Burrata Cheese vs Fontina Cheese
Burrata Cheese
Fontina Cheese
Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Fontina Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow 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 Fontina Cheese?
Fontina is a classic Italian cheese from the Aosta Valley, with a dense, smooth texture and a nutty, earthy flavor. It is made from cow's milk and has a slightly elastic feel. Fontina is excellent for melting and is often used in dishes like risotto, fonduta, and as a table cheese.
What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Fontina Cheese?
- Milk type: Burrata Cheese (water buffalo's milk), Fontina Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Burrata Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Fontina Cheese (Raw (for traditional Italian Fontina), Pasteurized (for most American versions))
- Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Fontina Cheese (Semi-Soft)
- Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Fontina Cheese (Natural, Often Washed)
- Aging: Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours), Fontina Cheese (Typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor))
- Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Fontina Cheese (Mild, Buttery, Nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Burrata Cheese | Fontina Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Andria, Apulia | — |
| Milk Type | Water buffalo's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Raw (for traditional Italian Fontina), Pasteurized (for most American versions) |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Semi-Soft |
| Rind | Thin | Natural, Often Washed |
| Aging | Within 48 hours | Typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor) |
| Taste | Mild, lactic | Mild, Buttery, Nutty |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Burrata Cheese | Fontina Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Chardonnay |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Grilled Cheese, Macaroni and Cheese, Mushrooms, Prosciutto, Sangiovese |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Burrata Cheese and Fontina Cheese
Burrata Cheese
Fontina Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Fontina Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Fontina Cheese brings mild, buttery, nutty character. More specifically, Burrata Cheese shows creamy, rich, delicate; best enjoyed fresh, while Fontina Cheese leans toward buttery, earthy, mildly nutty, slightly fruity. Aging plays into this as well. Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours develops a different profile than Fontina Cheese at typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor).
Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Fontina Cheese?
Burrata Cheese can stand in for Fontina 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-soft. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Fontina Cheese brings mild, buttery, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Fontina 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-soft profile, Fontina Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Fontina Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, buttery, nutty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burrata Cheese the same as Fontina Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese is made from buffalo milk; Fontina Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Burrata Cheese is typically aged within 48 hours, Fontina Cheese typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor).
Is Burrata Cheese similar to Fontina Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Fontina Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Burrata Cheese taste like Fontina Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Fontina Cheese is mild, buttery, nutty.
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 Fontina Cheese made of?
Fontina Cheese is made from cow milk (raw (for traditional italian fontina), pasteurized (for most american versions)), using traditional (animal) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor). It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Fontina Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Fontina Cheese is semi-soft.
See full profiles: Burrata Cheese and Fontina Cheese.