Burrata Cheese vs Derby Cheese

Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Derby Cheese is semi-firm, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in England and United Kingdom.

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 Derby Cheese?

Derby is a mild, semi-firm cow's milk cheese from Derbyshire, England, with a smooth, mellow texture and a buttery flavour. It sits close to Cheddar in taste but stays softer, and its best known version is the sage-flecked Sage Derby.

What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Derby Cheese?

• Origin: Burrata Cheese (Italy), Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom)
• Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), Derby Cheese (cow's milk)
• Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Derby Cheese (semi-firm, artisan)
• Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Derby Cheese (natural or waxed)
• Aging: Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours), Derby Cheese (1 to 6 months)
• Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Derby Cheese (buttery, mild, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Derby Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Derby Cheese brings buttery, mild, sweet character. More specifically, Burrata Cheese shows creamy, rich, delicate; best enjoyed fresh, while Derby Cheese leans toward springy and mild when young, turning firmer and subtly sweet with age. Aging plays into this as well. Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours develops a different profile than Derby Cheese at 1 to 6 months.

Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Derby Cheese?

Burrata Cheese can stand in for Derby 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-firm, artisan. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Derby Cheese brings buttery, mild, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Derby 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-firm, artisan profile, Derby Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Derby Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, mild, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Burrata Cheese the same as Derby Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese originates in Italy, while Derby Cheese comes from England and United Kingdom. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; Derby Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Burrata Cheese is typically aged within 48 hours, Derby Cheese 1 to 6 months.

Is Burrata Cheese similar to Derby Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Derby Cheese?

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

Does Burrata Cheese taste like Derby Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Derby Cheese is buttery, mild, sweet.

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 Derby Cheese made of?

Derby Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 1 to 6 months. It originates in England and United Kingdom.

Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Derby Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Derby Cheese is semi-firm, artisan.