Burrata Cheese vs Ricotta Salata Cheese

Q: Is Burrata Cheese the same as Ricotta Salata Cheese?

No. Burrata Cheese and Ricotta Salata Cheese are distinct cheeses. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Ricotta Salata Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Burrata Cheese for Ricotta Salata Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Burrata Cheese taste like Ricotta Salata Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Ricotta Salata Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Burrata Cheese

Ricotta Salata Cheese

Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Ricotta Salata Cheese is semi-hard, 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 Salata Cheese?

Ricotta Salata is a pressed, salted, dried, and aged version of ricotta, which turns it into a firm, crumbly cheese with a mild, milky flavor and a slightly salty bite. It's frequently grated over pasta, salads, or used in cooked dishes where a gentle cheese flavor is desired.

What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Ricotta Salata Cheese?

Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), Ricotta Salata Cheese (sheep's milk)
Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Ricotta Salata Cheese (semi-hard, whey)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Burrata Cheese	Ricotta Salata Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Italy
Specific Origin	Andria, Apulia	—
Milk Type	Cow, occasionally water buffalo	Sheep's milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized or unpasteurized	—
Texture	Soft, creamy	Semi-hard, whey
Rind	Thin	—
Aging	Within 48 hours	—
Taste	Mild, lactic	—

Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Ricotta Salata Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Ricotta Salata Cheese?

Burrata Cheese can stand in for Ricotta Salata 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 semi-hard, whey.

Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Ricotta Salata 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 semi-hard, whey profile, Ricotta Salata Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Burrata Cheese the same as Ricotta Salata Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; Ricotta Salata Cheese uses sheep.

Is Burrata Cheese similar to Ricotta Salata Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Ricotta Salata Cheese?

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

Does Burrata Cheese taste like Ricotta Salata Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

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 Salata Cheese made of?

Ricotta Salata Cheese is made from sheep milk. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Ricotta Salata Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Ricotta Salata Cheese is semi-hard, whey.