Burrata Cheese vs Mascarpone Cheese

Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Mascarpone Cheese is soft, spreadable and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

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 Mascarpone Cheese?

Mascarpone is a soft Italian dairy product made by coagulating cream with acid and heat, without rennet and without aging. Milky white and easy to spread, it is best known as the base of tiramisu.

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

• Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), Mascarpone Cheese (cow's milk)
• Milk treatment: Burrata Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Mascarpone Cheese (Heated)
• Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Mascarpone Cheese (Soft, spreadable)
• Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Mascarpone Cheese (rindless)
• Aging: Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours), Mascarpone Cheese (not aged)
• Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Mascarpone Cheese (Buttery to slightly tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Mascarpone Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Mascarpone Cheese brings buttery to slightly tangy character. More specifically, Burrata Cheese shows creamy, rich, delicate; best enjoyed fresh, while Mascarpone Cheese leans toward enhances texture and flavor of dishes without overwhelming them with its own flavor.. Aging plays into this as well. Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours develops a different profile than Mascarpone Cheese at not aged.

Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Mascarpone Cheese?

Burrata Cheese can stand in for Mascarpone 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 soft, spreadable. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Mascarpone Cheese brings buttery to slightly tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Mascarpone 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 soft, spreadable profile, Mascarpone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Mascarpone Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery to slightly tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Burrata Cheese the same as Mascarpone Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; Mascarpone Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Burrata Cheese is typically aged within 48 hours, Mascarpone Cheese not aged.

Is Burrata Cheese similar to Mascarpone Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Mascarpone Cheese?

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

Does Burrata Cheese taste like Mascarpone Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Mascarpone Cheese is buttery to slightly tangy.

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 Mascarpone Cheese made of?

Mascarpone Cheese is made from cow milk (heated), using none rennet. It's typically aged not aged. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Mascarpone Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Mascarpone Cheese is soft, spreadable.