It is a warm summer evening and you want something special. You crave those creamy, salty Italian flavors without spending hours over a hot stove. This Burrata Sandwich is the answer to your cravings.

Imagine biting into toasted focaccia and cold, silky cheese. It feels like a fancy cafe lunch right in your own kitchen. You can have this restaurant-quality meal ready in just twenty minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sandwich is a total showstopper for any occasion. It is perfect for a romantic date night at home. The combination of textures will truly surprise your taste buds.

You get crunch from the pistachios and softness from the burrata. The mortadella adds a lovely, savory saltiness. It is impressive yet incredibly simple to assemble for beginners.

How It Comes Together

Making this sandwich is mostly about assembling great ingredients. You will start by whizzing up a fresh, vibrant pesto. Then, you simply toast your bread and layer everything up.

The magic happens when you break open the burrata cheese. It flows over the meat like a rich sauce. This method ensures every single bite is perfectly creamy and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few high-quality items from the deli. Freshness is the key to success here.

1 loaf fresh focaccia bread, halved horizontally
2 balls fresh burrata cheese (4 oz each)
6 oz thinly sliced mortadella
1/2 cup unsalted shelled pistachios
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, peeled
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup fresh baby arugula

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the pistachio pesto by placing the pistachios, basil, garlic, Pecorino Romano, and lemon juice in a food processor.
Pulse the ingredients while slowly drizzling in the extra virgin olive oil until a slightly coarse paste forms. Season with salt and pepper.
Lightly toast the cut sides of the focaccia bread under a broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown.
Spread a thick layer of the pistachio pesto on the bottom half of the toasted focaccia.
Layer the mortadella slices over the pesto, folding each slice to create height and texture.
Place the burrata balls on top of the mortadella and gently break them open with a knife, spreading the creamy interior across the sandwich.
Top the burrata with a handful of fresh baby arugula.
Place the top half of the focaccia over the fillings, press down gently to integrate the layers, and slice into two portions.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serve this sandwich immediately while the bread is still warm. It pairs beautifully with a crisp glass of white wine. You can also serve it with a light side salad.

For a summer picnic, wrap the halves tightly in parchment paper. Set the table with fresh flowers and candles for a special touch. Your favorite person will feel so pampered by this meal.

Keep It Fresh

This Burrata Sandwich is best enjoyed right after you make it. The cheese is very moist and can make bread soggy. If you have leftover pesto, store it in a jar.

The pesto stays fresh in the fridge for three days. You can also freeze the pesto for later use. Always keep the burrata chilled until the very moment you assemble.

Tips for Best Results

Don’t skip toasting the focaccia for extra crunch.
Fold the mortadella loosely to create airy ribbons of meat.
Use high-quality olive oil for the best pesto flavor.
Pat the arugula dry so it stays nice and crisp.
For a holiday party, slice into small bite-sized squares.
Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra sweetness.
Make the pesto ahead of time to save precious minutes.

Ways to Switch It Up

Swap mortadella for prosciutto if you prefer a saltier cured meat.
Use gluten-free focaccia to make this recipe allergy-friendly.
In the winter, try swapping the basil for fresh kale.
Use walnuts or almonds if you cannot find pistachios easily.

Quick Answers

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

It is best to assemble it right before eating. The burrata releases liquid that can soften the bread. You can make the pesto a day early.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

You can use a mortar and pestle for the pesto. Or, chop everything very finely by hand. It will have a lovely rustic texture that way.

Will my kids enjoy this?

Most kids love the mild, creamy flavor of burrata. If they are picky, you can leave off the arugula. It is a very kid-approved gourmet lunch.

I hope this creamy Burrata Sandwich brings a little Italian magic to your table. It is such a joy to share a simple, beautiful meal with the people you love. Happy cooking!

— Lidia