5 Creamy and Smooth Dairy-Free Burrata Recipes

Burrata, an Italian cheese known for its rich, creamy texture, is a beloved staple in many culinary traditions. Typically made from mozzarella and cream, this cheese has a soft rind and a smooth, creamy interior.

This summer, we’ve been keeping a close eye on how celebrity chefs are using burrata. For example, Giada De Laurentiis recently shared a recipe for raw zucchini salad that she tops with fresh burrata, a perfect dish to beat the heat.

But what do all of us dairy-free types do when we’re craving burrata? Luckily, these days, all types of cheese get the dairy-free treatment, including the creamy blend of mozzarella and cream.

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My Vegan Minimalist

RELATED: 8 Dairy-Free Ricotta Recipes, From Pancakes to Manicotti

What is burrata?

Created in the early 20th century in the Murgia region of Puglia, Italy, burrata is a fresh cheese made with mozzarella and cream. Its name, derived from “burro,” the Italian word for butter, reflects its rich, buttery texture.

It is believed that Lorenzo Bianchino, a cheesemaker, invented burrata as a way to use up leftover curds and cream. He enclosed these ingredients in a mozzarella shell, forming a ball with a rich, creamy center.

Burrata originally began as a way to reduce waste and repurpose excess dairy products. Over time, its unique texture and flavor grew in popularity and it became a delicacy throughout Italy and beyond.

Today, burrata is enjoyed around the world, both in its traditional form and in innovative plant-based versions.

Vegan Friday

Why choose dairy-free burrata? Vegan burrata has several advantages over its dairy counterpart. For those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy, it is a safe and delicious alternative.

Aside from ethical considerations, dairy-free cheeses generally have a lower environmental impact, as they require fewer resources such as water and land compared to dairy farming.

Vegan Burrata Recipes to Try

Making vegan burrata cheese at home is easier than you think, and it allows you to enjoy this creamy delight in a variety of dishes such as caprese salad, grilled vegetables, pasta, pizza, and even dolloped on avocado toast.

You’ll need a high-speed blender and a handful of ingredients to make your creamy, dairy-free burrata dreams come true. Here are five recipes to get you started:

My Vegan Minimalist

1My Vegan Minimalist

This recipe makes a creamy burrata made with cashews and almond milk, perfect for accompanying pizzas or spreading on bread. The use of agar-agar ensures a firm but creamy texture, ideal for various dishes.
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Vegan Friday

2Vegan Friday

This simple recipe uses cashews and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. It’s a versatile option that can be used in salads, pastas, and more.
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Health My lifestyle

3Health My lifestyle

By combining cashews with coconut cream, this recipe delivers a rich and indulgent vegan burrata. It’s perfect for those looking for a dairy-free alternative that doesn’t compromise on creaminess.
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You eat plants

4You eat plants

A simple recipe using basic ingredients like cashews and nutritional yeast, this firmer vegan burrata is perfect for adding to salads or as a spread. You Eat Plants also makes a vegan burrata version made with firm tofu.
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The Hungry Carrot

5The Hungry Carrot

This recipe takes dairy-free burrata to the next level. First, cashews and dairy-free milk serve as the base for this cheese, which is coated in panko and quickly fried for a more complex texture.
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