Stracciatella Cheese
A very soft, creamy fresh cheese made by mixing thin strands of fresh cheese with cream. It is the filling inside burrata and is eaten fresh.
What Is Stracciatella Cheese?
Stracciatella cheese is a fresh cheese from southern Italy, especially Puglia; its name means “little strips/pieces.” It is made by pulling fresh mozzarella-style cheese curd into thin strands by hand and mixing them with fresh cream (panna).
The result is a very soft, flowing, creamy filling. This cheese should not be confused with the egg-based soup or ice cream of the same name; it is the creamy filling inside burrata that flows out when cut.
Stracciatella Nutrition
Like other creamy fresh cheeses, stracciatella contains about 290 kcal of energy per 100 grams, a moderate amount of protein, and a high amount of fat (from the cream); it is a source of calcium. Values vary with the cream content and are approximate.
How Should Stracciatella Be Consumed?
Because stracciatella is a fresh dairy product, it should be consumed very fresh; use it in moderation because of the fat from the cream. For fresh cheeses, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems should choose a product made from pasteurized milk.
This information is general; stracciatella is a food, not a medical treatment.
How to Choose Stracciatella
Good stracciatella is bright white, glossy, creamy and fluid, with a fresh, milky smell. Yellowed cheese, sour-smelling cheese, or cheese with separated liquid has lost its freshness.
- It should be bright white and creamy in texture
- It should smell fresh and milky
- Sour odors and separation are undesirable
How to Store Stracciatella
Store stracciatella covered in its own liquid or container in the refrigerator and consume it within a few days. It is a fresh product; freezing is not recommended because it damages the texture.
How to Use Stracciatella in the Kitchen
Stracciatella is most often served fresh on bread with tomatoes and olive oil, or spooned over pizza and pasta just before serving. Because it is delicate when heated, it is usually served uncooked and added to a hot dish at the last moment.
What Is the Difference Between Stracciatella and Burrata?
Burrata is a pouch of mozzarella filled with stracciatella; stracciatella is the creamy filling itself and is also sold without the pouch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is stracciatella a cheese or a dessert?
The stracciatella described here is a cheese; there are also a soup and an ice cream with the same name, but they are different products.
How do you eat stracciatella?
It is best eaten fresh with bread, tomatoes, and olive oil; it can also be added to pizza and pasta just before serving.
Why should stracciatella be eaten quickly?
Because it is a fresh, creamy dairy product, it spoils quickly; it is most flavorful and safe when eaten very fresh.