Is there a difference between burrata vs. mozzarella? If so, what sets them apart?
When it comes to cheese, many types of milk can be used.
What sets a good cheese apart from the rest is how well it’s prepared and how long it’s aged.
This is especially true for mozzarella and burrata.
If you’re not familiar with these two Italian kinds of cheese, we’ll break down the Burrata vs. mozzarella differences.
That way, you can decide which one suits your palate better!
Let’s dive right in!
Burrata Vs. Mozzarella: Where Do They Come From?
Burrata and mozzarella originated in Puglia, Italy. The exact story is a bit of a mystery.
But legend has it that burrata was first introduced to the world by one restaurant in Puglia.
Now, more people worldwide are discovering this Italian delicacy and enjoying its creamy texture and a mild taste.
You can find fresh burrata in America at local Italian grocery stores or specialty shops like Eataly.
What Is Mozzarella?
Mozzarella is a soft, white cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a pliable, stringy texture and is best served warm.
Mozzarella doesn’t require aging and therefore has a fresh taste.
While you can use it on pizza or salads, one of its most popular uses is in Caprese salad.
This Italian dish features tomatoes, basil leaves, and bocconcini (small mozzarella balls).
You can serve mozzarella at room temperature or warm; it’s best when made from buffalo milk.
Buffalo mozzarella is more expensive than cow’s milk mozzarella, which has a more buttery flavor and melts well when heated.
What Is Burrata?
You may have seen burrata in your local grocery store and wondered what it was.
Burrata is a fresh cheese made from mozzarella, cream, and small pieces of stringy cheese.
It’s best eaten fresh out of the container!
Burrata is most commonly found in Italian restaurants.
But there are ways to make your own at home with just a few ingredients (and some time).
Here’s how:
- 1 lb fresh mozzarella
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cut the mozzarella into cubes, then remove the outer shell from each cube. You can throw them away or save them for another use.
If you want to keep things simple, this step isn’t necessary.
For example, you can eat burrata straight out of its packaging without removing any parts.
But it does make for an attractive presentation when making homemade versions for dinner parties.
Or other gatherings where presentation matters most (like salads).
Burrata Should Always Be Eaten Fresh Out Of The Container
Burrata is best eaten fresh and needs to be disposed of after 24 hours.
When you guy the burrata, remove it from its container and place it immediately in your refrigerator.
Don’t freeze this product, as it will become too watery and runny when thawed.
Before eating, how long can you keep a mozzarella ball in the fridge?
Fresh mozzarella or burrata can be kept in the refrigerator for up to five days after opening.
The same holds for shredded mozzarella, regardless of the expiration date.
Once opened, the shelf life of loaf mozzarella is 21 days in the refrigerator, while smoked mozzarella has a longer shelf life of 28 days.
If you want to keep them fresh for as long as possible, wrap them firmly and store them in the crisper drawer.
And make sure to replace the wrap each time you use them.
Mozzarella Vs. Burrata: Why Cow’s Milk Is Used For Mozzarella
Although buffalo milk is best for mozzarella due to its high protein content and butterfat, cow’s milk has become the more common choice.
Using this cheaper alternative is a win-win situation. First, the cheese still tastes great and is more affordable.
You won’t generally see buffalo milk mozzarella on menus outside of Italy.
But if you’re lucky enough to be in the region with access to fresh and local ingredients, give it a try!
Although mozzarella can be used in various dishes, it’s most commonly paired with tomatoes as part of an antipasto salad or salad course.
It also makes appearances on pizzas worldwide; some toppings include roasted red peppers or artichokes—but there are many other options!
Burrata Vs. Mozzarella: Where To Find Them
You can find burrata and mozzarella at nearly any grocery store or specialty cheesemonger.
Burrata is more expensive than mozzarella, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for something a little more special.
If you want to save some money, there are ways to make your burrata!
The best way to tell the difference between these two kinds of cheese is by their texture.
Burrata is soft and creamy inside with a delicate outer layer of mozzarella that your fork can easily puncture.
In contrast, mozzarella has a firmer texture and no liquid inside like burrata.
Burrata Vs. Mozzarella: They Both Taste Differently
Mozzarella is a soft, white cheese with a pliable, stringy texture.
It can be eaten at room temperature or warmed up, and you’ll often find it in sandwiches or salads.
Burrata is mozzarella filled with cream and small pieces of stringy cheese that look similar to ricotta.
While burrata has the same creamy texture as mozzarella, it’s much richer thanks to its filling.
Conclusion
So burrata vs. mozzarella, which one is the best choice? If you’re looking for cheese to serve with your favorite meal, the best way to choose is by the occasion.
If you want something that’s going to be eaten at room temperature or warm, then mozzarella would be perfect!
But if you want something more decadent, try burrata instead.
Both are delicious and will make any dish taste better. So don’t worry about what kind of cheese goes with which menu item!
Also Read: Rambutan Vs. Lychee: What’s The Difference?
FAQs
- Is burrata better than mozzarella?
Burrata is milder and more flavorful than mozzarella but has more calories because of the added moisturizer.
- Does burrata have a lot of calories?
One hundred grams of burrata can have as many as 350 kcal (depending on the cream used). So you should add to a diet only in moderation.
- When it comes to food safety, is burrata okay to eat?
Much like other forms of dairy, burrata is an excellent source of calcium. You can fulfill 15% of your daily needs with just one ounce. In addition, four percent of your daily vitamin A needs to be met with only an ounce of burrata.
- What’s the difference between mozzarella and burrata?
Both mozzarella and burrata are semisoft Italian cheeses that can be prepared from either cow’s milk or buffalo’s milk. The mozzarella and burrata are excellent choices for topping pizza and bread. Flavor-wise, they are nearly identical. To put it simply, burrata is simply mozzarella filled with cream.