Burrata Cheese vs Naboulsi Cheese
Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or 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 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 Naboulsi Cheese?
Nabulsi is a Palestinian white brined cheese named for Nablus, made mostly from sheep's milk and flavored with mahleb and mastic in the brine. It comes in white rectangular blocks that turn soft and stretchy when heated, which is why it fills knafeh.
What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Naboulsi Cheese?
- Origin: Burrata Cheese (Italy), Naboulsi Cheese (Middle East and Palestine)
- Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), 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 | Nablus, Palestine |
| Milk Type | Cow, occasionally water buffalo | 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?
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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 cow or 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 cow or buffalo milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized), using animal rennet. 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.