Burrata Cheese vs Naboulsi Cheese

Q: Is Burrata Cheese the same as Naboulsi Cheese?

No. Burrata Cheese and Naboulsi Cheese are distinct cheeses from Italy and Middle East and Palestine respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Naboulsi 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 is a soft, creamy buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Middle East and Palestine.

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 Naboulsi Cheese?

Naboulsi is a semi-hard, brined cheese made from pasteurized goat's or sheep's milk, commonly found in the Middle East and Palestine. It has a fresh aroma and a salty flavor, making it a popular choice in various dishes. The cheese is white in color and has a natural rind. Known also as Naboulsieh or Nabulsi, it is often used in both savory and sweet recipes, such as filling for pastries or grilled as a snack. Its firm texture allows it to hold up well when cooked, making it a versatile ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine.

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

Origin: Burrata Cheese (Italy), Naboulsi Cheese (Middle East and Palestine)
Milk type: Burrata Cheese (water buffalo's milk), Naboulsi Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk)
Milk treatment: Burrata Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Naboulsi Cheese (pasteurized)
Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Naboulsi Cheese (semi-hard, brined)
Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Naboulsi Cheese (natural)
Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Naboulsi Cheese (salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Burrata Cheese	Naboulsi Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Middle East And Palestine
Specific Origin	Andria, Apulia	—
Milk Type	Water buffalo's milk	Goat's or sheep's milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized or unpasteurized	Pasteurized
Texture	Soft, creamy	Semi-hard, brined
Rind	Thin	Natural
Aging	Within 48 hours	—
Taste	Mild, lactic	Salty

Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Naboulsi Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Naboulsi Cheese brings salty character.

Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?

Burrata Cheese can stand in for Naboulsi 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-hard, brined. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Naboulsi Cheese brings salty notes.

Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Naboulsi 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-hard, brined profile, Naboulsi Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Naboulsi Cheese fits dishes calling for salty.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Burrata Cheese the same as Naboulsi Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese originates in Italy, while Naboulsi Cheese comes from Middle East and Palestine. Burrata Cheese is made from buffalo milk; Naboulsi Cheese uses goat or sheep.

Is Burrata Cheese similar to Naboulsi Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?

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

Does Burrata Cheese taste like Naboulsi Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Naboulsi Cheese is salty.

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 Naboulsi Cheese made of?

Naboulsi Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Middle East and Palestine.

Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Naboulsi Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined.