Burrata Cheese vs Raclette Cheese

Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.

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 Raclette Cheese?

Raclette is a Swiss cheese and the dish made from it: the cheese is heated and the melted part is scraped off, usually onto boiled potatoes. It comes from the canton of Valais, where the cheese carries an AOP.

What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Raclette Cheese?

• Origin: Burrata Cheese (Italy), Raclette Cheese (Switzerland)
• Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), Raclette Cheese (Cow's milk)
• Milk treatment: Burrata Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Raclette Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth)
• Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Raclette Cheese (Washed)
• Aging: Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours), Raclette Cheese (3-4 months)
• Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Raclette Cheese (Mildly acidic)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Raclette Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic character. More specifically, Burrata Cheese shows creamy, rich, delicate; best enjoyed fresh, while Raclette Cheese leans toward 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'. Aging plays into this as well. Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours develops a different profile than Raclette Cheese at 3-4 months.

Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Raclette Cheese?

Burrata Cheese can stand in for Raclette 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 semisoft, smooth. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic notes.

Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Raclette 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 semisoft, smooth profile, Raclette Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Raclette Cheese fits dishes calling for mildly acidic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Burrata Cheese the same as Raclette Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese originates in Italy, while Raclette Cheese comes from Switzerland. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; Raclette Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Burrata Cheese is typically aged within 48 hours, Raclette Cheese 3-4 months.

Is Burrata Cheese similar to Raclette Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Raclette Cheese?

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

Does Burrata Cheese taste like Raclette Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Raclette Cheese is mildly acidic.

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 Raclette Cheese made of?

Raclette Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 3-4 months. It originates in Switzerland.

Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Raclette Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth.