Burrata Cheese vs Queijo do Pico

Burrata Cheese is a fresh, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Queijo do Pico is soft and made from cow milk, originating in Portugal.

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 Queijo do Pico?

Queijo do Pico is a cured cow's milk cheese from the island of Pico in the Azores. It cures for 20 to 30 days into a flat cylinder with a yellow crust and a soft, pasty interior, and it has carried EU protected origin status since 1996.

What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Queijo do Pico?

• Origin: Burrata Cheese (Italy), Queijo do Pico (Portugal)
• Milk type: Burrata Cheese (Cow's milk, sometimes with water buffalo's milk), Queijo do Pico (Cow's milk)
• Milk treatment: Burrata Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Queijo do Pico (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Burrata Cheese (Fresh, creamy), Queijo do Pico (Soft)
• Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Queijo do Pico (natural)
• Aging: Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours), Queijo do Pico (20 to 30 days)
• Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Queijo do Pico (creamy, salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Queijo do Pico?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Queijo do Pico brings creamy, salty character. Aging plays into this as well. Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours develops a different profile than Queijo do Pico at 20 to 30 days.

Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Queijo do Pico?

Burrata Cheese can stand in for Queijo do Pico in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect fresh, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Queijo do Pico brings creamy, salty notes.

Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Queijo do Pico?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a fresh, creamy cheese, go with Burrata Cheese. For a soft profile, Queijo do Pico is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Queijo do Pico fits dishes calling for creamy, salty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Burrata Cheese the same as Queijo do Pico?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese originates in Italy, while Queijo do Pico comes from Portugal. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; Queijo do Pico uses cow. Aging also differs: Burrata Cheese is typically aged within 48 hours, Queijo do Pico 20 to 30 days.

Is Burrata Cheese similar to Queijo do Pico?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Queijo do Pico?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Burrata Cheese taste like Queijo do Pico?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Queijo do Pico is creamy, salty.

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 Queijo do Pico made of?

Queijo do Pico is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged 20 to 30 days. It originates in Portugal.

Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Queijo do Pico?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is fresh, creamy, while Queijo do Pico is soft.