Bitto Cheese vs Burrata Cheese
Bitto Cheese
Burrata Cheese
Bitto Cheese is a cow and goat-milk cheese from Italy, while Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy and made from buffalo milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Bitto Cheese?
Bitto is a historic cheese from the Valtellina valley in Lombardy, Italy. It is made from a mix of cow's and goat’s milk, giving it a unique, rich flavor. Aged Bitto can mature for up to 10 years, during which it develops a granular texture and deep, complex flavors ranging from fruity to nutty.
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 Bitto Cheese and Burrata Cheese?
- Milk type: Bitto Cheese (Cow's milk primarily, with non-mandatory addition of raw goat’s milk up to 10%), Burrata Cheese (water buffalo's milk)
- Milk treatment: Bitto Cheese (Raw), Burrata Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
- Aging: Bitto Cheese (Minimum of 70 days), Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bitto Cheese | Burrata Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Province Of Sondrio, Lombardy, Including Neighboring Upland Pastures Of Lecco And Bergamo | Andria, Apulia |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk primarily, with non-mandatory addition of raw goat’s milk up to 10% | Water buffalo's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | — | Soft, creamy |
| Rind | — | Thin |
| Aging | Minimum of 70 days | Within 48 hours |
| Taste | — | Mild, lactic |
Taste Comparison: Does Bitto Cheese Taste Like Burrata Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Bitto Cheese shows cooked at 118–126°f, finely cut curd, matured for a minimum of 70 days, while Burrata Cheese leans toward creamy, rich, delicate; best enjoyed fresh. Aging plays into this as well. Bitto Cheese at minimum of 70 days develops a different profile than Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours.
Can You Substitute Bitto Cheese for Burrata Cheese?
Bitto Cheese can stand in for Burrata Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Bitto Cheese or Burrata Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bitto Cheese the same as Burrata Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Bitto Cheese is made from cow and goat milk; Burrata Cheese uses buffalo. Aging also differs: Bitto Cheese is typically aged minimum of 70 days, Burrata Cheese within 48 hours.
Is Bitto Cheese similar to Burrata Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Bitto Cheese for Burrata Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Bitto Cheese taste like Burrata Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Bitto Cheese made of?
Bitto Cheese is made from cow and goat milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 70 days. It originates in Italy.
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, Bitto Cheese or Burrata Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.