Burrata Cheese vs Roncal Cheese

Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Roncal Cheese is hard or semihard and made from sheep milk, originating in Spain.

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 Roncal Cheese?

Roncal is a hard cheese made from raw sheep's milk in the Roncal Valley of the Navarrese Pyrenees. In 1981 it became the first Spanish cheese granted a denomination of origin, and it is known for its intense, slightly spicy sheep's milk flavor.

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

• Origin: Burrata Cheese (Italy), Roncal Cheese (Spain)
• Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), Roncal Cheese (sheep's milk)
• Milk treatment: Burrata Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Roncal Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Roncal Cheese (Hard or semihard)
• Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Roncal Cheese (Natural hard brown)
• Aging: Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours), Roncal Cheese (More than 120 days)
• Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Roncal Cheese (Well developed, pronounced)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Roncal Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Roncal Cheese brings well developed, pronounced character. More specifically, Burrata Cheese shows creamy, rich, delicate; best enjoyed fresh, while Roncal Cheese leans toward buttery, toasted, straw, mushrooms, dried fruits. Aging plays into this as well. Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours develops a different profile than Roncal Cheese at more than 120 days.

Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Roncal Cheese?

Burrata Cheese can stand in for Roncal 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 hard or semihard. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Roncal Cheese brings well developed, pronounced notes.

Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Roncal 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 hard or semihard profile, Roncal Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Roncal Cheese fits dishes calling for well developed, pronounced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Burrata Cheese the same as Roncal Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese originates in Italy, while Roncal Cheese comes from Spain. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; Roncal Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Burrata Cheese is typically aged within 48 hours, Roncal Cheese more than 120 days.

Is Burrata Cheese similar to Roncal Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Roncal Cheese?

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

Does Burrata Cheese taste like Roncal Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Roncal Cheese is well developed, pronounced.

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 Roncal Cheese made of?

Roncal Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged more than 120 days. It originates in Spain.

Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Roncal Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Roncal Cheese is hard or semihard.