Ever had a pizza that could transport you to the cobblestone streets of Italy with just one bite? Let me take you on a delicious journey with my Buffalo Mozzarella Burrata Pizza, a dreamy collision of creamy cheeses and vibrant flavors that will make your taste buds dance! 🍕
I adore making this pizza at home. Using fresh buffalo mozzarella and a melty burrata cheese topping, this pizza offers an impeccable balance of rich flavors and creamy textures.
The base is simply a touch of olive oil and minced garlic, which is aromatic enough without overshadowing the layers that follow. Tomato sauce comes next (with oregano and pinches of red pepper flakes for a few spicy notes) to form the sauce-y layer.
On top of that, there’s fresh mozzarella. And then, burrata!
It kind of surprised me how much better this pizza was than the one I developed earlier.
Ingredients
- Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella: Creamy texture, rich in calcium and protein.
- Burrata Cheese: Soft center, adds a luxurious richness.
- Tomato Sauce: Tangy base, high in vitamins A and C.
- Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats, enhances flavor.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth, supports immune health.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Fragrant and fresh, rich in antioxidants.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds heat, boosts metabolism.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 pre-made pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 8 ounces fresh buffalo mozzarella, sliced
- 1 piece burrata cheese (about 4 ounces)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)
How to Make this
1. Set your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit (245 degrees Celsius). While the oven is heating up, place a pizza stone or a baking sheet inside the oven to allow it to heat, as well.
2. On a surface lightly dusted with flour, roll out the pre-made pizza dough to your desired thickness. When it is rolled out, transfer it to a piece of parchment paper.
3. Evenly coat the dough with olive oil and then sprinkle the garlic that has been finely minced over the top.
4. Cover the dough with tomato sauce, but don’t put it on the edges where the crust will be.
5. Flavor the sauce with dried oregano, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper to your liking.
6. Distribute the sliced buffalo mozzarella uniformly across the sauce.
7. Take special care when transferring the pizza to the stone or baking sheet. Use the parchment paper as a tool to make the movement more like sliding than lifting. When the pizza is on the stone or baking sheet, be ready to remove the next architectural element of your pizza-making setup. The baking sheet should not be in the oven while the pizza is baking. Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes. Watch until you see a golden brown crust and bubbly cheese.
8. Take the pizza from the oven, and while it is still hot, put the burrata cheese at its center. The warmth will cause the burrata to melt ever so slightly.
9. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top and allow them to wilt just a bit from the warmth of the pizza.
10. If desired, drizzle balsamic glaze over it, then slice and serve right away. Enjoy the pizza you have made that is a closer approximation to the better burrata pizza! Also known as Buffalo Mozzarella Burrata Pizza!
Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Pizza stone or baking sheet
3. Rolling pin
4. Parchment paper
5. Sharp knife or pizza cutter
6. Cutting board
7. Measuring spoons
8. Small bowl for olive oil
9. Pastry brush (for olive oil)
10. Spoon or ladle (for spreading tomato sauce)
11. Flour sifter or shaker (for dusting flour)
FAQ
- Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of pre-made?Indeed, you can replace store-bought dough with your own homemade dough for a more individualized twist.
- What is the difference between buffalo mozzarella and regular mozzarella?Buffalo mozzarella is creamier and richer. It is made from the milk of water buffalo and offers a distinct flavor compared to the mozzarella made from the milk of regular cows.
- Is there an alternative to burrata cheese?In the absence of burrata, you can substitute more buffalo mozzarella or fresh ricotta for a creamy texture that’s similar.
If you don’t have these cheeses on hand, feel free to make the dish without them. It will still be delicious!
What to serve it with: Serve alongside roasted vegetables, atop a salad, or with any number of grilled meats. You will find it a versatile dish.
- How can I make this pizza spicier?Add more red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to ramp up the heat.
- What does the balsamic glaze add to the pizza?The balsamic glaze contributes a hint of sweetness and acidity that balances the rich cheeses and the tangy tomato sauce.
- Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil leaves?Although fresh basil is preferred for its taste and smell, you can replace it with dried basil—1 teaspoon of it, to be exact—if you must.
- How should leftovers be stored?Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge; they’re good for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for best results.
Buffalo Mozzarella Burrata Pizza Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Pizza dough that is already made: Use either dough you make yourself or a pre-made crust made of cauliflower when you want gluten-free pizza.
Olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil or melted butter for a distinct taste in essentially the same dish.
Tomato sauce: Swap it out for marinara sauce or pesto, and you’ve got a different-flavored base.
Buffalo mozzarella: If you can get it, use it, but if not, fresh mozzarella, or sliced fontina, are good substitutes for the mild flavor of bufala.
Balsamic glaze: Replace with a drizzle of honey or leave it out entirely for a simpler flavor.
Pro Tips
1. Preheat Your Pizza Stone: For the crispiest crust, heat your pizza stone in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking. This ensures that the stone is adequately hot and can immediately start cooking the crust once the pizza is placed on it.
2. Room Temperature Dough: Let your pre-made pizza dough come to room temperature before rolling it out. This makes the dough more pliable and easier to stretch without tearing.
3. Garlic Infusion: If you have the time, gently heat the olive oil with the minced garlic for a few minutes before coating the dough. This creates a garlic-infused oil that brings out a richer flavor.
4. Cheese Placement: For optimal melt and coverage, allow the buffalo mozzarella to come to room temperature before placing it on the pizza. This helps it melt evenly, complementing both the tomato sauce and burrata cheese.
5. Finish with Fresh Basil: To retain their fresh aroma and flavor, add the basil leaves just a couple of minutes before taking the pizza out of the oven or immediately afterward while it is still hot. This prevents them from overcooking and preserves their bright, fresh taste.
Buffalo Mozzarella Burrata Pizza Recipe
My favorite Buffalo Mozzarella Burrata Pizza Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Pizza stone or baking sheet
3. Rolling pin
4. Parchment paper
5. Sharp knife or pizza cutter
6. Cutting board
7. Measuring spoons
8. Small bowl for olive oil
9. Pastry brush (for olive oil)
10. Spoon or ladle (for spreading tomato sauce)
11. Flour sifter or shaker (for dusting flour)
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 8 ounces fresh buffalo mozzarella, sliced
- 1 piece burrata cheese (about 4 ounces)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit (245 degrees Celsius). While the oven is heating up, place a pizza stone or a baking sheet inside the oven to allow it to heat, as well.
2. On a surface lightly dusted with flour, roll out the pre-made pizza dough to your desired thickness. When it is rolled out, transfer it to a piece of parchment paper.
3. Evenly coat the dough with olive oil and then sprinkle the garlic that has been finely minced over the top.
4. Cover the dough with tomato sauce, but don’t put it on the edges where the crust will be.
5. Flavor the sauce with dried oregano, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper to your liking.
6. Distribute the sliced buffalo mozzarella uniformly across the sauce.
7. Take special care when transferring the pizza to the stone or baking sheet. Use the parchment paper as a tool to make the movement more like sliding than lifting. When the pizza is on the stone or baking sheet, be ready to remove the next architectural element of your pizza-making setup. The baking sheet should not be in the oven while the pizza is baking. Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes. Watch until you see a golden brown crust and bubbly cheese.
8. Take the pizza from the oven, and while it is still hot, put the burrata cheese at its center. The warmth will cause the burrata to melt ever so slightly.
9. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top and allow them to wilt just a bit from the warmth of the pizza.
10. If desired, drizzle balsamic glaze over it, then slice and serve right away. Enjoy the pizza you have made that is a closer approximation to the better burrata pizza! Also known as Buffalo Mozzarella Burrata Pizza!