Burrata Cheese vs Staffordshire Cheese
Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Staffordshire Cheese is hard or semi-hard depending on aging, uniform, slightly crumbly, creamy and made from cow milk.
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 Staffordshire Cheese?
Staffordshire Cheese is a raw cow's milk cheese from the county of Staffordshire, England, protected by a PDO. It is sold as cloth-wrapped cylinders of 8 to 10 kg and ranges from semi-hard to hard depending on how long it is matured.
What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Staffordshire Cheese?
- Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), Staffordshire Cheese (Cow)
- Milk treatment: Burrata Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Staffordshire Cheese (raw)
- Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Staffordshire Cheese (hard or semi-hard depending on aging, uniform, slightly crumbly, creamy)
- Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Staffordshire Cheese (Cloth-bound)
- Aging: Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours), Staffordshire Cheese (2-4 weeks (mild), up to 12 months (mature))
- Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Staffordshire Cheese (Creamy, fresh, lactic)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Burrata Cheese | Staffordshire Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Andria, Apulia | Staffordshire, England |
| Milk Type | Cow, occasionally water buffalo | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Hard or semi-hard depending on aging, uniform, slightly crumbly, creamy |
| Rind | Thin | Cloth-bound |
| Aging | Within 48 hours | 2-4 weeks (mild), up to 12 months (mature) |
| Taste | Mild, lactic | Creamy, fresh, lactic |
Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Staffordshire Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Staffordshire Cheese brings creamy, fresh, lactic character. Aging plays into this as well. Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours develops a different profile than Staffordshire Cheese at 2-4 weeks (mild), up to 12 months (mature).
Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Staffordshire Cheese?
Burrata Cheese can stand in for Staffordshire 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 semi-hard depending on aging, uniform, slightly crumbly, creamy. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Staffordshire Cheese brings creamy, fresh, lactic notes.
Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Staffordshire 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 semi-hard depending on aging, uniform, slightly crumbly, creamy profile, Staffordshire Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Staffordshire Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy, fresh, lactic.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burrata Cheese the same as Staffordshire Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; Staffordshire Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Burrata Cheese is typically aged within 48 hours, Staffordshire Cheese 2-4 weeks (mild), up to 12 months (mature).
Is Burrata Cheese similar to Staffordshire Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Staffordshire Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Burrata Cheese taste like Staffordshire Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Staffordshire Cheese is creamy, fresh, lactic.
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 Staffordshire Cheese made of?
Staffordshire Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged 2-4 weeks (mild), up to 12 months (mature).
Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Staffordshire Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Staffordshire Cheese is hard or semi-hard depending on aging, uniform, slightly crumbly, creamy.