Burrata Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Burrata Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky 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 Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano is an iconic Italian cheese produced in specific regions of Italy, including Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and parts of Mantua and Bologna. It is made from raw cow's milk and aged at least 12 months, developing a deep, complex flavor that's slightly nutty and salty. Parmigiano Reggiano is essential in Italian cooking and as a finishing cheese.
What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Milk type: Burrata Cheese (water buffalo's milk), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Burrata Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
- Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
- Aging: Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
- Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Burrata Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Andria, Apulia | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Water buffalo's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | Thin | Hard |
| Aging | Within 48 hours | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | Mild, lactic | Umami |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Burrata Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Almonds, Amaro, Asparagus, Bresaola, Chicken, Clam Chowder, Cod, Madeira, Mushrooms, Pesto, Pistachios, Prosciutto, Roasted Vegetables, Sangiovese, Seaweed, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Avocado, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cava, Champagne, Dijon Mustard, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Dried Fruit, Ginger, Honey, Honeycomb, Macaroni and Cheese, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat, Pecans, Prosecco, Pumpkin, Salami, Salmon, Scotch, Steak, Tequila |
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Where to buy Burrata Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Burrata Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. More specifically, Burrata Cheese shows creamy, rich, delicate; best enjoyed fresh, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans toward lactic (fermented milk), sweet (fresh cream, melted butter), fruity or citrusy (apricot, banana, dried fruits, lemon, pineapple), balanced by savory nutty (hazelnut, walnut) and meaty. Aging plays into this as well. Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.
Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Burrata Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano 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 grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.
Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano 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 grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burrata Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese is made from buffalo milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Burrata Cheese is typically aged within 48 hours, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.
Is Burrata Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Burrata Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami.
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 Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 12 to 36 months. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.
See full profiles: Burrata Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese.