Would you like to make a pizza so delicious that it tastes like it came from a high-end Italian restaurant? A pizza with a freshly made, creamy topping, a simple yet delectable tomato sauce, and a perfectly crispy crust? If that sounds good, you might want to try a burrata pizza.
Want to make it at home? It all boils down to using the right equipment and all the good ingredients. This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating a delicious burrata pizza at home. Prepare to wow your loved ones with the greatest pizza!
Why Burrata Pizza Is So Special
What makes Burrata Pizza a standout? The cheese is the reason. Burrata is a special Italian cheese that’s different from the mozzarella you usually see on pizza.
Think of a soft ball of fresh mozzarella. The inside of that ball is filled with a rich, creamy mixture of cheese curds and cream called stracciatella. When you cut into a ball of burrata, the creamy center spills out. This mix of a soft outside and a creamy inside makes burrata amazing.
This cheese makes the pizza feel luxurious. The warm, crispy crust and tangy tomato sauce are the perfect base for the cool, creamy burrata you add at the end. The difference in temperatures and textures makes every bite exciting. It’s a simple dish, but it tastes very sophisticated.
Main Toppings for One Pizza
Good pizza starts with good ingredients. For this Burrata Pizza, you will use a few simple ingredients, so it’s important to get the best ones you can find. Focus on quality, not quantity.
Here is what you’ll need for a single pizza:
- Burrata Cheese: 1 ball (about 150-200g). This is the main ingredient, so get a good quality one.
- Canned San Marzano Tomatoes: ½ can (about 200g). These Italian tomatoes are sweet and not too acidic. They make the perfect simple sauce.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: A small handful. This adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: About 20g, grated. This gives the pizza a salty, nutty flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A little bit to drizzle on top. A good one adds a fruity, peppery finish.
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Sea Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste. These bring out all the other flavors.
The Detailed Steps Every Moment Matters
Here is the fun part: making the pizza. You will see everything, from making the dough to the final touches.
Make the Dough
The foundation of any great pizza is the dough. For a crust that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, you need a dough that works well with high heat.
Ingredients for the Dough (makes 4 dough balls):
- 500g “00” Flour (This is a special Italian flour for pizza, but bread flour also works)
- 300ml Cold Water
- 10g Sea Salt
- 3g Instant Yeast
Instructions:
- Mix: Put the flour and yeast in a big bowl. Slowly add the cold water and mix with your hands or a mixer until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead: Add the salt and knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10-15 minutes. The dough should become smooth and stretchy.
- First Rise: Put the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it. Let it rise for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Second Rise (Cold Ferment): This is an important step for flavor. Divide the dough into four equal balls. Put them on a tray, cover them, and put them in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours (and up to 72 hours). This slow, cold rise makes the crust taste much better.
- Final Proof: Take the dough out of the fridge 2-3 hours ahead of baking. Let it come to room temperature on your counter.
Prepare the Sauce
A great pizza sauce doesn’t need to be cooked. The fresh flavor of the tomatoes is what you want.
- Simply pour the canned tomatoes into a bowl.
- Crush them with your hands or a spoon. You want some texture, so don’t make it perfectly smooth.
- Add a pinch of sea salt and pepper and stir. That’s it. Your sauce is ready.
Top and Bake
This part is quick and exciting.
- Preheat Your Oven: Your pizza oven needs to be very hot. If you're using a Big Horn Outdoors® pizza oven, preheat it to 400°C (about 750°F). The pizza stone inside needs to be fully heated. This is key to getting a crispy crust.
- Shape the Dough: Gently stretch one of your dough balls into a pizza shape on a lightly floured surface. Try not to press down on the outer edge, so it can puff up and form a nice crust.
- Add the Sauce: Spread a thin layer of your tomato sauce evenly over the dough. Do not use too much, or the pizza will be soggy. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Do Not Add the Burrata Yet: This is very important. Burrata is a fresh cheese that doesn’t melt well. If you bake it, it will turn into an oily mess. You will add it after the pizza is cooked.
- Bake the Pizza: Launch the pizza into your preheated oven. In a Big Horn® pizza oven, it will cook very fast. It should be ready in just 90 seconds to 2 minutes. Turn the pizza every 20-30 seconds to make sure it cooks evenly and gets the classic "leopard spotting" on the crust.
The Finishing Touch
The final step makes this pizza so special.
- Take the pizza out of the oven.
- Right away, place the whole ball of burrata in the center.
- Use a knife or your hands to gently tear it open. The creamy inside will spill out over the hot pizza.
- Add the fresh basil leaves.
- Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top.
- Finish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Pizza
You’re almost a pizza master. Here are a few extra tips to make sure your Burrata Pizza is perfect every time.
Timing Is Everything
With high-heat cooking, a few seconds can make a big difference. Fully preheat your oven ahead of time. When you are cooking, stay by the oven. Don’t walk away. The pizza cooks so quickly that you need to watch it closely to get it just right.
Quality Over Quantity
This pizza has very few ingredients, so their quality really matters. Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a huge difference in the final taste. Good San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy burrata are worth it.
Watch the Oven
Every pizza oven is a little different. Get to know your Big Horn® oven. Notice where the hot spots are. Turning the pizza often is the best way to get an even cook and a perfect crust all around. Do not be afraid to pull it out to check the bottom. You want it to be crispy, not burnt.
Let It Rest
Try to let the pizza rest for a minute or two before slicing. This lets the creamy burrata settle a little bit and spread over the pizza. It also keeps the toppings from sliding off when you cut into it.
A Pizza You Won’t Forget
This burrata pizza shows how simple ingredients can create an incredible flavor. The combination of a crispy, high-heat crust, fresh tomato sauce, and creamy burrata added at the end makes for a perfect meal. With the steps provided, the process is straightforward.
Following this recipe will help you make a pizza that is better than what you’ll find in most restaurants. So get your ingredients, fire up your oven, and create something delicious.
If you’re ready to take your backyard cooking to the next level, check out the line of pizza ovens from Big Horn Outdoors®. They are designed to give you the high heat you need to make authentic, restaurant-quality pizza right at home. Happy cooking!
