Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Burrata Recipe

If you love creamy, comforting dishes with a burst of vibrant flavors, you are in for a real treat with this Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Burrata. This recipe brings together luscious burrata cheese, tender baby spinach, and the rich tang of sun-dried tomatoes in a dreamy risotto base that’s both elegant and comforting. It’s a perfect celebration of textures and colors, guaranteed to brighten up any meal and captivate your taste buds with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right ingredients is the secret behind this Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Burrata’s magic. Each element plays a crucial role, from the nutty depth of Parmesan to the fresh vibrance of baby spinach, making this dish simple yet spectacular.

• Olive oil: Adds a fruity, rich base that helps soften the aromatics and builds flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Brings a creamy, velvety texture and richness to the risotto.
• Small shallot: Offers a subtle sweetness and delicate onion flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Garlic cloves: Provide a fragrant punch that wakes up every taste bud.
• Arborio rice: The hero of any risotto, it absorbs flavors beautifully and delivers that irresistible creamy texture.
• Dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity, balancing the richness of the dish.
• Vegetable broth: Infuses the rice with savory umami notes, making it hearty without heaviness.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Deliver a concentrated burst of tangy, sweet flavor and vivid color.
• Baby spinach: Introduces a fresh, slightly earthy green element that wilts perfectly into the risotto.
• Parmesan cheese: Finely grated for a salty, nutty finish that melts into the risotto at the end.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season perfectly and enhance all the flavors.
• Burrata cheese: Creamy and indulgent, it’s the crowning glory of this dish.
• Optional garnishes: Olive oil for drizzling, crushed chili flakes for a subtle heat, extra Parmesan, and fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley leaves for brightness.

How to Make Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Burrata

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by warming olive oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced shallot and minced garlic, cooking gently until they soften and release their lovely aromas, about two minutes. This foundation creates the gentle sweetness and fragrant depth that carry through the entire dish.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Next, stir in the arborio rice and keep it moving over the heat for one to two minutes. You’ll notice the edges of the grains becoming translucent—this toasting adds a subtle nuttiness and helps the rice maintain its texture as it cooks.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Pour the dry white wine into the pan and stir while it bubbles away. This step infuses the dish with brightness and acidity, while the evaporation concentrates those wonderful wine flavors, making the risotto anything but ordinary.

Step 4: Incorporate Broth Gradually

Here’s where the magic of risotto happens. Add warm vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Let the rice absorb each addition fully before adding more. This slow cooking process releases the rice’s starch, resulting in a creamy, luscious risotto.

Step 5: Introduce Sun-Dried Tomatoes

After about 10 minutes, fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Their rich, tangy bite contrasts beautifully with the creamy rice and adds a pop of gorgeous color to the mix.

Step 6: Add Spinach

When you’re about 15 minutes in, stir in the baby spinach leaves. They’ll wilt gently into the risotto, lending freshness and a vibrant green hue that brightens the plate both visually and flavor-wise.

Step 7: Finish with Parmesan and Season

Once the rice is perfectly al dente and the risotto has a creamy consistency, remove it from heat. Stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese so it melts smoothly into the risotto. Taste and season with salt and cracked black pepper, adjusting to your preference.

Step 8: Assemble Plates

Now for the grand finale: place a small burrata ball or half of a larger one in the center of each serving plate. Spoon the hot risotto around and slightly over the burrata, allowing it to soften for about a minute. This will encourage the luscious cheese inside to ooze out, adding a decadent creaminess to every bite.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Finish by drizzling a bit of olive oil or sprinkling crushed chili flakes over the burrata if you like a touch of heat. Add extra Parmesan, fresh basil or parsley leaves, and a final crack of black pepper. Serve immediately to enjoy the full glory of this Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Burrata risotto.

How to Serve Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Burrata

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate this dish beautifully. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances the creaminess, while crushed chili flakes add an exciting kick that contrasts wonderfully with the mild burrata. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley inject freshness and a pop of color on the plate.

Side Dishes

This dish stands wonderfully on its own but pairs delightfully with crisp, refreshing sides. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables complements the risotto’s richness without overwhelming it. A crusty piece of artisan bread is also perfect for soaking up every last creamy morsel.

Creative Ways to Present Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Burrata

For a special occasion, try serving the risotto in individual shallow bowls with burrata placed on top like a velvety crown. You can also arrange the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach into decorative swirls throughout the dish for visual appeal. Alternatively, turning this into a buffet-style spread with multiple bowls of garnishes allows everyone to customize their plates for a fun, interactive dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Burrata, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the burrata separate if possible to preserve its texture, and gently reheat the risotto later.

Freezing

This risotto is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to one month if needed. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating carefully on the stove to retain that creamy texture. Burrata should not be frozen as it will lose its delicate creaminess.

Reheating

To warm up your leftovers, gently reheat the risotto over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it if it’s thickened. Stir frequently until hot and creamy. Add fresh burrata just before serving for that indulgent finish.

FAQs

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

While fresh tomatoes won’t provide the same intense flavor and chewy texture as sun-dried tomatoes, you can certainly stir in ripe cherry tomatoes near the end of cooking for a fresher, lighter twist. Just expect a different taste profile.

Is burrata the same as mozzarella?

Burrata is similar but richer than mozzarella. It has a soft outer shell of mozzarella filled with creamy, buttery curds inside, making it incredibly luscious and perfect for melting into this risotto.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Certainly! Swap the butter for vegan margarine, use vegan Parmesan alternatives, and omit the burrata or replace it with a creamy vegan cheese. The spinach and sun-dried tomatoes will still shine with robust flavor.

What wine pairs best with Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Burrata?

A crisp, dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy risotto and tangy sun-dried tomatoes beautifully without overpowering the delicate burrata.

How can I tell when the risotto is done?

The rice should be tender yet have a slight bite in the center, described as al dente, and the overall texture should be creamy, not dry or soupy. This usually takes about 18 to 20 minutes of gradual broth absorption and stirring.

Final Thoughts

This Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Burrata is a true celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something utterly special. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or an impressive dinner with friends, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Dive in and enjoy the beautiful marriage of creamy burrata, vibrant greens, and tangy tomatoes—your new favorite dish awaits!

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