Burrata Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Burrata Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan 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 Provolone Cheese?
Provolone is a well-known Italian cheese with a smooth, firm texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor that becomes sharper and more robust with age. Made from cow's milk, this stretched-curd cheese can be aged from a few months to a year or more. Provolone is excellent for slicing, grating, or melting.
What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Milk type: Burrata Cheese (water buffalo's milk), Provolone Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Burrata Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Andria, Apulia | — |
| Milk Type | Water buffalo's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Thin | — |
| Aging | Within 48 hours | — |
| Taste | Mild, lactic | Tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Burrata Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Pastrami, Salami |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Burrata Cheese and Provolone Cheese
Burrata Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character.
Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
Burrata Cheese can stand in for Provolone 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 semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Provolone 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 semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burrata Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese is made from buffalo milk; Provolone Cheese uses cow.
Is Burrata Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Burrata Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Provolone Cheese is tangy.
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 Provolone Cheese made of?
Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.
See full profiles: Burrata Cheese and Provolone Cheese.