Burrata ingredient

All About Burrata

dairy

Your complete guide to burrata - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.

2 storage methods
21 substitutes

How Long Does Burrata Last?

Storage times and freshness tips for burrata in different conditions.

Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.

unopened, refrigerated
Up to the 'best by' or 'use by' date on the package, typically 1-2 weeks from purchase if no date is present (assuming fresh production).

Signs of Spoilage

Packaging appears bloated or bulging; the liquid becomes cloudy, slimy, or discolored; visible mold growth (fuzzy, black, green, or pink spots) on the cheese or in the liquid; a strong, unpleasant sour, yeasty, or ammonia-like smell upon opening.

How to Check

  1. Visual Inspection (Packaging): Check for any signs of bloating or bulging in the container, which indicates gas production from bacterial activity.

  2. Visual Inspection (Liquid): Look at the liquid inside the package – it should be clear or slightly milky, not cloudy, slimy, or discolored.

  3. Visual Inspection (Cheese): Inspect the cheese itself through the packaging for any visible mold or discoloration.

  4. Smell Test (Upon Opening): If the packaging is intact and no visual signs of spoilage are present, open it carefully. Fresh burrata should have a clean, milky, slightly sweet aroma. Any strong sour, pungent, yeasty, or ammonia-like odors are signs of spoilage. Safety Warning: Do not taste if any spoilage signs are present. If the container is bulging, do not open it, discard immediately.

Storage Tips

Always store burrata in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Adhere strictly to the 'best by' or 'use by' date. Fresh burrata has a relatively short shelf life due to its high moisture content and delicate nature.

opened, refrigerated
2-4 days (best within 48 hours for optimal quality).

Signs of Spoilage

Loss of the characteristic creamy, soft texture (becomes firm, grainy, or watery); the surface of the cheese feels slimy or sticky; discoloration (yellowing, grayish spots); visible mold growth (fuzzy, discolored spots); a strong sour, pungent, or yeasty smell.

How to Check

  1. Visual Inspection: Look for any changes in color (should be bright white), presence of mold, or a slimy/sticky film on the surface. The creamy interior should not appear separated or excessively watery.

  2. Smell Test: Gently smell the cheese. It should still have a fresh, milky, delicate aroma. A strong sour, 'off,' or ammonia-like smell indicates spoilage.

  3. Touch Test: Carefully touch the surface. It should feel smooth and soft, not slimy, sticky, or unusually firm/rubbery.

  4. Texture Test (if other checks pass): The interior should be lusciously creamy and soft. If it's grainy, dry, or rubbery, the quality has deteriorated significantly. Safety Warning: If any spoilage signs are detected, discard the burrata immediately. Do not attempt to cut off mold from soft cheeses like burrata, as mold roots penetrate deeply.

Storage Tips

To extend freshness, store opened burrata in an airtight container, ideally submerged in its original brine or fresh, lightly salted water or milk. This helps prevent drying out and slows bacterial growth. Consume as quickly as possible once opened. Avoid leaving burrata at room temperature for more than 1-2 hours.