Burrata Cheese vs Pljevlja Cheese
Burrata Cheese
Pljevlja Cheese
Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard and made from cow or sheep milk, originating in Montenegro.
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 Pljevlja Cheese?
Pljevlja is a traditional cheese from the northern region of Montenegro, made from cow's milk. It has a rich, creamy texture and a strong, salty flavor. Often served as part of a mezze platter, Pljevlja cheese is enjoyed with bread, olives, and sometimes drizzled with honey for a balance of flavors.
What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Pljevlja Cheese?
- Origin: Burrata Cheese (Italy), Pljevlja Cheese (Montenegro)
- Milk type: Burrata Cheese (water buffalo's milk), Pljevlja Cheese (Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed)
- Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Pljevlja Cheese (Soft to semihard)
- Aging: Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours), Pljevlja Cheese (4 to 8 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Burrata Cheese | Pljevlja Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Montenegro |
| Specific Origin | Andria, Apulia | Northern Montenegro, Municipality Of Pljevlja |
| Milk Type | Water buffalo's milk | Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Soft to semihard |
| Rind | Thin | — |
| Aging | Within 48 hours | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Taste | Mild, lactic | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Pljevlja Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours develops a different profile than Pljevlja Cheese at 4 to 8 weeks.
Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?
Burrata Cheese can stand in for Pljevlja 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 to semihard.
Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Pljevlja 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 to semihard profile, Pljevlja Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burrata Cheese the same as Pljevlja Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese originates in Italy, while Pljevlja Cheese comes from Montenegro. Burrata Cheese is made from buffalo milk; Pljevlja Cheese uses cow or sheep. Aging also differs: Burrata Cheese is typically aged within 48 hours, Pljevlja Cheese 4 to 8 weeks.
Is Burrata Cheese similar to Pljevlja Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Burrata Cheese taste like Pljevlja Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Pljevlja Cheese made of?
Pljevlja Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk, using traditional, industrial rennet. It's typically aged 4 to 8 weeks. It originates in Montenegro.
Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard.