How to Serve Burrata with Serrano Ham and Roasted Peppers

There are two typical methods for serving Burrata: The first is to serve the Burrata ball unbroken and placed in the center of the plate with the Serrano ham and roasted piquillo peppers under it. 

The second method is to pierce the Burrata ball and tear it into small shreds that are laid over the Serrano ham and roasted pepper. 

Once you have arranged your burrata in the preferred manner, season with some salt and freshly cracked black pepper, some freshly chopped parsley or basil, and a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil.

The Art of Spanish Tapas 

Tapas, a beloved Spanish tradition, are small, shareable plates that bring people together over food and conversation. This recipe combines ingredients from two Mediterranean countries: Italy and Spain. Both countries share a passion for the Mediterranean Diet, with whole, fresh ingredients, and specialty products such as Burrata cheese and Serrano ham (Jamon Serrano).

This particular tapas recipe is an ideal party-pleaser: elevating gastronomy with a combination of creamy Burrata, delicate Serrano ham, and vibrant roasted peppers. Each element complements the other, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that’s light and ideal as a starter to share.

What is Burrata?

The star of this dish is the Burrata, a fresh Italian cheese known for its luscious, milky interior. It’s popular throughout Italy and Spain, as well as other countries dotted around the Mediterranean Sea. 

How Burrata is Made

Burrata is made with Mozzarella, cream, and butter, and is carefully crafted by hand by experienced makers to establish the desired texture. Burrata is quite similar in appearance to mozzarella, although it is much softer and creamier. 

Curds are formed and crafted into a paste where they are then weaved and pulled into a small ball. The curd ball is then formed into a soft pouch around the size of a fist and carefully packed with strings of Mozzarella and cream before being shut at the top. 

The result is a delicate Burrata ball with a soft gooey center that’s rich and creamy with a subtle tart aftertaste. 

Burrata tip: Before consuming burrata, remove it from the fridge for 30 minutes.

Where to Find Burrata

Burrata is best and most flavorsome when enjoyed within days of being made. You’ll usually find it in small tubs in the chilled section of supermarkets. Here are a few brands we have tried and tested and can recommend:

Popular Burrata Brands:

• BelGioioso Burrata Mozzarella
• Burrata Vasetto Spiga Gourmet
• Mamma’s Burrata Mozzarella Italian Cheese
• Lioni Burrata con Panna
• Calabro Burrata

Looking for more Burrata recipes? Check out this Tomato burrata salad with basil and garlic dressing recipe.

Serrano Ham

Serrano ham (Jamón Serrano) is a culinary treasure of Spanish cuisine and has been cherished for centuries. Crafted with meticulous care, this delicacy showcases the rich traditions of Spanish charcuterie. 

How Serrano Ham is Made

The process to make Serrano ham begins with carefully selected, premium-quality hams from white pigs, which are then covered with sea salt for a period of time between a week and ten days depending on the size of the pig. The meat is then left to rest, allowing the salt to penetrate and preserve the meat. 

Next, the hams are washed, and the curing process commences in cool, dry environments.

Over the course of many months, sometimes even years, the hams undergo gradual drying and aging. 

This slow maturation imparts a distinct depth of flavor and exquisite marbling, resulting in a ham with a unique taste profile. The intense and savory notes are balanced with a subtle sweetness, while the delicate nutty undertones emerge as a testament to its careful craftsmanship.

Spanish Serrano ham is renowned for its tender and smooth texture and is typically carefully sliced thinly, allowing it to practically melt in your mouth. Each slice boasts a beautiful mosaic of colors, from pale pink to deep ruby red, showcasing the skillful artistry of the aging process.

The complex flavors of Serrano ham intensify with every bite, leaving a delightful lingering taste that evokes the essence of Spain’s gastronomic heritage.

Whether enjoyed on its own, draped over warm bread, or paired with various accompaniments such as Burrata cheese or Spanish Manchego cheese, Spanish Serrano ham is a true gastronomic delight that captures the essence of its origin. 

Its rich history, artful preparation, and unmatched taste make it a sought-after delicacy, inviting all to savor the culinary excellence of Spain’s treasured Serrano ham.

Where to buy Spanish Serrano ham

Good quality Spanish Serrano ham can be purchased from specialty Spanish goods stores and at some large supermarket chains (Walmart, Costco). Expect to pay around USD $12-15 for a 3oz. (80g) packet of Serrano ham in the supermarket. 

Another good option is to purchase imported Spanish Serrano ham online and there are plenty of online Spanish ham stores available to choose from, with many offering free delivery for larger purchases. 

Here are a few reputable online stores offering Spanish Serrano ham:

• La Espanola Meats, Inc. 
• Enrique Tomás
• Ibérico Club

Roasted Piquillo Peppers

To add a burst of color and smoky flavor, we accompany the Burrata and Serrano ham with perfectly roasted piquillo peppers. For convenience and in keeping with making this recipe “No-cook”, we opted for store-bought roasted peppers in the jar. 

The roasting process intensifies the peppers’ sweetness, while the subtle charred notes add a delightful complexity to the dish. The splash of vibrant red it brings, creates an enticing visual appeal, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate and a worthy addition to this distinctive tapas recipe.

Quick and Easy Tapas Recipe

What makes this tapas recipe truly remarkable, apart from its sensational taste, is its ease of preparation. With no cooking required, it’s a quick and no-fuss recipe that doesn’t compromise on elegance. Best of all, this recipe can be made in around 5 minutes and makes a tasty tapas serving 4 people.

FAQs

How long does Burrata with Serrano Ham and Roasted Peppers take to make?

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: None
• Total time: 5 minutes

Is Burrata with Serrano Ham and Roasted Peppers healthy?

When served as a tapas, this recipe is healthy and has just 128 calories per serving. But, Burrata cheese is relatively high in fat and the Serrano ham has a moderate level of cholesterol and is high in salt, so having these ingredients in moderate portions is always best. 

• Total fat: 9.8g (13% Daily value)
• Saturated fat: 1.2g (6% DV) 
• Cholesterol: 14mg (5% DV)
• Sodium: 727mg (32% DV)

What is Burrata?

Burrata is made with Mozzarella, cream, and butter, and is carefully crafted by hand by experienced makers to establish the desired texture. Burrata is quite similar in appearance to mozzarella, although it is much softer and creamier. 

Can you freeze Burrata?

Burrata does not freeze well and should not be stored in the freezer. Instead, store your Burrata in the fridge until it’s needed. Burrata is best consumed within 1-2 days of purchase.

How long does Burrata last in the Fridge?

Burrata is a perishable cheese and will only last 2-3 days from when purchased. Be sure to check the expiry date on the packaging before consumption. 

How long does Serrano ham last?

Serrano ham will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 months if stored in an airtight container. Always check the packaging expiry date before using Serrano ham in any recipe. If using Serrano ham from a whole ham leg, a thin layer of mold can form on whole hams. This mold can be removed with a cloth or olive oil with a clean, damp cloth.

Is Serrano ham healthy?

Serrano ham is a staple in the Mediterranean diet in Spain. It is considered healthy with a low caloric value and is high in cholesterol with healthy monounsaturated fats. Serrano ham can be habitually incorporated into healthy low-calorie diets in small portions of around 2oz. (50 grams) per day. Just remember, it’s high in salt, so if you’re watching your sodium intake, only have it in moderation.