Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sandwiches are quick to assemble and turn a few simple ingredients into something especially satisfying. Burrata provides a luxuriously creamy center, while tomato sauce, garlic, Parmesan, and basil deliver familiar pizza flavors. You can also customize each sandwich with vegetables, herbs, or your favorite pizza toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Sandwiches
- Ciabatta rolls or Italian bread
- Burrata cheese
- Pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Garlic cloves
- Dried oregano
- Crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Optional Toppings
- Roasted red peppers
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Sliced tomatoes
- Baby arugula
- Caramelized onions
- Pesto
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the ciabatta rolls or Italian bread horizontally and arrange the pieces cut-side up on a baking sheet.
- Brush the bread lightly with olive oil.
- Toast for 4–5 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden and crisp.
- Remove the bread from the oven and gently rub the toasted surfaces with a cut garlic clove.
- Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce or marinara over the bottom halves.
- Tear the burrata into pieces and distribute it evenly over the sauce.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Add any optional toppings, keeping the layers relatively light so the sandwiches remain easy to eat.
- Return the open sandwiches to the oven for 4–6 minutes, just until everything is warm and the cheese begins to soften.
- Add fresh basil and any delicate toppings, such as arugula, after removing the sandwiches from the oven.
- Place the top pieces of bread over the filling, gently press, and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10–12 minutes
- Total time: About 22 minutes
Variations
- Spread pesto on the bread for a basil-forward version.
- Add roasted red peppers and caramelized onions for extra sweetness.
- Include sautéed mushrooms for a savory, earthy flavor.
- Add fresh tomato slices for a Caprese-inspired sandwich.
- Use spicy marinara and extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Add olive tapenade for a salty Mediterranean twist.
- Replace some of the burrata with mozzarella for a firmer, cheesier filling.
- Finish with balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy contrast.
Storage/Reheating
Burrata Pizza Sandwiches are best served immediately while the bread is crisp and the cheese is creamy. If you have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat the sandwiches in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer until warmed through and crisp around the edges. Avoid microwaving when possible because it can make the bread soft. For make-ahead preparation, store the bread, sauce, burrata, and toppings separately and assemble just before heating.
FAQs
What is burrata?
Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese with a mozzarella exterior surrounding a soft, creamy center. Its rich texture makes it especially delicious in warm sandwiches.
What bread works best for Burrata Pizza Sandwiches?
Ciabatta, focaccia, sourdough, or sturdy Italian bread works best because these breads can support the creamy filling without becoming overly soft.
Can I use marinara instead of pizza sauce?
Yes. A thick marinara sauce works very well and provides plenty of tomato flavor.
How do I prevent the sandwiches from becoming soggy?
Toast the bread before adding the sauce and avoid using excessive amounts of sauce or watery toppings.
Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
The ingredients can be prepared in advance, but the sandwiches are best assembled and heated immediately before serving.
Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
Yes. Fresh mozzarella is a good substitute, although it won’t provide the same creamy center as burrata.
What vegetables can I add?
Roasted peppers, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, spinach, and arugula all complement the pizza-inspired flavors.
Can I cook Burrata Pizza Sandwiches in a skillet?
Yes. Cook the assembled sandwiches over medium-low heat in a covered skillet, turning carefully until the bread is golden and the filling is warm.
What should I serve with Burrata Pizza Sandwiches?
A simple green salad, tomato soup, roasted vegetables, minestrone, or fresh fruit can turn these sandwiches into a complete meal.
Can I add extra sauce for dipping?
Absolutely. Warm marinara or pizza sauce makes an excellent dipping sauce and reinforces the classic pizza flavor.
Conclusion
Burrata Pizza Sandwiches bring together crisp Italian bread, rich tomato sauce, fresh basil, Parmesan, and luxuriously creamy burrata in an easy handheld meal. They’re quick enough for a casual lunch yet flavorful enough to feel special, and the endless topping possibilities make them simple to customize. If you love both pizza and warm Italian sandwiches, this recipe offers a delicious combination of the two.
PrintBurrata Pizza Sandwiches
Burrata Pizza Sandwiches combine crisp toasted Italian bread with rich tomato sauce, creamy burrata, Parmesan, basil, and classic pizza seasonings. Quick to assemble and easy to customize, they make a satisfying lunch or casual dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Ciabatta rolls or Italian bread
- Burrata cheese
- Pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Garlic cloves
- Dried oregano
- Crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Roasted red peppers, optional
- Sautéed mushrooms, optional
- Sliced tomatoes, optional
- Baby arugula, optional
- Caramelized onions, optional
- Pesto, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the ciabatta rolls or Italian bread horizontally and arrange the pieces cut-side up on a baking sheet.
- Brush the bread lightly with olive oil.
- Toast for 4–5 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden and crisp.
- Remove the bread from the oven and gently rub the toasted surfaces with a cut garlic clove.
- Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce or marinara over the bottom halves.
- Tear the burrata into pieces and distribute it evenly over the sauce.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan, oregano, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Add any desired optional toppings, keeping the layers relatively light.
- Return the open sandwiches to the oven for 4–6 minutes, until everything is warm and the cheese begins to soften.
- Add fresh basil and delicate toppings such as arugula after removing the sandwiches from the oven.
- Place the top pieces of bread over the filling, gently press, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Toast the bread before adding the sauce to help prevent soggy sandwiches.
- Ciabatta, focaccia, sourdough, or sturdy Italian bread can be used.
- Fresh mozzarella can replace burrata, although the filling will be less creamy.
- Add pesto, roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, olive tapenade, or balsamic glaze for variations.
- Use spicy marinara and additional red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Avoid excessive sauce or watery toppings to keep the bread crisp.
- Serve with warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
- Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer until warmed through and crisp around the edges.
- For make-ahead preparation, store the bread, sauce, burrata, and toppings separately and assemble just before heating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg