Burrata Cheese vs Parmesan Cheese
Burrata Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Parmesan Cheese is hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
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 Parmesan Cheese?
Parmesan, often referred to by its Italian name, Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard, granular cheese known for its rich flavor and grainy texture. Made from cow's milk, it's aged for a minimum of 12 months, often much longer, to develop its distinct nutty and savory profile. Parmesan is a staple in Italian cuisine, commonly grated over pasta dishes, stirred into soups, or eaten on its own.
What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Parmesan Cheese?
- Milk type: Burrata Cheese (water buffalo's milk), Parmesan Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Burrata Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Parmesan Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Parmesan Cheese (hard, artisan)
- Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Parmesan Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Parmesan Cheese (salty, savory)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Burrata Cheese | Parmesan Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Andria, Apulia | — |
| Milk Type | Water buffalo's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Hard, artisan |
| Rind | Thin | Natural |
| Aging | Within 48 hours | — |
| Taste | Mild, lactic | Salty, savory |
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Where to buy Burrata Cheese and Parmesan Cheese
Burrata Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Parmesan Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory character.
Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?
Burrata Cheese can stand in for Parmesan 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 hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory notes.
Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Parmesan 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 hard, artisan profile, Parmesan Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Parmesan Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, savory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burrata Cheese the same as Parmesan Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese is made from buffalo milk; Parmesan Cheese uses cow.
Is Burrata Cheese similar to Parmesan Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Burrata Cheese taste like Parmesan Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Parmesan Cheese is salty, savory.
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 Parmesan Cheese made of?
Parmesan Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Parmesan Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Parmesan Cheese is hard, artisan.
See full profiles: Burrata Cheese and Parmesan Cheese.