Burrata Cheese vs Crotonese Cheese
Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Crotonese Cheese is semi-hard, artisan 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 Crotonese Cheese?
Crotonese, also known as Pecorino Crotonese, is a semi-hard cheese made from pasteurized sheep's milk in the region of Crotone, Italy. This artisan cheese presents a pale yellow color and features a natural rind. It offers a strong, salty, and savory flavor profile, with a spicy aroma that adds to its character. Crotonese is well-suited for grating over pasta or enjoyed on its own as part of a cheese platter. Its firm texture makes it easy to slice or shave, complementing a variety of dishes. Whether used in cooking or served as an appetizer, Crotonese brings a bold taste to the table.
What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Crotonese Cheese?
- Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), Crotonese Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Burrata Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Crotonese Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Crotonese Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Crotonese Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Crotonese Cheese (salty, savory, strong)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Burrata Cheese | Crotonese Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Andria, Apulia | Crotone |
| Milk Type | Cow, occasionally water buffalo | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Thin | Natural |
| Aging | Within 48 hours | — |
| Taste | Mild, lactic | Salty, savory, strong |
Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Crotonese Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Crotonese Cheese brings salty, savory, strong character.
Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Crotonese Cheese?
Burrata Cheese can stand in for Crotonese 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 semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Crotonese Cheese brings salty, savory, strong notes.
Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Crotonese 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 semi-hard, artisan profile, Crotonese Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Crotonese Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, savory, strong.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burrata Cheese the same as Crotonese Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; Crotonese Cheese uses sheep.
Is Burrata Cheese similar to Crotonese Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Crotonese Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Burrata Cheese taste like Crotonese Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Crotonese Cheese is salty, savory, strong.
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 Crotonese Cheese made of?
Crotonese Cheese is made from sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Crotonese Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Crotonese Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.