill off. Gently pat dry any excess moisture with paper towel while keeping the outer pouch intact.

  3. 3

    Slice olives and arrange ham

    Pit (if needed) and coarsely slice the Castelvetrano olives into halves or quarters. Arrange the prosciutto or ham slices loosely (folded or draped) across the warmed focaccia where you plan to place the burrata.

  4. 4

    Assemble burrata on focaccia

    Place the burrata ball(s) on top of the prosciutto on the warm focaccia. If using multiple small burrata, space them evenly. Scatter the sliced Castelvetrano olives around the cheese and tuck basil leaves and microgreens/arugula around for color and freshness.

  5. 5

    Finish seasoning

    Sprinkle sea salt flakes and freshly cracked black pepper over the burrata and surrounding ingredients. Drizzle 1–2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over the burrata and focaccia just before serving.

Ham Vinaigrette

  1. 6

    Make the vinaigrette

    In a small bowl, combine the finely minced cured ham/prosciutto, minced shallot, Dijon mustard, honey, champagne vinegar, and lemon juice. Whisk together until evenly combined.

  2. 7

    Emulsify

    Slowly drizzle in 4 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil while whisking continuously to form a glossy emulsion. Taste and season with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, adjusting vinegar or honey to balance acidity and sweetness.

  3. 8

    Optional straining

    If you prefer a smoother vinaigrette, press the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove shallot solids and larger ham pieces, then return liquid to the bowl. Keep about 1 tablespoon of the minced ham/shallot in the vinaigrette for texture.

  4. 9

    Dress the plate

    Just before serving, spoon or drizzle the ham vinaigrette around the burrata and across the focaccia. Allow some vinaigrette to pool around the cheese and ham so each bite gets flavor.

Optional Garnish / Toast

  1. 10

    Toast nuts (if using)

    In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts or chopped almonds, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Remove immediately to a plate to stop browning.

  2. 11

    Finish and serve

    Scatter toasted nuts and a light grating of lemon zest over the burrata and focaccia. Give a final drizzle of olive oil and an extra pinch of sea salt if desired. Serve immediately, encouraging guests to tear open the burrata so the creamy interior spills onto the warm focaccia.

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