This is the perfect way to wow your guests and indulge on a perfect ball of burrata. Okay, let’s first explain what burrata is. Some call it the Queen of Italian cheeses and translated from Italian, burrata means buttery. That’s a clue to the delicious melt-in-your-mouth centre that awaits inside.
This amazing semi-soft cheese is made by artisans with just three simple ingredients: cow’s milk, rennet, and cream. Just as fresh, mild and creamy, mozzarella bears a close resemblance to burrata in both flavour and ingredients. Feel free to substitute it if you can’t find the real thing. The purpose of cedar planking this type of cheese is to add a light smoky flavour without really cooking or melting the cheese.
Cedar Planked Smoked Burrata – Serves 2
- 1 well-soaked cedar plank
- 1 Ball of burrata cheese
- Salt & Pepper
- Some Olive Oil
- Fresh basil for garnish
Step 1:
Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling.
Step 2:
Preheat your grill to medium- high heat on one side.
Step 3:
Remove the ball of burrata from the package and discard the water. Pat it dry and place it on the cedar plank.
Step 4:
Place the plank over a medium heat grill and close the lid to cook for 2 minutes. Check to see the plank is smoking and the burrata is not melting. The burrata should not melt during this cook, just get warm and smoke infused. Cook an additional 1-3 minutes to smoke infuse as needed and carefully take it off the grill.
Step 5:
Plate the burrata with a little drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and garnish with fresh basil.
If you’ve had burrata before, you’re probably wondering how to grill this cheese without making a huge mess. If you’re careful and determined, it is possible. Just don’t grill it for too long or at too high heat. Serve this gooey goodness with crackers or pita chips and add some grilled fruit like cherries, grapes, or berries to make it even more exciting. You can also pop it onto a bowl of pasta and enjoy it as a main meal.
