Burrata Cheese vs Leicester Cheese

Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Leicester Cheese is firm, dry, crumbly and made from cow milk, originating in 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 Leicester Cheese?

Red Leicester is a crumbly cow's milk cheese from Leicestershire, England, close to Cheddar and coloured orange with annatto. Young wheels taste very mild and slightly sweet; after about six months the cheese picks up a tang.

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

• Origin: Burrata Cheese (Italy), Leicester Cheese (United Kingdom)
• Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), Leicester Cheese (cow)
• Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Leicester Cheese (firm, dry, crumbly)
• Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Leicester Cheese (reddish-orange with a powdery mould)
• Aging: Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours), Leicester Cheese (6 to 12 months)
• Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Leicester Cheese (slightly sweet, mellow, nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Leicester Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Leicester Cheese brings slightly sweet, mellow, nutty character. More specifically, Burrata Cheese shows creamy, rich, delicate; best enjoyed fresh, while Leicester Cheese leans toward very mild when young, tangier after six months. Aging plays into this as well. Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours develops a different profile than Leicester Cheese at 6 to 12 months.

Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Leicester Cheese?

Burrata Cheese can stand in for Leicester 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 firm, dry, crumbly. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Leicester Cheese brings slightly sweet, mellow, nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Leicester 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 firm, dry, crumbly profile, Leicester Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Leicester Cheese fits dishes calling for slightly sweet, mellow, nutty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Burrata Cheese the same as Leicester Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese originates in Italy, while Leicester Cheese comes from United Kingdom. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; Leicester Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Burrata Cheese is typically aged within 48 hours, Leicester Cheese 6 to 12 months.

Is Burrata Cheese similar to Leicester Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Leicester Cheese?

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

Does Burrata Cheese taste like Leicester Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Leicester Cheese is slightly sweet, mellow, nutty.

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 Leicester Cheese made of?

Leicester Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 6 to 12 months. It originates in United Kingdom.

Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Leicester Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Leicester Cheese is firm, dry, crumbly.