Burrata Cheese vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm 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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is a firm cow's milk cheese made by traditional methods in Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall. Its name has been protected in the EU and UK since 2007, and only milk from those four counties may be used.
What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
- Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Cow)
- Milk treatment: Burrata Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (raw)
- Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Firm)
- Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (cloth-wrapped)
- Aging: Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Minimum 9 months)
- Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Burrata Cheese | West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Andria, Apulia | Dorset, Somerset, Devon And Cornwall |
| Milk Type | Cow, occasionally water buffalo | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Firm |
| Rind | Thin | Cloth-wrapped |
| Aging | Within 48 hours | Minimum 9 months |
| Taste | Mild, lactic | Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness |
Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness character. More specifically, Burrata Cheese shows creamy, rich, delicate; best enjoyed fresh, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese leans toward sharp and pungent, often slightly earthy, with a hazelnut note and large calcium lactate crystals when well matured. Aging plays into this as well. Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours develops a different profile than West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese at minimum 9 months.
Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Burrata Cheese can stand in for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 firm. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness notes.
Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 firm profile, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burrata Cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Burrata Cheese is typically aged within 48 hours, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese minimum 9 months.
Is Burrata Cheese similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Burrata Cheese taste like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese made of?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum 9 months.
Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm.