Trader Joe’s Stracciatella: Delicious Recipes Beyond the Cheese Board
Trader Joe’s has done it again, blessing us with another culinary gem: their Burrata Filling Stracciatella. If you’re not already familiar, stracciatella is the creamy, shredded heart of burrata cheese, typically soaked in fresh cream. It’s unbelievably rich, decadent, and versatile, making it a welcome addition to countless dishes. While delicious on its own with a drizzle of olive oil and crusty bread, Trader Joe’s Stracciatella deserves to be showcased in more innovative ways. This article explores a range of exciting recipes that go beyond the typical cheese board presentation, offering you delicious and easy ways to incorporate this creamy delight into your everyday cooking.
What is Stracciatella?
Before diving into the recipes, let’s quickly recap what makes stracciatella so special. Stracciatella, meaning “shredded” in Italian, is the soft, stringy filling of burrata. It’s made from mozzarella cheese that’s been stretched and shredded, then mixed with fresh cream. This combination results in a texture that’s both delicate and luxuriously creamy. The flavor is mild and milky, making it a perfect canvas for pairing with a variety of ingredients.
Why Trader Joe’s Stracciatella?
Trader Joe’s version offers the convenience of pre-shredded, ready-to-use stracciatella without the hassle of dealing with a whole burrata. It’s also incredibly fresh and flavorful, rivaling the quality of many artisanal stracciatella options. Plus, it’s reasonably priced, making it an accessible luxury for home cooks.
Recipe Ideas: Beyond the Cheese Board
Here are several creative ways to use Trader Joe’s Stracciatella, ranging from simple appetizers to more elaborate meals:
1. Stracciatella & Roasted Tomato Crostini
This simple appetizer is perfect for a party or a light lunch. The sweetness of roasted tomatoes complements the creamy richness of the stracciatella beautifully.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pint cherry tomatoes
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
* 1 container Trader Joe’s Stracciatella
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
* Balsamic glaze (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Roast the Tomatoes:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss cherry tomatoes with minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and slightly burst.
2. **Toast the Baguette:** While the tomatoes are roasting, brush baguette slices with olive oil and toast in the oven or under the broiler until lightly golden brown.
3. **Assemble the Crostini:** Top each toasted baguette slice with a spoonful of roasted tomatoes, followed by a generous dollop of Trader Joe’s Stracciatella.
4. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired. Serve immediately.
**Tips & Variations:**
* For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the roasted tomatoes.
* Use different types of tomatoes, such as Roma or heirloom tomatoes.
* Add a layer of pesto under the stracciatella for a burst of herbal flavor.
* If you don’t have a baguette, use crackers or toasted sourdough bread.
2. Stracciatella & Prosciutto Pizza
Elevate your homemade pizza with the addition of creamy stracciatella and salty prosciutto. This pizza is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
* 1/2 cup pizza sauce
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
* 1 container Trader Joe’s Stracciatella
* Fresh arugula, for garnish
* Olive oil
* Cornmeal (for dusting)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) with a pizza stone inside (if you have one).
2. **Prepare the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness and shape. Transfer it to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal.
3. **Add Sauce and Cheese:** Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. **Bake the Pizza:** Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone (or directly onto a baking sheet) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. **Add Prosciutto and Stracciatella:** Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly. Arrange prosciutto slices over the pizza, followed by dollops of Trader Joe’s Stracciatella.
6. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with fresh arugula and a drizzle of olive oil. Slice and serve immediately.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Use a different type of cheese, such as provolone or fontina.
* Add vegetables like roasted peppers, mushrooms, or onions.
* For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
* If you don’t have a pizza stone, bake the pizza on a baking sheet.
3. Stracciatella & Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
This unexpected combination is a revelation. The bitterness of the Brussels sprouts is balanced by the sweetness of the balsamic glaze and the creaminess of the stracciatella.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
* 1 container Trader Joe’s Stracciatella
* Toasted pine nuts (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Roast the Brussels Sprouts:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
2. **Add Balsamic Glaze:** Remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Toss to coat evenly.
3. **Serve with Stracciatella:** Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving dish and top with dollops of Trader Joe’s Stracciatella.
4. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with toasted pine nuts, if desired. Serve immediately.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add other vegetables, such as bacon or pancetta.
* Use a different type of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or sherry vinegar.
* For a sweeter glaze, add a touch of honey or maple syrup.
* Roast the Brussels sprouts at a higher temperature for a crispier texture.
4. Stracciatella with Roasted Stone Fruit and Honey
This dessert is simple yet elegant. The warm, caramelized fruit pairs perfectly with the cool, creamy stracciatella and a drizzle of honey.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound stone fruit (peaches, nectarines, plums), pitted and halved or quartered
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon honey, plus extra for drizzling
* 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1 container Trader Joe’s Stracciatella
* Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Roast the Stone Fruit:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss stone fruit with olive oil, honey, and cinnamon. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the fruit is softened and caramelized.
2. **Assemble the Dessert:** Arrange the roasted stone fruit in a serving dish and top with dollops of Trader Joe’s Stracciatella.
3. **Garnish and Serve:** Drizzle with extra honey and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Serve warm or at room temperature.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Use a mix of different stone fruits for a variety of flavors and textures.
* Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans.
* Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or gelato.
* For a boozy twist, add a splash of brandy or liqueur to the roasting fruit.
5. Stracciatella & Pesto Pasta
A simple and satisfying pasta dish that comes together in minutes. The creamy stracciatella melts into the pesto sauce, creating a rich and flavorful coating for the pasta.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound pasta (such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
* 1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
* 1/4 cup pasta water, reserved
* 1 container Trader Joe’s Stracciatella
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Pasta:** Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. **Combine Pasta and Pesto:** In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with pesto sauce. Add a little pasta water at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
3. **Add Stracciatella:** Gently fold in Trader Joe’s Stracciatella.
4. **Serve:** Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables.
* Use a different type of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or kale pesto.
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
* For a richer sauce, add a dollop of mascarpone cheese or heavy cream.
6. Stracciatella & Fig Jam Bruschetta
The sweetness of fig jam pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy stracciatella on a crispy bruschetta base.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
* Olive oil
* 1/2 cup fig jam
* 1 container Trader Joe’s Stracciatella
* Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
* Balsamic glaze (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Toast the Baguette:** Brush baguette slices with olive oil and toast in the oven or under the broiler until lightly golden brown.
2. **Assemble the Bruschetta:** Spread each toasted baguette slice with fig jam, followed by a generous dollop of Trader Joe’s Stracciatella.
3. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired. Serve immediately.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Use other types of jam, such as apricot or raspberry.
* Add a layer of prosciutto or salami under the stracciatella.
* Drizzle with honey instead of balsamic glaze.
* Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans.
7. Stracciatella Stuffed Dates with Bacon
A sweet and savory appetizer that is sure to impress. Medjool dates are stuffed with creamy stracciatella and wrapped in crispy bacon.
**Ingredients:**
* 12 Medjool dates, pitted
* 1 container Trader Joe’s Stracciatella
* 6 slices bacon, cut in half
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Stuff the Dates:** Stuff each date with about a teaspoon of Trader Joe’s Stracciatella.
3. **Wrap with Bacon:** Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
4. **Bake:** Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the dates are warmed through.
5. **Serve:** Let cool slightly before serving. Remove toothpicks before serving.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Drizzle with balsamic glaze after baking.
* Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking.
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stracciatella for a spicy kick.
* Use different types of bacon, such as maple bacon or peppered bacon.
8. Simple Stracciatella Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes
Let the quality of the ingredients shine in this simple salad. Ripe heirloom tomatoes are paired with creamy stracciatella, fresh basil, and a simple vinaigrette.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound heirloom tomatoes, sliced
* 1 container Trader Joe’s Stracciatella
* Fresh basil leaves
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Arrange Tomatoes:** Arrange tomato slices on a serving platter.
2. **Add Stracciatella:** Top with dollops of Trader Joe’s Stracciatella.
3. **Garnish:** Scatter fresh basil leaves over the salad.
4. **Drizzle with Vinaigrette:** In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the salad.
5. **Serve:** Serve immediately.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add other vegetables, such as cucumbers or red onions.
* Use a different type of vinegar, such as red wine vinegar or white balsamic vinegar.
* Add a sprinkle of feta cheese or goat cheese.
* For a sweeter salad, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the vinaigrette.
Storage Tips
Trader Joe’s Stracciatella is best consumed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to use it within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and texture. Note that the texture may change slightly after refrigeration.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s Burrata Filling Stracciatella is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can elevate a wide range of dishes. From simple appetizers to more elaborate meals, these recipes offer a starting point for exploring the many ways to incorporate this creamy delight into your cooking. So, ditch the same old cheese board and get creative with Trader Joe’s Stracciatella! Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you.