Burrata Cheese vs Crème Fraîche Cheese
Burrata Cheese
Crème Fraîche Cheese
Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Crème Fraîche Cheese is thick, highly viscous, originating in France.
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 Crème Fraîche Cheese?
Crème fraîche is a French soured cream made from cream and a bacterial culture, with 10 to 45% butterfat and a pH near 4.5. It is less sour than sour cream, and its fat content keeps it from curdling in hot sauces.
What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Crème Fraîche Cheese?
- Origin: Burrata Cheese (Italy), Crème Fraîche Cheese (France)
- Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Crème Fraîche Cheese (thick, highly viscous)
- Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Crème Fraîche Cheese (mildly sour)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Burrata Cheese | Crème Fraîche Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | France |
| Specific Origin | Andria, Apulia | Normandy, France |
| Milk Type | Cow, occasionally water buffalo | — |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Thick, highly viscous |
| Rind | Thin | — |
| Aging | Within 48 hours | — |
| Taste | Mild, lactic | Mildly sour |
Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Crème Fraîche Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Crème Fraîche Cheese brings mildly sour character. More specifically, Burrata Cheese shows creamy, rich, delicate; best enjoyed fresh, while Crème Fraîche Cheese leans toward cultured taste from lactococcus bacteria, less sour than sour cream.
Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Crème Fraîche Cheese?
Burrata Cheese can stand in for Crème Fraîche 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 thick, highly viscous. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Crème Fraîche Cheese brings mildly sour notes.
Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Crème Fraîche 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 thick, highly viscous profile, Crème Fraîche Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Crème Fraîche Cheese fits dishes calling for mildly sour.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burrata Cheese the same as Crème Fraîche Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese originates in Italy, while Crème Fraîche Cheese comes from France.
Is Burrata Cheese similar to Crème Fraîche Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Crème Fraîche Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Burrata Cheese taste like Crème Fraîche Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Crème Fraîche Cheese is mildly sour.
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 Crème Fraîche Cheese made of?
Crème Fraîche Cheese is made from milk. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Crème Fraîche Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Crème Fraîche Cheese is thick, highly viscous.