Burrata vs. Mozzarella: What’s the Difference?
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Italian cheeses like burrata and mozzarella are both beloved for their delicate flavor and creamy texture, but they each bring something different to the table. Knowing the difference between Burrata vs Mozzarella can help you choose the right cheese for salads, pasta, pizza, and simple Italian dishes.
Both cheeses are fresh, semi-soft cheeses made from cow or buffalo milk, but the biggest difference comes down to texture. Mozzarella is soft and springy throughout, while burrata has a mozzarella outer shell filled with creamy stracciatella.
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What Is Mozzarella Cheese?
Mozzarella is a traditional Italian cheese that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a fresh, semi-soft cheese traditionally made from the milk of Mediterranean water buffalo, although cow’s milk mozzarella is now more common.
Mozzarella is made using a process called pasta filata, which means the cheese curds are heated, stretched, and kneaded until they develop their signature smooth and elastic texture.
Fresh mozzarella has a mild, milky flavor and a soft texture that makes it perfect for both fresh and cooked dishes.
What Is Burrata Cheese?
Burrata is a newer Italian cheese that is often described as the richer, creamier cousin of mozzarella.
It has a thin outer shell made from mozzarella, but when you cut into it, the center reveals a mixture called stracciatella. Stracciatella is made from shredded mozzarella curds mixed with fresh cream, creating the luxurious, creamy filling burrata is known for.
The combination of the delicate mozzarella shell and creamy center gives burrata its signature texture and rich flavor.
How Are Burrata And Mozzarella Different?
Texture
- Mozzarella has a soft, smooth, and slightly elastic texture throughout. It holds its shape when sliced and has a satisfying chew.
- Burrata looks similar on the outside, but the inside is completely different. Once sliced open, the creamy stracciatella filling spreads out, creating a rich and velvety texture.
Flavor
- Mozzarella has a mild, fresh, and milky flavor. It is delicate enough to pair with many ingredients without overpowering the dish.
- Burrata has a richer, creamier flavor because of the added cream in the stracciatella filling. It has a buttery taste and a more indulgent texture.
How They Are Made
- Both cheeses start similarly with milk, rennet, and cheese curds.
- Mozzarella is stretched and shaped into the familiar cheese balls or other varieties.
- Burrata begins with mozzarella but takes an extra step. The stretched mozzarella is formed into a pouch and filled with stracciatella before being sealed.
When To Use Burrata vs Mozzarella
Best Uses For Mozzarella
- Pizza: Mozzarella is a classic pizza topping because it melts beautifully and creates that signature stretchy, cheesy layer. Try it on favorites like Homemade Pizza Margherita.
- Baked Pasta Dishes: The mild flavor and creamy melt of mozzarella make it perfect for cozy baked pasta recipes. It adds a delicious cheesy finish to dishes like Easy Meatless Baked Ziti, Baked Ham and Cheese Pasta, Stuffed Manicotti, Cheese and Broccoli Pasta Baked, and Stuffed Lumaconi Pasta.
- To Top Dinners: Fresh mozzarella adds a creamy texture and mild flavor to vegetable-based and stuffed dishes. It’s delicious melted over recipes like Italian Stuffed Peppers, Layered Eggplant, Zucchini, Tomato Casserole, and Stuffed Acorn Squash.
- Sandwiches: Mozzarella is a great choice for sandwiches because it adds richness without overpowering the other ingredients. It pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables, Italian meats, and flavorful spreads in recipes like Caprese Panini, Chopped Italian Sandwich, and Italian Sausage Sandwich.
- Pasta Salads: Balls of mozzarella add a soft, creamy bite to chilled pasta salads and pair well with fresh herbs, vegetables, and Italian-inspired flavors. Try it in Caprese Pasta Salad, Tortellini Pasta Salad, and Antipasto Pasta Salad
- Bruschetta: Mozzarella takes classic bruschetta to the next level by adding a creamy layer that complements juicy tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. Try it with this Easy Bruschetta Recipe.
- Appetizers: Mozzarella is perfect for easy appetizers because it can be served fresh, marinated, or fried. Enjoy it in recipes like Easy Fried Cheese Balls, Marinated Mozzarella Balls, and Salami Cups Appetizer.
- Salads: Fresh mozzarella brings a mild, creamy element to salads and balances crisp vegetables, beans, grains, and bold dressings. It’s delicious in recipes like Warm White Bean Salad, Crispy Rice Salad, and Famous La Scala Chopped Salad.
Best Uses For Burrata
- Salads: Burrata is a beautiful addition to fresh salads because its creamy center pairs well with crisp vegetables, fruit, and simple dressings. Try it in recipes like Peach Burrata Salad for a delicious combination of creamy, sweet, and fresh flavors.
- Crostini: The rich, creamy texture of burrata makes it an elegant topping for toasted bread. Spread it over Crostini with seasonal ingredients, herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil for an easy appetizer.
- Pasta Toppings: Burrata adds a luxurious finishing touch to pasta dishes. Rather than melting into the sauce, it creates a creamy contrast when spooned over warm pasta, like Eggplant Pasta Sauce.
- Fresh Tomatoes and Vegetables: Burrata pairs beautifully with ripe tomatoes and garden-fresh vegetables. Its mild flavor and creamy texture complement simple ingredients in dishes like Tomato Burrata Salad.
- Bread with Olive Oil: Serve burrata with crusty Italian bread and a drizzle of good olive oil for a simple appetizer or snack. It’s delicious alongside breads like Italian Bread and No Knead Italian Ciabatta Bread.
- Finishing a Dish Before Serving: Burrata is best enjoyed fresh, making it the perfect finishing touch for many dishes. Add it right before serving to bring a creamy, indulgent element to pasta, roasted vegetables, pizzas, and more.
FAQs
Yes, burrata can often be used in place of mozzarella, especially in fresh dishes.
However, the texture will be different. Burrata’s creamy center does not provide the same stretchy, melty texture that mozzarella gives when cooked.
For dishes like pizza or baked pasta, mozzarella is usually the better choice. For salads, appetizers, and dishes where the cheese is served fresh, burrata makes a delicious upgrade.
Fresh mozzarella is best enjoyed within a few days of purchase and can be stored in its liquid or brine in the refrigerator. Burrata should also be kept refrigerated and stored in water or its original packaging to help maintain its soft, creamy texture. Neither fresh burrata nor fresh mozzarella freezes well because their high moisture content can affect the texture after thawing.
Mozzarella has a lighter taste, while burrata is higher in fat with a richer buttery taste.
No. Burrata has an outer mozzarella casing filled with cheese curd soaked in cream. Ricotta is slightly sweet and made with leftover whey from the cheesemaking process.
Yes, it melts well but loses its signature texture when melted in the oven. Burrata is best enjoyed at room temperature (remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving), so the stracciatella oozes out when cut.
