Burrata Cheese vs Parmesan Cheese

Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Parmesan Cheese is hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

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 Parmesan Cheese?

Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard granular cow's milk cheese from northern Italy, aged at least 12 months. It is known for its sharp, salty, savory taste, which comes from an unusually high level of glutamate.

What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Parmesan Cheese?

• Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), Parmesan Cheese (cow's milk)
• Milk treatment: Burrata Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Parmesan Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Parmesan Cheese (hard, artisan)
• Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Parmesan Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours), Parmesan Cheese (minimum 12 months, average 2 years)
• Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Parmesan Cheese (salty, savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Parmesan Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory character. More specifically, Burrata Cheese shows creamy, rich, delicate; best enjoyed fresh, while Parmesan Cheese leans toward sharp, salty, savory, strong umami. Aging plays into this as well. Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours develops a different profile than Parmesan Cheese at minimum 12 months, average 2 years.

Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

Burrata Cheese can stand in for Parmesan 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 hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory notes.

Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Parmesan 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 hard, artisan profile, Parmesan Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Parmesan Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, savory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Burrata Cheese the same as Parmesan Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; Parmesan Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Burrata Cheese is typically aged within 48 hours, Parmesan Cheese minimum 12 months, average 2 years.

Is Burrata Cheese similar to Parmesan Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Burrata Cheese taste like Parmesan Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Parmesan Cheese is salty, savory.

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 Parmesan Cheese made of?

Parmesan Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal (calf rennet) rennet. It's typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Parmesan Cheese?

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