Burrini Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Burrini Cheese is a soft, springy cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Burrini Cheese?
Burrini is a variant of mozzarella, also from Italy, distinguished by a buttery center. This cheese combines the firm, stretchy texture of mozzarella with a core of soft, unsalted butter, making it a delightful surprise when sliced open. It’s often enjoyed fresh to savor the contrasting textures and rich flavors.
What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular Italian cheese made from unpasteurised cow's milk and aged at least 12 months. Protected as a PDO across Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and parts of Bologna and Mantua, it is known for its sharp, salty, deeply savoury taste.
What's the Difference Between Burrini Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Texture: Burrini Cheese (Soft, springy), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
- Rind: Burrini Cheese (Soft), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
- Aging: Burrini Cheese (6 to 8 days), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
- Taste: Burrini Cheese (Mild, buttery), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Burrini Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Campania, Puglia, Etc. | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Cow's Milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, springy | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | Soft | Hard |
| Aging | 6 to 8 days | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | Mild, buttery | Umami |
Taste Comparison: Does Burrini Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Burrini Cheese reads as mild, buttery, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Burrini Cheese offers pungent, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. More specifically, Burrini Cheese shows outer cheese sac with inner layer of butter, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans toward lactic (fermented milk), sweet (fresh cream, melted butter), fruity or citrusy (apricot, banana, dried fruits, lemon, pineapple), balanced by savory nutty (hazelnut, walnut) and meaty. Aging plays into this as well. Burrini Cheese at 6 to 8 days develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.
Can You Substitute Burrini Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
In most recipes, Burrini Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, springy bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Burrini Cheese reads as mild, buttery while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.
Which Is Better, Burrini Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, springy cheese, go with Burrini Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrini Cheese suits recipes that want mild, buttery notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burrini Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Burrini Cheese is typically aged 6 to 8 days, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.
Is Burrini Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Burrini Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Burrini Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Burrini Cheese reads as mild, buttery, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Burrini Cheese leans pungent, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.
What is Burrini Cheese made of?
Burrini Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 6 to 8 days. It originates in Italy.
What is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 12 to 36 months. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Burrini Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrini Cheese is soft, springy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.