Brie de Melun Cheese vs Burrata Cheese

Brie de Melun Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Burrata Cheese is fresh, creamy and made from cow or buffalo milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Brie de Melun Cheese?

Brie de Melun is a soft unpasteurised cow's milk cheese from the Brie region of France, one of only two bries the French government certifies. It is smaller than Brie de Meaux, with a stronger flavour and a more pungent smell, and has held AOC status since 1980.

What Is Burrata Cheese?

Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese from Puglia with a pouch of stretched mozzarella curd around a filling of stracciatella and cream. Cut it open and the soft centre spills out, which is what it is known for.

What's the Difference Between Brie de Melun Cheese and Burrata Cheese?

• Origin: Brie de Melun Cheese (France), Burrata Cheese (Italy)
• Milk type: Brie de Melun Cheese (Cow's milk), Burrata Cheese (Cow's milk, sometimes with water buffalo's milk)
• Milk treatment: Brie de Melun Cheese (unpasteurized), Burrata Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Brie de Melun Cheese (Soft), Burrata Cheese (Fresh, creamy)
• Rind: Brie de Melun Cheese (Bloomy), Burrata Cheese (Thin)
• Aging: Brie de Melun Cheese (at least four or five weeks), Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours)
• Taste: Brie de Melun Cheese (salty, sharp, sour, strong), Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Melun Cheese Taste Like Burrata Cheese?

Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong, while Burrata Cheese brings mild, lactic character. More specifically, Brie de Melun Cheese shows creamy, nutty, mushroom-like, slightly acidic, while Burrata Cheese leans toward creamy, rich, delicate; best enjoyed fresh. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Melun Cheese at at least four or five weeks develops a different profile than Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours.

Can You Substitute Brie de Melun Cheese for Burrata Cheese?

Brie de Melun Cheese can stand in for Burrata Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for fresh, creamy. Flavor-wise, Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong while Burrata Cheese brings mild, lactic notes.

Which Is Better, Brie de Melun Cheese or Burrata Cheese?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie de Melun Cheese the same as Burrata Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Melun Cheese originates in France, while Burrata Cheese comes from Italy. Brie de Melun Cheese is made from cow milk; Burrata Cheese uses cow or buffalo. Aging also differs: Brie de Melun Cheese is typically aged at least four or five weeks, Burrata Cheese within 48 hours.

Is Brie de Melun Cheese similar to Burrata Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brie de Melun Cheese for Burrata Cheese?

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

Does Brie de Melun Cheese taste like Burrata Cheese?

Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong, while Burrata Cheese is mild, lactic.

What is Brie de Melun Cheese made of?

Brie de Melun Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least four or five weeks. It originates in France.

What is Burrata Cheese made of?

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

Which should I choose, Brie de Melun Cheese or Burrata Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie de Melun Cheese is soft, while Burrata Cheese is fresh, creamy.