I still remember standing on a stool in my grandmother’s kitchen, watching her create magic with simple cheese and cream.
That memory inspired this Stracciatella Cheese Recipe Ultimate Italian Twist—a modern version of an Italian favorite.
It blends silky mozzarella strands with rich cream for unmatched softness.
A spicy Calabrian chile crisp and fresh fennel add bold flavor and balance.
Serve it over crusty bread, swirl it into pasta dishes, or pair it with a crisp salad for a fresh twist.
This creamy twist turns ordinary meals into gourmet experiences you’ll want to make again and again.
Stracciatella Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Stracciatella Cheese with chili crisp and fennel served with toasted ciabatta for an Italian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella
- 8–9 oz heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
- 1/3 cup Calabrian chiles
- 1/3 cup marcona almonds, finely chopped
- 1.5 tbsp dried oregano, parsley and basil combined
- 1 tsp cane sugar
- 1 tsp tamari
- 5–6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/2 head fennel, thinly shaved
- Flaky salt to taste
- Black pepper
- Ciabatta
Instructions
- Shred mozzarella and combine with heavy cream and salt. Refrigerate at least 4 hours.
- Heat olive oil, then crisp garlic until golden. Remove garlic.
- Mix chiles, herbs, sugar, almonds, tamari, and hot oil. Chop and add garlic.
- Spoon chilled stracciatella into a bowl. Top with chili crisp, fennel, flaky salt, basil leaves, and black pepper. Serve with ciabatta.
Notes
- Let the cheese rest at room temperature 10 minutes before serving for best creaminess.
- Store cheese and chili crisp separately to keep flavors fresh.
- Use rustic bread like sourdough if ciabatta is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook / Quick Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
What Is Stracciatella Cheese?
Stracciatella cheese is a luxurious Italian delicacy with a creamy texture and mild, fresh flavor. Skilled cheesemakers shred mozzarella and fold it into rich cream, creating tender strands that soften beautifully with every bite.
Unlike burrata, which has a firm mozzarella shell, stracciatella focuses entirely on the luscious interior. Because of this, it delivers a smoother and lighter texture compared to many other cheeses.
The tradition originally began in Italy’s Apulia region, where cheesemakers transformed mozzarella scraps into something extraordinary. As a result, chefs worldwide embraced its versatility, using it in salads, pizzas, and breads. Today, it continues to gain popularity for its ability to elevate simple dishes effortlessly.
Explore how other cheeses shaped culinary history in our article on blue cheese history and culinary uses.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Stracciatella Cheese Recipe Ultimate Italian Twist delivers creamy comfort with a vibrant edge. First, the mozzarella and cream create a silky texture that melts on the tongue. Then, the Calabrian chile crisp adds a gentle heat and depth of flavor. Meanwhile, shaved fennel brightens the dish, balancing the richness with a crisp, herbal note.
Because of its versatility, you can use this cheese far beyond ciabatta. For instance, spoon it over roasted vegetables, swirl it into warm pasta, or spread it on grilled bread. Additionally, it pairs well with Italian-inspired meals or a warming Japanese Mounjaro recipe.
Ultimately, this recipe turns a simple appetizer into a restaurant-worthy experience, perfect for weeknight meals or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This recipe uses fresh, simple ingredients, yet it still allows for creativity. Because of that, you can easily adjust it to fit your taste or dietary needs. For instance, dairy-free eaters can replace cream, while spice lovers can boost the chili heat.
| Ingredient | Substitution or Note |
|---|---|
| 8 oz fresh mozzarella | Use burrata for richness or vegan mozzarella for a dairy-free option. |
| 8–9 oz heavy cream | Swap with oat or soy cream for lactose-free results. |
| Pinch of salt | Try sea salt or Himalayan salt for added minerals. |
| 1/3 cup Calabrian chiles | Use red pepper flakes or harissa for similar heat. |
| 1/3 cup marcona almonds, chopped | Replace with toasted pine nuts or walnuts. |
| 1.5 tbsp dried oregano, parsley & basil | Use fresh herbs for brighter flavor. |
| 1 tsp cane sugar | Honey or maple syrup add natural sweetness. |
| 1 tsp tamari | Use soy sauce or coconut aminos for umami depth. |
| 5–6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced | Shallots create a milder, sweet flavor. |
| 1/3 cup olive oil | Avocado oil is a neutral alternative. |
| 1/2 head fennel, thinly shaved | Celery or endive work for similar crunch. |
| Flaky salt & black pepper | Adjust both to taste. |
| Ciabatta | Rustic bread like sourdough or baguette works too. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Time needed: 25 minutes
Follow these steps for a creamy stracciatella base with a bold chili crisp topping. Because each step is simple, this recipe suits both beginners and experienced cooks.
- Prepare the Stracciatella
Shred the mozzarella into thin strands and place them in a bowl. Pour in the heavy cream with a light sprinkle of salt for balance. Then, mix gently and cover. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours—overnight gives the best flavor.
- Make the Garlic Oil
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat for two minutes. Next, lower the heat and add sliced garlic. Cook until golden and crisp, about two to three minutes. Remove garlic immediately to prevent burning while keeping the flavored oil in the pan.
- Mix the Chili Crisp
In a small bowl, combine Calabrian chiles, herbs, sugar, marcona almonds, and tamari. After that, pour the hot garlic-infused oil over the mixture and stir well. Chop the cooled garlic and add it back into the chili mixture for extra flavor.
- Assemble and Serve
Spoon the chilled stracciatella into a serving bowl. Finish by spooning on chili crisp, scattering shaved fennel, and seasoning with basil, flaky salt, and cracked pepper. Serve alongside warm toasted ciabatta or your favorite rustic bread for a complete presentation.
Pro Tip: Bring the stracciatella to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to enhance its creamy texture. For more creative cheese pairings, check out our article on blue cheese history and culinary uses.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This Stracciatella Cheese Recipe Ultimate Italian Twist works as more than a simple appetizer. Because of its versatility, you can easily include it in many dishes and create restaurant-quality meals at home.
- Enhance Pizza – After baking, spoon stracciatella on top. This way, the creamy cheese melts slightly and adds a luxurious finish. Pair it with fresh vegetables and herbs for a flavorful vegetarian twist.
- Elevate Salads – For example, add it to arugula, heirloom tomato, or grilled peach salads. It creates a rich balance for fresh greens.
- Build Appetizer Boards – Include it alongside roasted nuts, cured meats, and crusty bread for an Italian-inspired spread. You can also finish it with a light drizzle of olive oil to enhance richness.
- Upgrade Pasta and Gnocchi – Stir it into warm pasta or gnocchi. This approach gives your meal a creamy, smooth finish similar to our Japanese Mounjaro recipe.
- Top Roasted Vegetables – Use it on charred zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus. Consequently, the earthy vegetables complement the rich, smooth nature of the cheese perfectly.
Ultimately, this stracciatella topping transforms everyday meals into gourmet experiences while staying quick and approachable.
Storage & Safety
Storing stracciatella properly is essential to maintain its creamy texture and prevent spoilage.
Then, place it in the refrigerator immediately after serving.
Stracciatella stays fresh for two to three days when kept cold. Still, inspect the cheese carefully for any unusual odor or texture before reusing it. If it develops an off odor or turns watery, discard it.
For best results, store the chili crisp separately and add it just before serving. This way, the toppings stay crisp, and the cheese retains its delicate flavor.
Tip: Do not freeze stracciatella, as freezing causes the cream and cheese to separate and lose their smooth texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can enjoy stracciatella cheese in many ways. For instance, spread it on warm ciabatta, spoon it over fresh salads, or use it as a finishing touch for pizza and pasta. Additionally, it pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables and even works as a creamy base for crostini or appetizer boards.
Yes, traditional stracciatella cheese is made by shredding fresh mozzarella and mixing it with cream. However, some versions add a pinch of salt or seasonings for flavor balance. Because of its simplicity, stracciatella highlights the natural richness of mozzarella and cream.
Absolutely. In fact, it requires only mozzarella, cream, and a little time to chill. Simply shred the mozzarella, combine it with cream and salt, and refrigerate it until the texture develops. This way, you can enjoy fresh, restaurant-quality stracciatella in your own kitchen.
Stracciatella cheese is made from fresh mozzarella and heavy cream. Sometimes, cheesemakers add a pinch of salt to enhance its flavor. Because of its minimal ingredients, the quality of the mozzarella and cream determines how rich and smooth the final result will be.
More Cheesy Inspirations
- Blue Cheese History, Types and Culinary Uses – Compare two unique cheeses for gourmet dishes.
- Heirloom Tomato Flight Recipe – Perfect pairing with fresh tomatoes and creamy stracciatella.
- Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe – Add creamy cheese fillings for extra richness.
- Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe – Healthy vegetable side dish to balance cheese recipes.
- Tram Sauce Recipe – Create creamy sauces featuring Italian cheeses.
- The Pink Salt Trick Recipe – Improve seasoning when cooking with delicate cheeses.
Stracciatella Cheese Resources You Can Trust
To deepen your understanding and appreciation of stracciatella, we’ve gathered some expert resources from trusted culinary and cheese authorities:
Stracciatella Gelato Recipe – Serious Eats: Though not about cheese, this classic gelato recipe showcases another form of “stracciatella”—sweet and creamy with delightful chocolate shavings.
Mozzarella di Bufala and Stracciatella di Bufala – Oldways: Learn how stracciatella di bufala fits into traditional Italian cheese-making practices and why it’s cherished in Mediterranean diets.
Stracciatella: One Name, Three Different Foods – La Cucina Italiana: Explore the fascinating origins of the name “stracciatella” and discover the three delicious Italian foods that share this name.
Calabro Stracciatella Cheese – Murray’s Cheese: Dive into a detailed product description and tasting notes from one of the leading cheese retailers in the U.S.
Conclusion
Cooking has always been more than food for me—it’s a way to connect with memories and create new ones. This Stracciatella Cheese Recipe Ultimate Italian Twist reflects that same heartfelt spirit in every creamy bite. Because it blends creamy tradition with bold flavors, it feels both comforting and exciting.
Whether you serve it as a starter on warm ciabatta or as a gourmet topping for pasta, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, try it today, and experience the magic of stracciatella at home.