Only recently did Burrata cheese become a fascinating trend for pretty much everyone because of the quick meal videos on Tiktok. I mean, I get how truly amazing Burrata cheese is, and it totally deserves all the hype it got. The Italians really did an amazing work with this one.
What is Burrata?
It is this luxurious cheese made of whole milk resulting into a creamy and soft texture, with the same sticky feature as the infamous delicious Mozzarella cheese, so basically the best of both worlds.
It has the ability to take a simple toast to a whole new level if it is added on top, with a drizzle of olive oil, or even a bowl of salad. And of course on top of a Neapolitan pizza. Yum. Yum.
Benefits of Burrata
Part of the appeal of burrata is its short ingredient list. Traditional burrata contains just three ingredients:
- Mozzarella curds
- Cream
- Salt
Compared to most cheeses, burrata is relatively low in fat and calories. A 1-ounce serving provides:
- 72 calories
- 6 grams of fat
- 5 grams of protein
It also packs in more calcium than most other soft cheeses.
The fresh mozzarella and cream make burrata a good source of protein. It provides a bigger protein boost than cream cheese or Brie.
Burrata offers a luxurious texture and rich dairy flavor. Its versatility also makes it an easy addition to all types of dishes.
Why Freeze Burrata?
Burrata is a fresh cheese with a short shelf life. Properly stored in the fridge, it will only last around 4 days past the sell-by date.
Freezing can extend the shelf life of burrata by several months. This helps avoid throwing out unused portions.
Other reasons you may want to freeze burrata include:
- Stocking up when it’s on sale
- Buying large quantities for recipes or big events
- Keeping extra on hand for entertaining
- Reducing trips to the grocery store
Freezing also gives you access to fresh burrata at any time. Thawing smaller portions as needed lets you enjoy its delicate taste all year.
Can You Freeze Burrata?
Yes, it is possible to freeze burrata cheese. However, the texture will change after freezing.
When frozen, the water content in the cheese forms ice crystals. These crystals damage the structure of the cheese. Burrata will not retain its signature creamy, oozy texture after thawing.
Instead, frozen burrata takes on a crumbly, drier, and grainier texture. Think of it like frozen mozzarella rather than the pillowy fresh variety.
The flavor also dulls slightly after freezing. Notes of sourness or bitterness may develop.
While not ideal, frozen burrata still has uses in cooking. You can use it where texture and exact flavor are not as important, like:
- Pizza topping
- Casseroles
- Lasagna or baked pasta
- Soups or stews
- Fillings for ravioli
With the right techniques, frozen burrata can still work for appetizers, salads, and antipasto. But fresh is still best when burrata is the star.
How to Freeze Burrata
Follow these steps for the best results when freezing burrata:
1. Select fresh burrata balls. Choose burrata with a far-off sell-by date. Avoid any with off-putting smells, cracks, excessive moisture, or other signs of spoilage.
2. Portion the cheese. Cut whole cheese balls into smaller, 1-2 ounce portions. This helps you thaw only what you need.
3. Prepare storage containers. Wash rigid plastic containers or freezer bags. Dry thoroughly. Glass jars work too, but they may crack. Leave 12 inches of headspace for expansion.
4. Wrap each portion. Place the cut burrata in its own parchment paper square. Wrap tightly and twist the ends to seal. This protects the cheese from absorbing odors in the freezer.
5. Pack burrata. Place wrapped portions in a single layer in freezer containers. Minimize air gaps. Seal tightly.
6. Label and freeze. Note the date and contents. Freeze immediately at 0°F or below. Do not refreeze after thawing.
With this technique, burrata can be frozen for up to 6 months. The quality declines over time but remains usable.
How to Thaw Burrata
To avoid damage, thaw frozen burrata in the refrigerator, not the microwave or counter. Slow thawing helps preserve texture and taste.
Follow these steps:
1. Place in the fridge. Transfer the frozen burrata in its original wrapping to a bowl. Put it in the refrigerator, not on a high shelf near the fan.
2. Allow 12–24 hours. Give the burrata plenty of time to fully thaw. Check after 12 hours. Thicker portions may require up to 24 hours.
3. Use promptly. Once thawed, use within 1-2 days for best quality. The texture declines further over time.
4. Avoid refreezing. Do not refreeze thawed burrata. The texture deteriorates more with each freeze-thaw cycle.
While not as decadent as fresh, thawed burrata still shines in cooked dishes like lasagna and on hearty pizzas. Enjoy it chilled in salads and appetizers, where the change in texture is less noticeable.
Tips for Freezing Burrata
Follow these best practices when freezing burrata:
- Freeze fresh burrata at peak quality. Do not freeze past the sell-by date.
- Handle gently to avoid breaking the delicate curds before freezing.
- Double-wrap in parchment and freeze in freezer bags or containers. This prevents freezer burn.
- Freeze in small portions so you can thaw just what you need.
- Label bags with dates and contents so you know what’s inside.
- Use frozen burrata within 6 months for the best quality.
- Thaw fully in the fridge before using to prevent a grainy texture.
- Expect some changes in texture, but the flavor should still be enjoyable.
With proper freezing and thawing techniques, you can successfully store burrata for the long term. Just keep realistic expectations for the altered texture when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about freezing burrata? Here are answers to some common questions:
Does freezing change the taste of burrata?
Freezing dulls some of the fresh, sweet creaminess, but the milky cheese flavor still comes through. Thawed burrata is best in cooked foods where the exact flavor profile is less important.
Can you freeze burrata in water like mozzarella?
Freezing burrata in water is not recommended, as this can make the texture even more grainy and rubbery. Dry freezing maintains texture better.
How long does burrata last in the freezer?
Properly wrapped and frozen, burrata will last for 4-6 months in the freezer before the quality deteriorates noticeably.
Can you refreeze thawed burrata?
Refreezing thawed burrata is not advised. The texture suffers more with each thaw cycle. Thawed burrata is best used within 1–2 days.
Is frozen burrata safe to eat?
Yes, it is safe to eat frozen burrata, provided it is fresh and properly stored at 0°F or below. Thaw fully in the fridge before serving. Discard if any mold develops.
Can you freeze burrata after opening it?
You can freeze both fresh, unopened burrata as well as opened portions. Wrap the opened burrata tightly in parchment paper before freezing.
What’s the best way to use thawed, frozen burrata?
The altered texture makes thawed burrata suitable for cooking in dishes like pizza, lasagna, casseroles, and soups rather than in fresh applications.
Can you freeze burrata balls without cutting them?
It’s best to cut large burrata balls into smaller portions before freezing to make thawing easier. Whole balls take much longer to thaw.
Is frozen burrata cheaper than fresh?
Frozen burrata is often around the same price per pound as fresh. Buy in bulk when on sale and freeze the excess to get better deals.
Hi, I’m Julie, the passionate foodie and founder of Juliesfamilykitchen.com. I created this blog out of a drive to prove someone wrong, and then I realized how much I truly enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. In my free time, when I’m not running around after my kids or spending quality time with my partner, you can usually find me in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes.