Burrata Cheese vs Ossau-Iraty Cheese

Burrata Cheese is a fresh, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese is semi-hard, creamy and made from sheep milk, originating in France.

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 Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

Ossau-Iraty is a sheep's milk cheese from the Northern Basque Country and Béarn in south-western France. Uncooked and pressed, it is smooth, creamy and firm, and has held appellation d'origine contrôlée status since 1980.

What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

• Origin: Burrata Cheese (Italy), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Burrata Cheese (Cow's milk, sometimes with water buffalo's milk), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Sheep's milk)
• Milk treatment: Burrata Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Burrata Cheese (Fresh, creamy), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Semi-hard, creamy)
• Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Natural, smooth, orange to gray)
• Aging: Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Minimum 80-120 days)
• Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (fruity, herbaceous, nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese brings fruity, herbaceous, nutty character. Aging plays into this as well. Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours develops a different profile than Ossau-Iraty Cheese at minimum 80-120 days.

Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

Burrata Cheese can stand in for Ossau-Iraty Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect fresh, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, creamy. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Ossau-Iraty Cheese brings fruity, herbaceous, nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a fresh, creamy cheese, go with Burrata Cheese. For a semi-hard, creamy profile, Ossau-Iraty Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese fits dishes calling for fruity, herbaceous, nutty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Burrata Cheese the same as Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese originates in Italy, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese comes from France. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; Ossau-Iraty Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Burrata Cheese is typically aged within 48 hours, Ossau-Iraty Cheese minimum 80-120 days.

Is Burrata Cheese similar to Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

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

Does Burrata Cheese taste like Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese is fruity, herbaceous, 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 Ossau-Iraty Cheese made of?

Ossau-Iraty Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw). It's typically aged minimum 80-120 days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is fresh, creamy, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese is semi-hard, creamy.