Burrata Cheese vs Swaledale Ewes' Cheese

Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is hard, firm, crumbly and made from sheep 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 Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

Swaledale Ewes Cheese is a full-fat hard cheese made from ewe’s milk in Swaledale, North Yorkshire. It has a cylindrical shape, a firm and crumbly texture, and a natural white color. The cheese is either coated in a greenish-blue-grey mold or sealed with black wax. Made entirely by hand, the traditional production process includes pressing, brining for 24 hours, and a maturation period of 3 to 4 weeks. The cheese has been produced in the region for centuries using a closely guarded recipe passed down through generations. The distinct flavor is influenced by the local pastures, which provide a unique mix of herbs and grasses for the sheep.

What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

• Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (Sheep)
• Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (Hard, firm, crumbly)
• Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (Greenish-blue-grey mold or black wax coating)
• Aging: Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (3 to 4 weeks)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours develops a different profile than Swaledale Ewes' Cheese at 3 to 4 weeks.

Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

Burrata Cheese can stand in for Swaledale Ewes' 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, firm, crumbly.

Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Swaledale Ewes' 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, firm, crumbly profile, Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Burrata Cheese the same as Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; Swaledale Ewes' Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Burrata Cheese is typically aged within 48 hours, Swaledale Ewes' Cheese 3 to 4 weeks.

Is Burrata Cheese similar to Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

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

Does Burrata Cheese taste like Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

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 Swaledale Ewes' Cheese made of?

Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 3 to 4 weeks.

Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is hard, firm, crumbly.