Burrata Peach Pizza: A Delicious Summer Recipe

Burrata Peach Pizza: Prepare to experience a symphony of flavors that will redefine your pizza expectations! Imagine the creamy richness of burrata cheese melting into the sweet, juicy perfection of ripe peaches, all atop a perfectly crisp and chewy crust. This isn’t just pizza; it’s an experience.

While pizza’s origins trace back to ancient flatbreads, the modern pizza we know and love blossomed in Naples, Italy. The addition of burrata, a relatively recent invention from the Apulia region of Italy, elevates this dish to gourmet status. Burrata, meaning “buttered” in Italian, is essentially a mozzarella shell filled with stracciatella and cream, offering an unparalleled creamy texture that complements the sweetness of the peaches beautifully.

People adore Burrata Peach Pizza for its unexpected yet harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the peaches, the tang of balsamic glaze (if you choose to add it!), the creamy burrata, and the savory crust create a delightful dance on your palate. It’s also incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer for your next gathering. Trust me, once you try this pizza, it will become a new favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Pizza Dough:
• 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
• For the Peach Topping:
• 2 ripe peaches, pitted and thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• For the Pizza Assembly:
• 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 ounces burrata cheese, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for drizzling)

Preparing the Pizza Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. This step is crucial because it ensures that the yeast is alive and active, which is essential for a good rise. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it’s likely dead, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a little rough at this stage; we’ll knead it into shape.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, which gives the pizza dough its structure and chewiness. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit of water.
4. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat it with the oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. The warmer the environment, the faster the dough will rise. A good trick is to place the bowl in a slightly warmed oven (turned off, of course!).
5. Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. This helps to redistribute the yeast and creates a more even texture.

Preparing the Peach Topping:

1. Prepare the Peaches: Wash and dry the peaches. Pit them and slice them thinly. The thinner the slices, the better they will cook on the pizza.
2. Marinate the Peaches: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced peaches, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss gently to coat. Letting the peaches marinate for at least 15 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and enhances their sweetness.

Assembling and Baking the Pizza:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. A pizza stone helps to create a crispy crust.
2. Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle or your desired shape. You can also stretch the dough by hand if you prefer a more rustic look. Be careful not to make the dough too thin, or it might tear.
3. Transfer to Baking Sheet or Pizza Peel: Carefully transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal. Parchment paper makes it easy to transfer the pizza to and from the oven, while cornmeal helps to prevent the dough from sticking to the peel.
4. Add the Pesto: Spread the pesto evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edge. Pesto acts as the sauce for this pizza, adding a rich, herbaceous flavor.
5. Arrange the Peaches: Arrange the marinated peach slices evenly over the pesto. Make sure to distribute them so that every slice of pizza gets a taste of the sweet and savory topping.
6. Bake the Pizza: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the peaches are slightly softened. Keep a close eye on the pizza while it’s baking to prevent the crust from burning.
7. Add the Burrata: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes. Then, tear the burrata cheese into pieces and arrange them over the pizza. Burrata is best served at room temperature, so adding it after baking ensures that it stays creamy and delicious.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the pizza. If desired, drizzle with honey for an extra touch of sweetness. Slice and serve immediately. The combination of the warm pizza, cool burrata, and fresh basil is simply divine!

Tips for Success:

• Use Ripe Peaches: The riper the peaches, the sweeter and more flavorful the pizza will be. Look for peaches that are slightly soft to the touch and have a fragrant aroma.
• Don’t Overload the Pizza: Adding too many toppings can make the crust soggy. Stick to a reasonable amount of pesto and peaches to ensure a crispy crust.
• Adjust Baking Time as Needed: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the pizza while it’s baking and adjust the baking time as needed. The crust should be golden brown and the peaches slightly softened.
• Make Your Own Pesto: While store-bought pesto is convenient, homemade pesto is even more flavorful. You can easily make your own pesto by blending fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor.
• Experiment with Other Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings to the pizza, such as prosciutto, arugula, or goat cheese. The possibilities are endless!

Variations:

• Grilled Peach Pizza: Grill the pizza dough instead of baking it in the oven for a smoky flavor.
• Peach and Prosciutto Pizza: Add thinly sliced prosciutto to the pizza for a salty and savory contrast to the sweet peaches.
• Peach and Goat Cheese Pizza: Substitute goat cheese for burrata for a tangy and creamy alternative.
• Spicy Peach Pizza: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the peach topping for a little heat.

Conclusion:

This Burrata Peach Pizza isn’t just a recipe; it’s a summer experience you absolutely must try. The combination of sweet, juicy peaches, creamy burrata, and the slight tang of balsamic glaze creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why I’m so passionate about this pizza! It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to impress.

But beyond the incredible taste, this recipe is a winner because it’s so versatile. Feel free to experiment with different toppings to make it your own.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Add Prosciutto: For a salty kick, drape thin slices of prosciutto over the pizza after it comes out of the oven. The saltiness complements the sweetness of the peaches beautifully.
* Spice it Up: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat that balances the sweetness perfectly.
* Herbaceous Delight: Fresh basil is a classic pairing, but try adding other herbs like mint or thyme for a unique twist.
* Grilled Pizza: For an extra smoky flavor, grill the pizza dough instead of baking it in the oven. Just be sure to watch it carefully to prevent burning.
* Different Cheeses: While burrata is the star of the show, you can also use fresh mozzarella or even goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
* Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey after baking adds another layer of sweetness and complexity.
* Vegan Option: Use a vegan mozzarella alternative and omit the burrata, or replace it with a creamy cashew-based cheese.

This Burrata Peach Pizza is perfect as an appetizer for a summer barbecue, a light lunch on a warm day, or even a casual dinner with friends. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea for the ultimate summer meal.

I truly believe this recipe is a game-changer. It’s simple enough for even beginner cooks to master, yet sophisticated enough to impress even the most discerning palates. The beauty of this pizza lies in its simplicity and the quality of the ingredients. Using fresh, ripe peaches is key to achieving that burst of summer flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different variations to find your perfect combination.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven (or fire up your grill!), and get ready to experience the magic of this Burrata Peach Pizza. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you come up with your own unique twist? Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite! I am sure this will become a staple in your summer recipe rotation.