Burrata Cheese vs Ricotta di Pecora Cheese
Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Ricotta di Pecora Cheese is fresh soft, whey and made from sheep 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 Ricotta di Pecora Cheese?
Ricotta di Pecora is a fresh sheep whey cheese from Sicily, Sardinia, Campania, Lazio and other parts of southern Italy. It is on Sicily's list of traditional agri-food products and shows up constantly in Sicilian sweets.
What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Ricotta di Pecora Cheese?
- Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), Ricotta di Pecora Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Burrata Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Ricotta di Pecora Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Ricotta di Pecora Cheese (fresh soft, whey)
- Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Ricotta di Pecora Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Ricotta di Pecora Cheese (creamy, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Burrata Cheese | Ricotta di Pecora Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Andria, Apulia | Sicily, Sardinia, Campania, Lazio |
| Milk Type | Cow, occasionally water buffalo | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Fresh soft, whey |
| Rind | Thin | Natural |
| Aging | Within 48 hours | — |
| Taste | Mild, lactic | Creamy, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Ricotta di Pecora Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Ricotta di Pecora Cheese brings creamy, sweet character.
Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Ricotta di Pecora Cheese?
Burrata Cheese can stand in for Ricotta di Pecora 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 fresh soft, whey. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Ricotta di Pecora Cheese brings creamy, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Ricotta di Pecora 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 fresh soft, whey profile, Ricotta di Pecora Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Ricotta di Pecora Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burrata Cheese the same as Ricotta di Pecora Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; Ricotta di Pecora Cheese uses sheep.
Is Burrata Cheese similar to Ricotta di Pecora Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Ricotta di Pecora Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Burrata Cheese taste like Ricotta di Pecora Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Ricotta di Pecora Cheese is creamy, 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 Ricotta di Pecora Cheese made of?
Ricotta di Pecora Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized). It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Ricotta di Pecora Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Ricotta di Pecora Cheese is fresh soft, whey.