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Burrata Cheese vs Fontina Cheese
Burrata Cheese
Fontina Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Burrata Cheese and Fontina Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Burrata Cheese and Fontina Cheese?"
- "Is Burrata Cheese and Fontina Cheese the same?"
- "How does Burrata Cheese compare to Fontina Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Burrata Cheese compare to Fontina Cheese?"
- "Is Burrata Cheese or Fontina Cheese better?"
Burrata Cheese Overview
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.
Fontina Cheese Overview
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.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Burrata Cheese comes from Italy and United States. Fontina Cheese originated from Italy.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Burrata is not a protected cheese. Fontina Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Burrata Cheese is made with buffalo milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Fontina Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw or pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Burrata Cheese has a fat content of 60% fat in dry matter. Burrata's texture can be described as "soft, creamy". Fontina Cheese has a fat content of ~30-45% and a moisture content of none. Fontina's texture can be described as "semi-soft".
Taste and Aroma
Burrata Cheese has a mild, lactic taste. Fontina Cheese has a mild, buttery, nutty taste. Fontina's aroma can be described as "mild to pungent (earthier in aged versions)".
Appearance and Aging
Burrata Cheese's appearance is available in pouch-shaped, wrapped and is aged within 48 hours . Fontina Cheese has a color of pale yellow to golden , comes in wheel, block, sliced, shredded and has an aging period of typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor) .
Rind and Rennet Type
Burrata Cheese's rind is described as thin . Fontina Cheese's rind is described as natural, often washed , with traditional (animal) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet.
Ranking
Burrata is ranked #35 out of 996 types based on community views. Fontina is ranked #62 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Burrata | Fontina | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | No pairings listed. | Chardonnay |
| Other Good Pairings | No additional pairings listed. | Grilled Cheese, Macaroni and Cheese, Mushrooms, Prosciutto, Sangiovese |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Burrata and Fontina pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Burrata Cheese | Fontina Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy And United States | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Andria, Apulia | Not Specified |
| Certification | Not Specified | PDO (1996) |
| Milk Type | Water buffalo's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Raw (for traditional Italian Fontina), Pasteurized (for most American versions) |
| Fat Content | 60% fat in dry matter | ~30-45% |
| Moisture Content | Not Specified | ~45-50% |
| Rind | Thin | Natural, Often Washed |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Semi-Soft |
| Taste | Mild, lactic | Mild, Buttery, Nutty |
| Aroma | Not Specified | Mild to Pungent (earthier in aged versions) |
| Colors | Not Specified | Pale Yellow to Golden |
| Forms | Pouch-shaped, wrapped | Wheel, Block, Sliced, Shredded |
| Age | Within 48 hours | Typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor) |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Traditional (Animal) or Microbial (varies by producer) |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft, creamy cheese, go for Burrata. But if you enjoy a semi-soft consistency, Fontina might be the better pick. Burrata has a mild, lactic taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Fontina offers a mild, buttery, nutty profile, ideal for different meals.
