Burrata Cheese vs Rabacal Cheese
Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Rabacal Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from goat and sheep 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 Rabacal Cheese?
Rabaçal is a Portuguese sheep's and goat's milk cheese from the village of Rabaçal in the Coimbra district, protected as a DOP since 1996. It is sold mainly as a hard cheese with a delicate, balanced taste that sharpens as it ages.
What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Rabacal Cheese?
- Origin: Burrata Cheese (Italy), Rabacal Cheese (Portugal)
- Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), Rabacal Cheese (goat's and sheep's milk)
- Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Rabacal Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Rabacal Cheese (smooth, dry to slightly oily)
- Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Rabacal Cheese (smooth)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Burrata Cheese | Rabacal Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Portugal |
| Specific Origin | Andria, Apulia | Rabaçal, Coimbra District, Portugal |
| Milk Type | Cow, occasionally water buffalo | Goat's and sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Thin | Smooth, dry to slightly oily |
| Aging | Within 48 hours | — |
| Taste | Mild, lactic | Smooth |
Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Rabacal Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Rabacal Cheese brings smooth character. More specifically, Burrata Cheese shows creamy, rich, delicate; best enjoyed fresh, while Rabacal Cheese leans toward delicate and balanced, stronger and more aromatic with age.
Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Rabacal Cheese?
Burrata Cheese can stand in for Rabacal 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 Rabacal Cheese brings smooth notes.
Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Rabacal 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, Rabacal Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Rabacal Cheese fits dishes calling for smooth.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burrata Cheese the same as Rabacal Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese originates in Italy, while Rabacal Cheese comes from Portugal. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; Rabacal Cheese uses goat and sheep.
Is Burrata Cheese similar to Rabacal Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Rabacal Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Burrata Cheese taste like Rabacal Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Rabacal Cheese is smooth.
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 Rabacal Cheese made of?
Rabacal Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk, using animal rennet. It originates in Portugal.
Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Rabacal Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Rabacal Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.