Burrata Cheese vs Casu marzu Cheese
Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy 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, 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 Is Casu marzu Cheese?
Casu marzu is a traditional cheese from Sardinia, Italy, also found in Southern Corsica, France. Made from sheep's milk, this cheese is known for its soft, soft-ripened texture and natural rind. What sets Casu marzu apart is its fermentation process, which involves the introduction of cheese fly larvae. This process results in a strong, tangy flavor with a creamy consistency. Often considered a delicacy, it is typically enjoyed with Sardinian flatbread and a glass of robust red wine. Due to its unique production method, it is not commercially available and is often found in local markets or made by artisans.
What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Casu marzu Cheese?
- Milk type: Burrata Cheese (water buffalo's milk), 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)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Burrata Cheese | Casu marzu Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Andria, Apulia | Sardinia (Italy), Southern Corsica (France) |
| Milk Type | Water buffalo's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Soft, soft-ripened |
| Rind | Thin | Natural |
| Aging | Within 48 hours | — |
| Taste | Mild, lactic | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Casu marzu Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
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.
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.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burrata Cheese the same as Casu marzu Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese is made from buffalo milk; Casu marzu Cheese uses sheep.
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?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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.
What is Casu marzu Cheese made of?
Casu marzu Cheese is made from sheep milk. 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.