Burrata Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese

Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.

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 Washed Rind Cheese?

Washed-rind cheese, also called smear-ripened, is cured over and over with brine or mold-bearing agents as it ripens. That feeds Brevibacterium linens on the surface, which gives the cheese its pungent smell, firm rind and distinctive flavor.

What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese?

• Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Washed Rind Cheese (soft to hard)
• Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Washed Rind Cheese (washed, firm)
• Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Washed Rind Cheese (pungent, distinctive)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive character.

Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

Burrata Cheese can stand in for Washed Rind 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 soft to hard. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive notes.

Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Washed Rind 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 soft to hard profile, Washed Rind Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Washed Rind Cheese fits dishes calling for pungent, distinctive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Burrata Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Burrata Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Burrata Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Washed Rind Cheese is pungent, distinctive.

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 Washed Rind Cheese made of?

Washed Rind Cheese is made from milk.

Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.