Burrata Cheese vs Pecorino Toscano Cheese

Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or 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 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 Pecorino Toscano Cheese?

Pecorino toscano is a firm sheep's milk cheese from Tuscany that has held PDO status since 1996. It is the third most produced sheep's milk cheese in Italy, behind pecorino romano and pecorino sardo.

What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Pecorino Toscano Cheese?

• Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), 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

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 cow or 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 cow or buffalo milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized), using animal rennet. 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.