Pizza with Tomato and Burrata: Recipe & Wine Pairing Guide for Food Lovers

Introduction

Few culinary experiences rival the sheer pleasure of biting into a freshly baked Pizza with Tomato and Burrata—the crisp golden crust, the rich tomato sauce, and the blissful creaminess of burrata melding together in each bite. This dish isn’t just a crowd-pleaser for pizza night; it’s a celebration of seasonal ingredients and the art of food and wine pairing. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, pairing this pizza with the right wine can turn an ordinary meal into a memorable event. With wine availability from local favorites like Total Wine, Trader Joe’s, and BevMo, finding the perfect match for your pizza is easier than ever. In this guide, you’ll discover the story behind this dish, professional cooking tips, and, most importantly, how to choose the best wine for Pizza with Tomato and Burrata.

About This Dish

Pizza with Tomato and Burrata is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to Italian culinary simplicity and excellence. Originating from the sun-soaked regions of Southern Italy, this pizza highlights three pillars of Mediterranean cooking: ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy burrata cheese. Burrata, a specialty from Apulia, is prized for its delicate shell and sumptuous, milky interior—a luxurious twist on classic mozzarella. The use of tomato sauce and cherry tomatoes offers a vibrant, tangy counterpoint, while fresh basil infuses the pizza with aromatic notes reminiscent of summer gardens.

What makes this pizza truly special is its ability to bridge cultures. In the United States, pizza is a beloved staple, and the addition of burrata elevates it from comfort food to gourmet fare. The dish’s freshness and balance appeal to American tastes, which increasingly favor quality ingredients and multicultural influences. Plus, its moderate difficulty level means home cooks can create a restaurant-worthy meal with just a bit of planning and care. This pizza also provides the perfect canvas for wine pairing—a growing passion among American food lovers eager to explore both Old and New World wines.

Key Ingredients & Their Role

Let’s break down the essential ingredients that make Pizza with Tomato and Burrata an unforgettable dish, and how each contributes to the flavor—and your wine pairing choices.

Pizza Dough: The base should be crisp on the outside and tender within. A well-fermented dough develops subtle nutty flavors and absorbs the juices of the toppings without getting soggy. When pairing with wine, consider crust’s mildness—it won’t compete with the wine, making it versatile for reds and whites alike.
Tomato Sauce & Cherry Tomatoes: Tomatoes deliver a burst of acidity and umami. The sauce provides depth, while cherry tomatoes add sweetness and texture. Acidity in the tomatoes is a key factor for wine pairing; it calls for wines with matching freshness, like a lively Pinot Noir or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, to complement rather than clash.
Burrata Cheese: Burrata is the star ingredient, offering a creamy, buttery core that melts beautifully over the hot pizza. Its richness can soften the tang of tomato and balance herbal notes from basil. The cheese’s fat content works well with wines that have moderate acidity and low to medium tannins, such as Italian whites or light reds.
Fresh Basil: Basil brings herbal aromas and freshness, enhancing the pizza’s complexity. Herbal notes in the dish can be mirrored by wines with similar characteristics—think Sauvignon Blanc or Italian Vermentino.
Olive Oil & Parmesan: Olive oil adds fruitiness and rounds out flavors, while Parmesan provides a savory kick. Both contribute to the pizza’s mouthfeel, nudging wine choices toward styles with good structure and a clean finish.

Understanding these components is the key to choosing a wine for Pizza with Tomato and Burrata that enhances the dish without overwhelming it. The interplay of acidity, creaminess, and herbaceousness opens up a wide spectrum of pairing options—from Old World classics to vibrant California bottles.

Recipe

Ingredients:

4 portions Pizza dough
1 cup Tomato sauce
2 balls (about 8 oz each) Burrata cheese
1 cup, halved Cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup Fresh basil leaves
4 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin)
To taste Salt
To taste Black pepper
2 tbsp, finely grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 475°F (250°C) and place a pizza stone or a baking sheet in the middle of the oven to heat.
Prepare the tomato sauce if not already done. Season it with salt and pepper to taste.
Divide the pizza dough into 4 portions if not already done. Roll each portion into a round base with a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
Place one rolled dough on a parchment paper sheet or a floured pizza peel to make it easier to transfer to the oven.
Spread about 1/4 cup of tomato sauce evenly over the base, leaving a small border around the edges.
Drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil over the sauce.
Carefully transfer the pizza base to the hot pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and slightly crispy.
Once the pizza is baked, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a serving board.
Place half of a burrata ball in the center of each pizza.
Arrange cherry tomato halves and fresh basil leaves over the pizza as garnishing.
Drizzle each pizza with 1 tbsp of olive oil and sprinkle with finely grated Parmesan cheese. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Repeat the steps for the remaining pizza bases. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 460 kcal
Protein: 20.0g
Fat: 18.0g
Carbohydrates: 55.0g
Salt: 1.6g

Dietary Information: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Nut-free

Perfect Wine Pairings

Pairing wine with Pizza with Tomato and Burrata is about echoing the dish’s fresh, creamy, and umami-rich profile. Here’s how to choose the best wine for this pizza—and where to find it locally.

Key Considerations

Acidity: Tomato sauce and cherry tomatoes add brightness, so look for wines with lively acidity to match and refresh the palate.
Body: Burrata is rich and creamy, so medium-bodied wines are ideal—they offer structure without overpowering the cheese.
Tannins: Low to moderate tannins work best. High-tannin reds can clash with the acidity of the tomatoes and mask the subtle flavors of burrata.
Aromatics: Herbal notes from basil pair beautifully with aromatic wines, lending a harmonious finish.

Wine Recommendations

1. Pinot Noir (California, Oregon, Washington State)

Why: Light to medium body, vivid acidity, and red fruit flavors make Pinot Noir a classic wine pairing for tomato-based pizzas. Its gentle tannins don’t overwhelm burrata’s creaminess.
Where to buy: Look for California Pinot Noir from Sonoma or Central Coast at Total Wine or Trader Joe’s (typically $15–$25), or explore Oregon’s Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs for a slightly earthier style ($18–$30).

2. Italian White Wines (Verdicchio, Vermentino, Pinot Grigio)

Why: Italian whites are crisp, vibrant, and herbal—mirroring the freshness of basil and acidity of tomatoes. Verdicchio and Vermentino offer subtle minerality and citrus, while Pinot Grigio is clean and refreshing.
Where to buy: BevMo and Total Wine carry Italian whites in the $12–$22 range; Trader Joe’s often has excellent value bottles under $15.

3. French Rosé (Provence)

Why: Provençal rosé brings red berry fruit, bright acidity, and a dry finish—an ideal wine for Pizza with Tomato and Burrata, especially in warmer months.
Where to buy: French rosés are widely available at Total Wine and BevMo ($12–$20).

4. Spanish Garnacha (Grenache)

Why: If you prefer red, Spanish Garnacha is juicy, low in tannin, and bursting with wild berry flavors. It complements the tomato and burrata without overpowering the dish.
Where to buy: Look for Garnacha at Trader Joe’s and BevMo in the $10–$18 range.

5. Sauvignon Blanc (California or Loire Valley, France)

Why: High acidity, citrus, and herbal notes make Sauvignon Blanc an excellent wine for Pizza with Tomato and Burrata, especially if you prefer white wine.
Where to buy: California Sauvignon Blancs are widely available at Total Wine and Trader Joe’s ($12–$20).

Pro tip: Use Vinomat to explore more wine pairing options, compare prices, and discover new favorites based on your taste preferences and local availability.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Mastering Pizza with Tomato and Burrata at home is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some expert tips to help you achieve pizza perfection:

Dough Management: Let your pizza dough come to room temperature before rolling for easier shaping and better oven spring. Use parchment paper or a well-floured pizza peel to prevent sticking and ensure a crisp bottom.
Sauce Control: Don’t overload the base with tomato sauce—a thin, even layer prevents sogginess and lets the crust shine through.
Baking Temperature: A hot oven (475°F or higher) is crucial for a golden, crispy crust. Preheat your pizza stone or baking sheet for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Adding Burrata: Always add burrata after baking the pizza base. The residual heat will gently melt the cheese, keeping its creamy center intact.
Cherry Tomatoes: Use ripe, halved cherry tomatoes for bursts of sweetness and texture. If your tomatoes are extra juicy, pat them dry with a paper towel before adding to the pizza to avoid excess moisture.
Fresh Basil: Add basil after baking to preserve its color and aromatic oils. Tear leaves gently to release more fragrance.
Finishing Touch: A final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan add depth and complexity. Season with flaky salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Overloading toppings, which can lead to a soggy crust.
Using cold dough, which is harder to shape and won’t bake evenly.
Adding burrata before baking, which can cause it to dry out and lose its signature texture.

Serving Suggestions

Present your Pizza with Tomato and Burrata on a rustic wooden board for a casual yet elegant feel. Cut into wedges and serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of hot crust and cool, creamy burrata. For a restaurant-inspired touch, garnish with fresh basil sprigs and an extra drizzle of olive oil.

For sides, consider a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, which echoes the pizza’s freshness. Charcuterie or marinated olives make excellent appetizers. If you’re hosting, set the table with stemware for wine, cloth napkins, and soft lighting—the perfect setting for savoring food and wine pairing at home.

Invite friends to bring a bottle from local shops like Total Wine or Trader Joe’s, and use Vinomat to coordinate pairings and discover new favorites. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a special gathering, this pizza makes any meal feel festive.

Conclusion

Ready to elevate your next pizza night? With this Pizza with Tomato and Burrata recipe and expert wine pairing advice, you’re set for a delicious adventure that brings together fresh flavors, creamy textures, and the joy of the perfect match between food and wine. Use Vinomat to unlock curated wine recommendations and discover bottles at your favorite local shops. Gather your ingredients, uncork a great wine, and enjoy the best pairing moments right at home.