Burrata Cheese vs Pecorino Toscano Cheese
Burrata Cheese
Pecorino Toscano Cheese
Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Pecorino Toscano Cheese is soft or semihard and made from sheep 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 Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
Pecorino Toscano is a PDO-certified cheese from Tuscany made from sheep's milk. It has a softer texture and milder flavor compared to other Pecorinos and can be eaten fresh or aged. The fresh version is creamy and mild, while the aged version is firmer and nuttier, often served as part of an antipasti platter or grated into dishes.
What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
- Milk type: Burrata Cheese (water buffalo's milk), Pecorino Toscano Cheese (Sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Burrata Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Pecorino Toscano Cheese (Raw or pasteurized)
- Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Pecorino Toscano Cheese (Soft or Semihard)
- Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Pecorino Toscano Cheese (Straw-colored)
- Aging: Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours), Pecorino Toscano Cheese (At least 20 days (soft), Four months (semihard))
- Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Pecorino Toscano Cheese (Fragrant)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Burrata Cheese | Pecorino Toscano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Andria, Apulia | Tuscany, Some Municipalities Of Umbria And Lazio |
| Milk Type | Water buffalo's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Raw or pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Soft or Semihard |
| Rind | Thin | Straw-colored |
| Aging | Within 48 hours | At least 20 days (soft), Four months (semihard) |
| Taste | Mild, lactic | Fragrant |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Burrata Cheese | Pecorino Toscano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Sangiovese |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Burrata Cheese and Pecorino Toscano Cheese
Burrata Cheese
Pecorino Toscano Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Pecorino Toscano Cheese brings fragrant character. Aging plays into this as well. Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours develops a different profile than Pecorino Toscano Cheese at at least 20 days (soft), four months (semihard).
Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
Burrata Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Toscano 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 soft or semihard. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Pecorino Toscano Cheese brings fragrant notes.
Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Pecorino Toscano 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 soft or semihard profile, Pecorino Toscano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Pecorino Toscano Cheese fits dishes calling for fragrant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burrata Cheese the same as Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese is made from buffalo milk; Pecorino Toscano Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Burrata Cheese is typically aged within 48 hours, Pecorino Toscano Cheese at least 20 days (soft), four months (semihard).
Is Burrata Cheese similar to Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Burrata Cheese taste like Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Pecorino Toscano Cheese is fragrant.
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 Pecorino Toscano Cheese made of?
Pecorino Toscano Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw or pasteurized), using calf rennet. It's typically aged at least 20 days (soft), four months (semihard). It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Pecorino Toscano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Pecorino Toscano Cheese is soft or semihard.
See full profiles: Burrata Cheese and Pecorino Toscano Cheese.