Burrata Cheese vs Zimbro Cheese
Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Zimbro Cheese is soft, artisan and made from sheep milk, originating in Portugal.
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 Zimbro Cheese?
Zimbro is a soft, artisan cheese from Portugal made from unpasteurized sheep's milk. It has a pale yellow color and a washed rind, contributing to its clean aroma. The cheese offers a sweet flavor with herbal notes, making it a tasty choice for those who enjoy mild yet flavorful cheeses. Its soft texture makes it easy to spread, perfect for pairing with crusty bread or fresh fruits. Enjoy it as part of a cheese platter or simply on its own to appreciate its natural taste.
What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Zimbro Cheese?
- Origin: Burrata Cheese (Italy), Zimbro Cheese (Portugal)
- Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), Zimbro Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Burrata Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Zimbro Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Zimbro Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Zimbro Cheese (washed)
- Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Zimbro Cheese (herbaceous, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Burrata Cheese | Zimbro Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Portugal |
| Specific Origin | Andria, Apulia | — |
| Milk Type | Cow, occasionally water buffalo | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Thin | Washed |
| Aging | Within 48 hours | — |
| Taste | Mild, lactic | Herbaceous, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Zimbro Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Zimbro Cheese brings herbaceous, sweet character.
Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Zimbro Cheese?
Burrata Cheese can stand in for Zimbro 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, artisan. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Zimbro Cheese brings herbaceous, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Zimbro 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, artisan profile, Zimbro Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Zimbro Cheese fits dishes calling for herbaceous, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burrata Cheese the same as Zimbro Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese originates in Italy, while Zimbro Cheese comes from Portugal. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; Zimbro Cheese uses sheep.
Is Burrata Cheese similar to Zimbro Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Zimbro Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Burrata Cheese taste like Zimbro Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Zimbro Cheese is herbaceous, sweet.
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 Zimbro Cheese made of?
Zimbro Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized). It originates in Portugal.
Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Zimbro Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Zimbro Cheese is soft, artisan.