Ackawi Cheese vs Burrata Cheese

Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy and made from buffalo milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Ackawi Cheese?

Ackawi is a soft, brined cheese that originates from the Middle East, including countries such as Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. It is made from pasteurized cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk. The cheese has a mild, milky flavor with a noticeable salty taste, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a gentle yet savory cheese experience. Its aroma is similarly mild and milky, complementing its white color. The texture is soft, making it easy to slice and use in various dishes. Ackawi is often compared to feta but is less crumbly and more elastic. It is used in both savory dishes and desserts, and can be eaten fresh or melted. Alternative spellings include Akkawi, Akawieh, and Akawi.

What Is Burrata Cheese?

Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese, similar to mozzarella but with a creamy interior that oozes out when cut open. Made from cow's milk, the outer shell is solid mozzarella while the inside contains both mozzarella and cream, giving it an extraordinarily rich, buttery flavor and soft texture.

What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Burrata Cheese?

• Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Burrata Cheese (Italy)
• Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Burrata Cheese (water buffalo's milk)
• Milk treatment: Ackawi Cheese (pasteurized), Burrata Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy)
• Rind: Ackawi Cheese (natural), Burrata Cheese (Thin)
• Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Burrata Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Burrata Cheese brings mild, lactic character.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Burrata Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Burrata Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, brined bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, creamy. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Burrata Cheese brings mild, lactic notes.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Burrata Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, brined cheese, go with Ackawi Cheese. For a soft, creamy profile, Burrata Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Burrata Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, lactic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Burrata Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Burrata Cheese comes from Italy. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Burrata Cheese uses buffalo.

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Burrata Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Burrata Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Burrata Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Burrata Cheese is mild, lactic.

What is Ackawi Cheese made of?

Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria.

What is Burrata Cheese made of?

Burrata Cheese is made from buffalo milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged within 48 hours. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Burrata Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy.