Burrata Cheese vs Casu marzu Cheese

Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Casu marzu Cheese is soft, soft-ripened and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.

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 Is Casu marzu Cheese?

Casu marzu is a Sardinian sheep milk cheese fermented by live cheese fly larvae, which eat through a pecorino wheel and break down its fats until the paste turns very soft. Its sale is banned in Italy and the EU, and Guinness World Records called it the world's most dangerous cheese.

What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Casu marzu Cheese?

• Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), Casu marzu Cheese (sheep's milk)
• Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Casu marzu Cheese (soft, soft-ripened)
• Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Casu marzu Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours), Casu marzu Cheese (3 months)
• Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Casu marzu Cheese (intense, spicy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Casu marzu Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Casu marzu Cheese brings intense, spicy character. More specifically, Burrata Cheese shows creamy, rich, delicate; best enjoyed fresh, while Casu marzu Cheese leans toward mediterranean, pastoral and spicy notes, with an aftertaste that lasts for hours. Aging plays into this as well. Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours develops a different profile than Casu marzu Cheese at 3 months.

Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Casu marzu Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Casu marzu Cheese?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Burrata Cheese the same as Casu marzu Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; Casu marzu Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Burrata Cheese is typically aged within 48 hours, Casu marzu Cheese 3 months.

Is Burrata Cheese similar to Casu marzu Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Casu marzu Cheese?

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

Does Burrata Cheese taste like Casu marzu Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Casu marzu Cheese is intense, spicy.

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.

What is Casu marzu Cheese made of?

Casu marzu Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 3 months. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Casu marzu Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Casu marzu Cheese is soft, soft-ripened.