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 an iconic Italian cheese produced in specific regions of Italy, including Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and parts of Mantua and Bologna. It is made from raw cow's milk and aged at least 12 months, developing a deep, complex flavor that's slightly nutty and salty. Parmigiano Reggiano is essential in Italian cooking and as a finishing cheese.
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 |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Burrini Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Almonds, Amaro, Asparagus, Bresaola, Chicken, Clam Chowder, Cod, Madeira, Mushrooms, Pesto, Pistachios, Prosciutto, Roasted Vegetables, Sangiovese, Seaweed, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Avocado, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cava, Champagne, Dijon Mustard, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Dried Fruit, Ginger, Honey, Honeycomb, Macaroni and Cheese, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat, Pecans, Prosecco, Pumpkin, Salami, Salmon, Scotch, Steak, Tequila |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Burrini Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Burrini Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
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.
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.
See full profiles: Burrini Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese.