Burrata Cheese vs American Gruyere Cheese

Q: Is Burrata Cheese the same as American Gruyere Cheese?

No. Burrata Cheese and American Gruyere Cheese are distinct cheeses from Italy and United States respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for American Gruyere Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Burrata Cheese for American Gruyere Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or American Gruyere Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Burrata Cheese

American Gruyere Cheese

Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while American Gruyere Cheese is semi-firm and made from cow milk, originating in United States.

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 American Gruyere Cheese?

American Gruyere is a Gruyere-style cheese made in the United States, with Wisconsin producing the most of it. A U.S. court ruled in 2021 that gruyere is a generic cheese name, which leaves American makers free to use it.

What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and American Gruyere Cheese?

Origin: Burrata Cheese (Italy), American Gruyere Cheese (United States)
Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), American Gruyere Cheese (cow's milk)
Milk treatment: Burrata Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), American Gruyere Cheese (Pasteurized)
Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), American Gruyere Cheese (Semi-Firm)
Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), American Gruyere Cheese (Natural or Brushed, Sometimes Waxed)
Aging: Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours), American Gruyere Cheese (Typically 3-6 months)
Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), American Gruyere Cheese (Mild, Nutty, Slightly Buttery)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Burrata Cheese	American Gruyere Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	United States
Specific Origin	Andria, Apulia	Wisconsin, The U.S.
Milk Type	Cow, occasionally water buffalo	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized or unpasteurized	Pasteurized
Texture	Soft, creamy	Semi-Firm
Rind	Thin	Natural or Brushed, Sometimes Waxed
Aging	Within 48 hours	Typically 3-6 months
Taste	Mild, lactic	Mild, Nutty, Slightly Buttery

Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like American Gruyere Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while American Gruyere Cheese brings mild, nutty, slightly buttery character. More specifically, Burrata Cheese shows creamy, rich, delicate; best enjoyed fresh, while American Gruyere Cheese leans toward buttery, mildly nutty, slightly sweet, less complex than traditional gruyère. Aging plays into this as well. Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours develops a different profile than American Gruyere Cheese at typically 3-6 months.

Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for American Gruyere Cheese?

Burrata Cheese can stand in for American Gruyere 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. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while American Gruyere Cheese brings mild, nutty, slightly buttery notes.

Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or American Gruyere 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 profile, American Gruyere Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while American Gruyere Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, nutty, slightly buttery.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Burrata Cheese the same as American Gruyere Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese originates in Italy, while American Gruyere Cheese comes from United States. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; American Gruyere Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Burrata Cheese is typically aged within 48 hours, American Gruyere Cheese typically 3-6 months.

Is Burrata Cheese similar to American Gruyere Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for American Gruyere Cheese?

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

Does Burrata Cheese taste like American Gruyere Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while American Gruyere Cheese is mild, nutty, slightly buttery.

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 American Gruyere Cheese made of?

American Gruyere Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using microbial or vegetarian (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically 3-6 months. It originates in United States.

Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or American Gruyere Cheese?

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