Queso de Burgos vs Naboulsi Cheese

Queso de Burgos is a fresh, slightly grainy or buttery, elastic, slightly fatty cow and sheep-milk cheese from Spain, while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Middle East and Palestine.

What Is Queso de Burgos?

Queso de Burgos is a fresh white cheese from the province of Burgos, Spain, eaten within days of being made. Once a sheep's milk cheese sold at the Burgos market, it received EU Protected Geographical Indication status in September 2025.

What Is Naboulsi Cheese?

Nabulsi is a Palestinian white brined cheese named for Nablus, made mostly from sheep's milk and flavored with mahleb and mastic in the brine. It comes in white rectangular blocks that turn soft and stretchy when heated, which is why it fills knafeh.

What's the Difference Between Queso de Burgos and Naboulsi Cheese?

• Origin: Queso de Burgos (Spain), Naboulsi Cheese (Middle East and Palestine)
• Milk type: Queso de Burgos (Cow’s and sheep’s milk), Naboulsi Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk)
• Texture: Queso de Burgos (Fresh, slightly grainy or buttery, elastic, slightly fatty), Naboulsi Cheese (semi-hard, brined)
• Rind: Queso de Burgos (None), Naboulsi Cheese (natural)
• Taste: Queso de Burgos (Mild, milky, and slightly sweet), Naboulsi Cheese (salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Queso de Burgos Taste Like Naboulsi Cheese?

Queso de Burgos reads as mild, milky, and slightly sweet, while Naboulsi Cheese brings salty character. On the nose, Queso de Burgos offers smells of fresh milk; varies in intensity based on sheep’s milk content, contrasted with Naboulsi Cheese's fresh.

Can You Substitute Queso de Burgos for Naboulsi Cheese?

Queso de Burgos can stand in for Naboulsi Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect fresh, slightly grainy or buttery, elastic, slightly fatty bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, brined. Flavor-wise, Queso de Burgos reads as mild, milky, and slightly sweet while Naboulsi Cheese brings salty notes.

Which Is Better, Queso de Burgos or Naboulsi Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a fresh, slightly grainy or buttery, elastic, slightly fatty cheese, go with Queso de Burgos. For a semi-hard, brined profile, Naboulsi Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Queso de Burgos suits recipes that want mild, milky, and slightly sweet notes, while Naboulsi Cheese fits dishes calling for salty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Queso de Burgos the same as Naboulsi Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Queso de Burgos originates in Spain, while Naboulsi Cheese comes from Middle East and Palestine. Queso de Burgos is made from cow and sheep milk; Naboulsi Cheese uses goat or sheep.

Is Queso de Burgos similar to Naboulsi Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Queso de Burgos for Naboulsi Cheese?

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

Does Queso de Burgos taste like Naboulsi Cheese?

Queso de Burgos reads as mild, milky, and slightly sweet, while Naboulsi Cheese is salty. Aromas also diverge. Queso de Burgos leans smells of fresh milk; varies in intensity based on sheep’s milk content, and Naboulsi Cheese is closer to fresh.

What is Queso de Burgos made of?

Queso de Burgos is made from cow and sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged fresh, not matured. It originates in Spain.

What is Naboulsi Cheese made of?

Naboulsi Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Middle East and Palestine.

Which should I choose, Queso de Burgos or Naboulsi Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Queso de Burgos is fresh, slightly grainy or buttery, elastic, slightly fatty, while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined.