Burrata Cheese vs Pimento Cheese
Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Pimento Cheese is spreadable, originating in United States.
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 Pimento Cheese?
Pimento cheese is a spread of grated cheddar, mayonnaise and chopped pimentos worked into a chunky paste. It started in the Northern United States in the early 1900s and is now tied to Southern cooking, served on crackers, in sandwiches and at the Masters Tournament.
What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Pimento Cheese?
- Origin: Burrata Cheese (Italy), Pimento Cheese (United States)
- Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), Pimento Cheese (Cheddar, farmers’ style)
- Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Pimento Cheese (Spreadable)
- Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Pimento Cheese (Sweet, rounded chili)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Burrata Cheese | Pimento Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | United States |
| Specific Origin | Andria, Apulia | Northern United States, Now Associated With The Southern United States |
| Milk Type | Cow, occasionally water buffalo | Cheddar, farmers’ style |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Spreadable |
| Rind | Thin | — |
| Aging | Within 48 hours | — |
| Taste | Mild, lactic | Sweet, rounded chili |
Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Pimento Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Pimento Cheese brings sweet, rounded chili character. More specifically, Burrata Cheese shows creamy, rich, delicate; best enjoyed fresh, while Pimento Cheese leans toward pimento peppers, mayonnaise, sometimes spicy additions.
Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Pimento Cheese?
Burrata Cheese can stand in for Pimento 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 spreadable. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Pimento Cheese brings sweet, rounded chili notes.
Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Pimento 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 spreadable profile, Pimento Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Pimento Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, rounded chili.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burrata Cheese the same as Pimento Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese originates in Italy, while Pimento Cheese comes from United States.
Is Burrata Cheese similar to Pimento Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Pimento Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Burrata Cheese taste like Pimento Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Pimento Cheese is sweet, rounded chili.
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 Pimento Cheese made of?
Pimento Cheese is made from milk. It originates in United States.
Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Pimento Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Pimento Cheese is spreadable.