Burrata Cheese vs Ricotta Romana Cheese
Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Ricotta Romana Cheese is soft, moist 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 Romana Cheese?
Ricotta Romana is a PDO-protected ricotta from the Lazio region, made from sheep's milk. It has a grainier texture and a richer, slightly saltier flavor compared to other ricottas, which makes it a favorite for adding depth to traditional Roman dishes, such as spinach and ricotta gnocchi.
What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Ricotta Romana Cheese?
- Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), Ricotta Romana Cheese (Sheep's)
- Milk treatment: Burrata Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Ricotta Romana Cheese (Whey)
- Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Ricotta Romana Cheese (Soft, moist)
- Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Ricotta Romana Cheese (None)
- Aging: Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours), Ricotta Romana Cheese (Fresh)
- Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Ricotta Romana Cheese (Sweet, slightly creamy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Burrata Cheese | Ricotta Romana Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Andria, Apulia | Lazio |
| Milk Type | Cow, occasionally water buffalo | Sheep's |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Whey |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Soft, moist |
| Rind | Thin | None |
| Aging | Within 48 hours | Fresh |
| Taste | Mild, lactic | Sweet, slightly creamy |
Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Ricotta Romana Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Ricotta Romana Cheese brings sweet, slightly creamy character. More specifically, Burrata Cheese shows creamy, rich, delicate; best enjoyed fresh, while Ricotta Romana Cheese leans toward characteristic delicate and sweet flavor. Aging plays into this as well. Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours develops a different profile than Ricotta Romana Cheese at fresh.
Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Ricotta Romana Cheese?
Burrata Cheese can stand in for Ricotta Romana 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, moist. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Ricotta Romana Cheese brings sweet, slightly creamy notes.
Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Ricotta Romana 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, moist profile, Ricotta Romana Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Ricotta Romana Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, slightly creamy.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burrata Cheese the same as Ricotta Romana Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; Ricotta Romana Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Burrata Cheese is typically aged within 48 hours, Ricotta Romana Cheese fresh.
Is Burrata Cheese similar to Ricotta Romana Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Ricotta Romana Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Burrata Cheese taste like Ricotta Romana Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Ricotta Romana Cheese is sweet, slightly creamy.
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 Romana Cheese made of?
Ricotta Romana Cheese is made from sheep milk (whey), using animal rennet. It's typically aged fresh. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Ricotta Romana Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Ricotta Romana Cheese is soft, moist.