Burrata Cheese vs Orla Cheese
Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Orla Cheese is semi-hard, brined and made from sheep milk, originating in Ireland.
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 Orla Cheese?
Orla is a semi-hard cheese from Ireland, made with pasteurized sheep's milk. It has a distinct orange color and a washed rind that contributes to its earthy, strong aroma. The flavor profile is salty and sharp, making it a bold choice for cheese lovers. Orla's texture is firm yet slightly pliable, typical of brined cheeses. This cheese is often enjoyed on its own or paired with robust foods that can match its intense flavor. It's a great addition to cheese boards or used as a flavorful ingredient in cooking.
What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Orla Cheese?
- Origin: Burrata Cheese (Italy), Orla Cheese (Ireland)
- Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), Orla Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Burrata Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Orla Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Orla Cheese (semi-hard, brined)
- Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Orla Cheese (washed)
- Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Orla Cheese (salty, sharp)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Burrata Cheese | Orla Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Ireland |
| Specific Origin | Andria, Apulia | — |
| Milk Type | Cow, occasionally water buffalo | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Semi-hard, brined |
| Rind | Thin | Washed |
| Aging | Within 48 hours | — |
| Taste | Mild, lactic | Salty, sharp |
Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Orla Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Orla Cheese brings salty, sharp character.
Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Orla Cheese?
Burrata Cheese can stand in for Orla 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 Orla Cheese brings salty, sharp notes.
Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Orla 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, Orla Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Orla Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, sharp.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burrata Cheese the same as Orla Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese originates in Italy, while Orla Cheese comes from Ireland. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; Orla Cheese uses sheep.
Is Burrata Cheese similar to Orla Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Orla Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Burrata Cheese taste like Orla Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Orla Cheese is salty, sharp.
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 Orla Cheese made of?
Orla Cheese is made from sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Ireland.
Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Orla Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Orla Cheese is semi-hard, brined.