10 Best Burrata Cheese Substitutes for Cooking

Craving something creamy and light to add a special ingredient to your favorite dishes? Look no further than burrata cheese! Its unique texture and fresh taste make it the perfect addition to salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, or just eaten on its own. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to burrata in their local grocery store – so what do you reach for when you can’t get your hands on this delicious Italian treat? Never fear – there are plenty of wonderful substitutes for burrata that will give you the same creamy flavor with a slightly different twist!

In this blog post, we’ll go over the top 10 best substitutes for burrata cheese that will have even picky eaters coming back for more. So keep reading and start creating some unique culinary creations in no time!

What is Burrata Cheese?

Burrata cheese is a delicious and creamy Italian fresh cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It is easily recognizable by its unique shape – it resembles a pouch, with the outer layer formed from solid mozzarella, while the interior contains both semi-solid mozzarella and cream. This soft texture makes Burrata cheese incredibly versatile – it can be eaten alone or used as an addition to many dishes, such as salads, pasta, pizza, and even desserts!

The name ‘burrata’ derives from the word burro which means “butter” due to its unique buttery flavor. It has since become increasingly popular throughout Europe over recent years for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and flavor that pairs perfectly with other ingredients like tomatoes and olive oil – typical ingredients of traditional Italian cuisine!

How is Burrata Made?

Burrata is a type of cheese made from fresh Italian cow’s milk curd and mozzarella. The process for creating this delicious cheese starts with a mixture of plain curd, salt, cream, buffalo milk, or cow’s milk (depending on the region), and citric acid to give it its tangy flavor. The ingredients are blended together until they reach the right consistency, which creates an outer shell made out of creamy mozzarella. Inside this shell sits soft strands of luscious cream-filled curds that give burrata its unique look and velvety texture upon eating.

Once inside their shells, burrata needs to be packed into molds so they can form their iconic shape before being packaged up for long-term storage. To keep these cheeses fresh longer than other types of dairy products made with traditional techniques at home or on farms around Italy, producers usually drain them and then store them in a brine solution (usually salt water).

Finally, once ready for consumption all one has to do is cut into the soft mozzarella exterior until you find creamy delight within!

How’s the Taste of Burrata?

Burrata has a soft, delicate texture that’s both creamy and stringy when you cut into it. The flavor profile can be described as mild yet slightly tangy with the subtle sweetness of high-quality milk.

This type of cheese originated in Apulia, Italy, and was originally made by wrapping scrap pieces left over from creating the traditional Mozzarella balls with thick cream and curd to make them even more delicious. Since then, Burrata has become popular around the world due to its unique flavor – its combination of smoothness combined with small pockets full of cream make for an interesting mouthfeel.

Burrata can also prove to be quite versatile when cooked; as part of a pasta dish, it adds extra creaminess without making your dish overly heavy while melting on pizza (commonly known as “burrata pizza”) gives off a deliciously indulgent result helping bring all other flavors together in synergy.

How To Choose The Best Substitute For Burrata Cheese?

Choosing the best burrata cheese substitutes can be tricky, but there are certain factors to consider.

When shopping for a substitute, look for one that is creamy and has a mild flavor profile (similar to burrata). Some great options are mascarpone, stracciatella di bufala (sometimes called “little balls of buffalo mozzarella”), cream cheese with heavy cream, and goat cheese blended with Greek yogurt.

Mascarpone is a soft Italian cheese made from cream and has a buttery flavor. It’s an excellent alternative to cow’s milk cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella. Cream cheese combined with heavy cream mimics burrata because it also has a creamy texture, although it lacks some of the depth of flavor that comes from aging like conventional cheeses have

No matter which type of replacement you choose for your dish containing burrata cheese – whether it be mascarpone or stracciatella di bufala – make sure to taste test before adding your choice to your recipe!

10 Best Burrata Cheese Substitutes

Burrata cheese, with its creamy texture and rich taste, is a beloved ingredient in many recipes. However, sometimes it can be hard to find or a tad too expensive. Fear not, as there are plenty of substitutes that can give you a similar experience. From fresh mozzarella to ricotta or even feta, there are plenty of options to choose from.

1. Cream Cheese

Cream cheese can be a great burrata cheese substitute. Cream cheese has many similar characteristics in terms of its consistency—it’s thick enough that it won’t melt away in dishes—and provides some of the same rich flavors that are found in Burrata.

It’s also less expensive and easier to find in most grocery stores. The texture is different, though – whereas burrata has a delicate, creamy interior surrounded by a firmer outer shell, cream cheese will be more spreadable but still maintain somebody so that it can easily be used as an alternative sandwich filling.

Additionally, cream cheese contains fewer calories than other types of cheeses including mozzarella and ricotta, making it an ideal replacement in higher-calorie dishes like lasagna or quiche. Aside from tasting good on its own or on toast, cream cheese can easily be incorporated into many types of dishes as a lower-fat alternative to other cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella.

2. Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella cheese and Burrata cheese are both popular in Italian cuisine, but they differ in texture, flavor, and origin. Well generally speaking swapping out Mozzarella for Burrata may be done because Burrata can be difficult to find outside of Italy or it may come in at too high a price if you do manage to get it shipped over here. Substituting Mozzarella will still yield similar (albeit less unique) results as far as texture goes – so if you want something close enough at home then go for the Mozzarella option!

Although not quite as creamy or decadent as burrata, mozzarella will add a nice touch to salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes when cubed or shredded. The mildness of the mozzarella helps balance the flavors of any dish without overpowering other ingredients added to it.

3. Feta Cheese

Feta is an aged, brined Greek cheese made with sheep milk and/or goat milk. It has a very creamy texture with a slightly tart flavor that can be used in both savory and sweet dishes.

The reason why feta can be used as a substitute for burrata largely lies in their similar textures and taste profiles; both are creamy yet firm, buttery yet acidic, and earthy yet tart, while also being lightly salted throughout due to their high brine content gained during production/ripening period.

When using feta as an alternative to burrata consider mixing it with yogurt before adding it into your dish (e.g., melted onto toast) so that you get closer to achieving burrata signature ooze factor albeit still not quite replicating the original burst one would associate with the actual product itself.

4. Cashew Cheese

Cashew cheese is quickly becoming an alternative option when it comes as a substitute for burrata cheese. Cashew cheese has a soft and creamy texture similar to traditional burrata – yet dairy-free! Not only does cashew cheese offer a nutty flavor that stands up well amongst other ingredients in dishes like lasagna or grilled vegetables, but also provides health benefits such as being low calorie and full of essential vitamins (vitamin K1) and minerals (magnesium).

Compared with regular burrata cheeses made from cow’s milk curdled with rennet enzymes (~350 calories/125ml), vegan versions made from cashews (~195 calories) have considerably lower caloric content while providing the same texture experience as that of cow’s milk version

In terms of nutrition facts comparison between vegan vs regular butter/burrata cheeses; both are good sources of fatty acids Omega 3 & 6 polyunsaturated fats which basically means they can help benefit heart health by reducing bad cholesterol levels.

5. Queso Fresco

Queso Fresco’s creamy texture and mild taste make it a great choice for a variety of dishes, from tacos to quesadillas.

Texture-wise, Queso Fresco is much softer than Burrata cheese – making it easier to spread and melt. It has a slightly crumbly texture that makes it appropriate for crumbling on salads or other dishes.

Versatility-wise, Queso Fresco truly stands out compared to Burrata cheese – due to its ability to be easily blended and pureed into sauces or salsas for many Mexican favorites such as tacos or enchiladas without losing any flavor profile whatsoever!

Nutrition-wise, Queso fresco packs less fat per ounce compared to some other cheeses such as burrata – making it ideal if you’re watching your saturated fat intake while still wanting an indulgent cheesy experience! Additionally, being made from pasteurized cow’s milk typically accounts for lower lactose levels which makes it easier digestible than other types of cheese that are packed with bacteria cultures; this can be beneficial if anyone has an intolerance issue towards dairy products.

6. Mascarpone

Mascarpone is a softer, creamier cheese than Burrata; it has about 50% more fat than regular cow’s milk cheese. It also has an intense flavor that makes it perfect for dessert dishes like tiramisu or cannoli filling. It works extremely well as a spread or dip for fresh fruits or baked goods, as well as in savory dishes like lasagna and pasta sauces.

Mascarpone also has some health benefits over burrata—it contains higher levels of essential fatty acids like omega-3s that benefit the heart and its lower lactose content makes it easier for people with less tolerance for this dairy component to still enjoy its taste without experiencing digestive discomfort.

Furthermore, because of its high-fat content mascarpone may even help dieters feel fuller longer—so if you’re trying to lose weight but still want to enjoy the full flavor of cheesy dishes at mealtime then switching out your burrata for mascarpone could be just what you need!

7. Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta is made from whey, the liquid by-product of cheese making. Its texture is lighter than Burrata cheese, which makes it easier to spread and blend in recipes. Additionally, Ricotta has fewer calories per serving so you can enjoy the same creamy taste without exceeding your calorie limit.

As far as benefits go, Ricotta provides a good amount of calcium as well as antioxidants like vitamin A. It also contains niacin (vitamin B3), zinc, and phosphorus – all essential minerals for healthy bones and teeth health as well as important metabolic functions in the body.

Compared to Burrata which contains higher levels of fat, Ricotta’s lower fat content makes it ideal for people who are looking for low-fat substitutes or following a weight loss program such as the keto diet or Atkins diet where carbs are limited while fats are allowed more freely consumed instead.

In terms of taste difference between Ricotta and Burrata cheeses: They do have different flavors but they may not be too noticeable when used together in recipes since one can overpower the other relatively quickly due to their distinct characteristics.

8. Bocconcini Cheese

Bocconcini cheese is often used as a burrata cheese substitute because of its similar creamy texture and subtle flavor. It has a mild yet unique taste, making it an ideal accompaniment to salads, pasta, and other dishes. Bocconcini is especially useful in recipes that call for the delicate creaminess of burrata.

Bocconcini will not melt as easily as burrata when heated, so it must be cooked at slightly lower temperatures than what would be necessary for melted cheese dishes featuring traditional varieties such as Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP or Mozzarella Fior di Latte DOP.

Since Boccacchino lacks any additional fillings like those found in Burrata’s soft center (such as cream) its taste will remain less intense than its Italian counterpart although still providing some depth through lightly sweet notes derived from cow’s milk.

This makes it more suitable for salads and other dish applications requiring a subtle background flavor component rather than one predominated by cheese itself – something which can easily happen when using stronger-tasting cheeses like Burrata where their strong presence can overpower even highly seasoned ingredients

9. Stracciatella Cheese

Stracciatella cheese is a type of Italian fresh cheese made from cow’s milk or a mixture of cow and buffalo milk. It is similar to Burrata cheese in that it has the same soft texture and creamy flavor. Stracciatella contains less fat – about 15% compared to the 30-35% found in Burrata.

While the two kinds of cheese are slightly different in terms of their composition and texture, both work well in many recipes calling for either one or the other such as salads, pizzas, pasta, or focaccia pieces of bread just to name a few popular uses.

Stracciatella cheese brings out more subtle flavors which some might prefer over regular burrata as its lower fat content allows for more discernibly delicate notes to emerge without compromising on taste too much! Richness wise it will likely be weaker but using it correctly can still provide an amazing depth of flavors without breaking your calorie counting routine so this makes Stracciatella an excellent alternative and substitution choice especially when looking to save some money.

10. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is an excellent substitute for burrata cheese. It is often used when a dish calls for the soft, creamy texture of burrata but does not require its specific flavor profile. While burrata is an Italian-style fresh cheese made from cow’s milk and cream, cottage cheese is made from skimmed or partially skimmed cow’s milk in which some of the natural whey protein and casein proteins are left intact.

Cottage cheese has a milder taste than burrata so there isn’t much loss by using it as a substitute. Additionally, cottage cheese offers several nutritional benefits which include providing high quality protein (over 18g/cup), calcium (33% RDI/cup), phosphorus (25% RDI/cup) and Vitamin B12 (46% RDI/cup). This makes it great for those looking to add more protein into their diet without adding additional fat or calories.

In terms of texture, cottage cheese can be anywhere from chunky to extra smooth depending on how you like it prepared, making it good enough to stand in as an alternative to Burrata Cheese’s unique texture. Simply mash your desired amount of cottage with either a fork or potato masher and mix in 1 tablespoon of cream per 1 cup serving size until smooth and creamy – just like Burrata!

Burrata Vs Mozzarella: Key Differences

Burrata and mozzarella are both Italian cheeses, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Burrata is a fresh cheese made from cow’s milk, or in some cases, a combination of cow’s milk and buffalo’s milk. Its texture is unique: soft on the inside with a thin shell on the outside. Mozzarella, in comparison, is also made from cow’s milk—but its consistency is much firmer than burrata’s (think pizza cheese).

The main difference between burrata and mozzarella lies in their origin: while both originate from the Campania region of southern Italy, Mozzarella has been produced there since ancient times whereas Burrata only became popular around 1900.

Burrata also has a higher fat content than mozzarella (about 29% versus 20%). This contributes to its softer texture as well as its creamier flavor—which can be described as milky and slightly tangy when compared to the mild taste of Mozzarella. In terms of nutritional value per 100g serving size for each cheese type; burrata contains 272 calories while mozzarella contains 283 calories which lends an advantage to those who are looking for healthier options!

How Can I Make My own Burrata Cheese?

Making your own Burrata cheese from scratch at home is easier than you think!

First, you’ll need to make mozzarella curd, which involves heating a mixture of milk and rennet in a water bath until it forms soft and elastic lumps. Once this is done, strain the curds into a cheesecloth-lined strainer suspended over a bowl. Then tie the corners of the cloth together to form a pouch around the cheeses and press them in order for them to become more compact.

For Burrata cheese specifically, while still warm roll out small balls with your hands or use an ice cream scoop-like tool about 1 inch round then flatten on one side before filling with either Mozzarella di latte or Crescenza cream cheese – both are options for making Burrata Cheese work. After filling each individual pouch with these two cheeses mix some heavy cream (or mascarpone) along with salt into it then pinch shut forming ball shapes again. This can be eaten immediately or immersed in cold salted water overnight allowing for all flavors to blend perfectly together giving that classic flavor we expect from good-quality burrata.

Recipes That Can Use Burrata:

Adding burrata to recipes can lend an amazing flavor as well as a smooth, creamy texture that will take your dishes up a notch. Here are some of our favorite ideas for incorporating this delectable cheese into various recipes:

Burrata Bruschetta

Caprese Salad Skewers

Flatbread Pizza

Ravioli Filling

Insalate di Parma

Cheesy Baked Pasta

Some Tips for Preparing and Serving Burrata

Preparing it for serving does require some special tips to make sure that you get the most out of this unique cheese product. Here are some tips for preparing and serving Burrata:

1) Selecting – When selecting Burrata from the store, look for packages that are neither too hard nor too soft as either can indicate the Burrata has gone bad.

2) Storing – Once you’ve selected your Burrata from the store it should be refrigerated right away in order to maintain its freshness and extend its shelf life up to 2 weeks maximum (after which it may start going bad).

3) Serving – One of the unique features that separate burrata from other cheeses is its ‘liquid middle’ which consists of cream-based liquid intermingled with small pieces of mozzarella curd (hence giving rise to its popular name ‘creamy pearl’). To serve this liquid lining optimally simply cut it into one side or slice it open altogether without piercing through; doing so will release a burst of creaminess onto whatever dish you’re serving beneath oozing flavor throughout!

4) Pairings – To add another layer of depth to your meal there are many dishes that pair brilliantly alongside burrata including fruits such as grapes, apples, and oranges; roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes & tomatoes; sauces including pesto & balsamic glaze; chutneys made from mango & jalapeno peppers along with naan bread grilled lightly until crisp edges form – all these ingredients help bring out more complex depths in taste while highlighting certain nuances embedded within this Italian cheese delicacy!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a healthy alternative to Burrata Cheese?

Goat cheese is an excellent choice as it is low in fat and high in protein. Another great option is Greek yogurt, which can be used as a substitute in many recipes that call for Burrata cheese. Finally, ricotta cheese is an excellent alternative that can be used in a variety of dishes, and it is lower in calories and fat than Burrata cheese.

Is Burrata A Soft Cheese?

Burrata cheese is a soft, creamy cheese with a texture that is similar to fresh mozzarella. While it may not technically be considered a soft cheese in the traditional sense, it is certainly softer than many other varieties of cheese. When it comes to cooking with burrata, its soft texture can make it a bit challenging to work with, but it is well worth the effort.

Where can I find Burrata cheese?

First, check your local grocery store’s deli counter or cheese section. Many stores are now carrying burrata as it grows in popularity. You can also try specialty markets or cheese shops where they may have a wider variety of options. Don’t forget to check with local farmers’ markets or online specialty food retailers as well.

How long does Burrata cheese last?

According to experts, Burrata cheese has a short life span compared to other cheeses. Typically, it lasts for only a few days (2-4 days) under optimal storage conditions. The cheese should be refrigerated at all times, wrapped in parchment or wax paper, and placed in an airtight container to keep the freshness intact.

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