Burrata Cheese: The Best Substitutes

Burrata cheese is a favorite of many foodies, with its creamy texture and delicious taste. However, it can be difficult to find and expensive. Fortunately, there are several great burrata cheese substitutes that you can use in your recipes. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best burrata substitute options like feta cheese, water buffalo milk, ricotta cheese, and more.

What is Burrata?

Burrata is a type of Italian cheese with a creamy texture that is made from mozzarella and cream. The cheese has a soft, creamy texture and a rich, buttery flavor. Burrata originated in the Puglia region of Italy, and it has become popular in many parts of the world in recent years.

To make burrata, a ball of fresh mozzarella cheese is filled with a mixture of cream and small pieces of mozzarella called “stracciatella.” The ball is then sealed and formed into a round shape. When cut open, the creamy filling spills out, making it a popular ingredient in salads, pasta dishes, and as a topping on pizza.

Burrata is best served fresh and at room temperature. It is often paired with fresh tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.

How Does Burrata Taste

Burrata has a rich, creamy, and buttery flavor that is similar to fresh mozzarella but with a much softer and more delicate texture. The outer layer of the cheese is slightly elastic and has a mild flavor, while the creamy interior is rich and indulgent, with a slightly sweet and tangy taste.

The cream filling in burrata gives it a unique taste that sets it apart from other cheeses. It is both savory and sweet, with a subtle tang that comes from the fermentation of the cheese. When eaten with fresh bread, tomatoes, and basil, burrata provides a perfect balance of flavors that is both refreshing and indulgent.

Suggested: Ricotta Cheese, All you Need to Know

How to use Burrata

Burrata is a versatile milk cheese that can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen. Here are some common uses for burrata:

1. Salads: Burrata is a popular ingredient in salads, particularly with fresh tomatoes and basil. It can also be used in green salads with arugula or mixed greens.
2. Pasta dishes: Burrata can be added to pasta dishes to add creaminess and richness. It pairs particularly well with tomato-based sauces.
3. Pizza: Burrata makes a delicious pizza topping, particularly when paired with fresh vegetables like roasted peppers or mushrooms.
4. Appetizers: Burrata can be served as an appetizer with bread, olives, and cured meats.
5. Sandwiches: Burrata can be used as a creamy spread on sandwiches or paninis.
6. Desserts: Burrata can even be used in sweet dishes like cheesecake or served with fresh fruit and honey for a sweet and indulgent dessert.

The Best Substitutes for Burrata Cheese

Fresh Mozzarella Cheese

Fresh mozzarella cheese is a great burrata cheese substitute, with its soft and creamy interior that is similar to burrata’s creamy texture. Made from cow’s milk, fresh mozzarella is a staple in Italian cuisine and is used in many dishes such as caprese salad, pizza, and pasta. It has a mild flavor that can be enhanced with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Simply replace burrata with the same amount of fresh mozzarella.

Suggested Recipe: Caprese Sandwiches

Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese is another great burrata cheese substitute that has a creamy texture and mild flavor. Made from cow’s milk, ricotta cheese is often used in Italian desserts such as cannoli and tiramisu. It can also be used as a substitute for burrata cheese in dishes such as pasta and pizza.

Suggested Recipe: Baked Honey Ricotta

Mascarpone Cheese

Mascarpone cheese is a creamy and smooth cheese made from water buffalo milk that is often used in desserts such as tiramisu. It has a rich and buttery flavor that is similar to burrata cheese. Mascarpone can be used as a substitute for burrata cheese in dishes such as pasta, pizza, and salads.

Feta Cheese

Feta cheese is a soft and crumbly cheese made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk. Although it has a different texture from burrata cheese, feta has a similar tangy flavor that can be used as a substitute for burrata in salads and pasta dishes.

Suggested Recipe: Whipped Feta with Air Fried Potato Wedges

Queso Fresco Cheese

Queso fresco cheese is a Mexican cheese made from cow’s milk that has a similar texture to burrata cheese. It has a mild flavor and can be used as a substitute for burrata cheese in dishes such as tacos, salads, and pasta.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is a soft and creamy cheese made from milk and cream. Although it has a different flavor from burrata cheese, cream cheese has a similar texture that can be used as a substitute for burrata cheese in recipes such as stuffed mushrooms or jalapeño poppers.

Cashew Cheese

Cashew cheese is a vegan cheese made from cashews that has a creamy texture and mild flavor. Although it is not a dairy cheese, cashew cheese can be used as a substitute for burrata cheese in vegan recipes such as pasta and pizza. Find a delicious cashew cheese recipe here!

Almond Cheese

Almond cheese is another vegan cheese made from almonds that has a creamy texture and mild flavor. It can be used as a substitute for burrata cheese in vegan recipes such as salads, pasta, and pizza. Try making your own almond cheese recipe with this recipe!

In conclusion

Burrata cheese is a delicious and creamy cheese that can be difficult to find and expensive. However, there are several great burrata cheese substitutes that you can use in your recipes. Fresh mozzarella, ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, feta cheese, queso fresco cheese, cream cheese, cashew cheese, and almond cheese are all great options that can be used as a substitute for burrata cheese. So, whether you’re making a pasta dish, pizza, or salad, you can enjoy the creamy texture and delicious taste of burrata cheese with these substitutes