Looking for a Substitute for Burrata Cheese?
If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, you’ve probably come across the creamy and indulgent delight that is burrata cheese. This luscious cheese, with its soft, creamy center and delicate outer shell, is a staple in many Italian dishes. However, if you find yourself in a pinch and unable to get your hands on this delectable cheese, fear not! There are several substitutes that can come to your rescue and provide a similar flavor and texture to your dishes.
1. Fresh Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella is a close cousin to burrata cheese and can be a great substitute. It shares a similar soft texture and mild, milky flavor. While it lacks the creamy center of burrata, it can still add a delightful creaminess to your dishes. Use it in salads, pasta dishes, or as a topping for pizzas for a delicious alternative to burrata.
2. Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese is another excellent substitute for burrata. While it has a slightly grainier texture, it offers a similar mild, creamy flavor that can complement a variety of dishes. Mix it with a bit of heavy cream to achieve a creamier consistency, and use it as a filling for ravioli, as a topping for bruschetta, or as a creamy layer in lasagna.
3. Fresh Stracciatella Cheese
If you’re specifically missing the creamy center of burrata, fresh stracciatella cheese can be a perfect substitute. This cheese is made from shreds of mozzarella soaked in cream, creating a luscious, creamy texture that is reminiscent of burrata’s filling. Use it as a filling for sandwiches, as a topping for crostini, or simply enjoy it with ripe tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil.
4. Cottage Cheese
While it may not be the most traditional substitute, cottage cheese can work in a pinch if you’re looking for a similar texture to burrata. Its mild flavor and creamy texture make it a versatile ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes. Blend it with a bit of heavy cream to achieve a smoother consistency, and use it in salads, dips, or as a filling for stuffed shells.
5. Cashew Cream
For a dairy-free alternative to burrata, consider using cashew cream. This creamy, nut-based sauce can be made by blending soaked cashews with water until smooth. The result is a rich, velvety texture that can mimic the creaminess of burrata. Use it as a topping for pasta, as a dip for vegetables, or as a creamy base for soups and sauces.
While nothing can quite replicate the unique flavor and texture of burrata cheese, these substitutes can certainly come close and add a touch of creaminess and indulgence to your dishes. Whether you opt for fresh mozzarella, ricotta, stracciatella, cottage cheese, or cashew cream, you’re sure to find a suitable alternative that will satisfy your cravings for creamy, luscious cheese.
Next time you’re in need of a burrata substitute, don’t hesitate to experiment with these alternatives and discover new and delicious ways to elevate your favorite dishes!
What are your favorite substitutes for burrata cheese when it’s not available? Share your thoughts and join the discussion in the Ingredients Spotlight forum section.
FAQ:
What is Burrata cheese and why might someone need a substitute?
Burrata cheese is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It has a soft, creamy texture and a rich, buttery flavor. Sometimes, it may not be readily available or accessible to everyone, so finding a suitable substitute can be helpful.
What are some suitable substitutes for Burrata cheese?
Some suitable substitutes for Burrata cheese include fresh mozzarella, stracciatella cheese, or a combination of mozzarella and heavy cream. These options can provide a similar creamy texture and mild flavor.
Can I use regular mozzarella as a substitute for Burrata cheese?
Yes, fresh mozzarella can be used as a substitute for Burrata cheese. While it may not have the same creamy center, it can still provide a similar mild flavor and soft texture.
How can I make a substitute for Burrata cheese at home?
To make a substitute for Burrata cheese at home, you can mix fresh mozzarella with heavy cream to create a creamy filling. Alternatively, you can also use stracciatella cheese, which is made from shredded mozzarella mixed with cream.
Are there any non-dairy substitutes for Burrata cheese?
For those looking for non-dairy substitutes, options like cashew-based or almond-based soft cheeses can be used to mimic the creamy texture of Burrata cheese. These alternatives can provide a similar richness and mouthfeel.
FAQs
Mozzarella is the closest swap for burrata, but note that it will not be as creamy as burrata. So, the next time you're tempted to reach for ricotta as a substitute, remember to double-check how the burrata is being served or used in a recipe.
What cheese is the same as burrata? ›
Burrata is also made from the stretched curd of the mozzarella, but in this case, it's not the main substance of the dairy product – instead, it serves as a casing. Inside, there is a soft and creamy filling: stracciatella, frayed pasta filata mixed with cream.
Is burrata just mozzarella and ricotta? ›
Burrata is a soft cow's milk cheese that's formed into a plump ball. It has an outer shell of mozzarella, while the inside is filled with fresh curd and rich, thick cream.
Does cottage cheese taste like burrata? ›
Whether you prefer large curd or small curd cottage cheese, both are reminiscent of stracciatella, the luscious center of a ball of burrata. I love to drizzle a bowlful of cottage cheese with good quality olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, and some flaky salt.
Does mozzarella taste like burrata? ›
Mozzarella has a milder, more delicate, milky flavor, while burrata has a richer, stronger taste due mainly to the sweet cream of the stracciatella. The main distinction between these two cheeses lies in the texture. Mozzarella comes in many shapes and sizes, but overall is much denser and more solid.
Is burrata an expensive cheese? ›
Burrata is generally a more expensive cheese than mozzarella. Making burrata is complicated due to the creamy center and even additional ingredients. This makes Burrata cheese more expensive than mozzarella.
What the heck is burrata? ›
Burrata is a soft, fresh Italian cheese made from cow's milk. Based on the outer appearance alone, this cheese could easily be mistaken for fresh mozzarella—and that's because the outer shell is made of soft mozzarella.
Can you buy burrata at the grocery store? ›
Burrata isn't terribly cheap, but sometimes that's the price you pay for nice ingredients. At my local grocery store, it can be found near the fresh mozzarella, and one 8-oz. package can run anywhere between $5-$7.50.
How to make fake burrata? ›
She starts with store-bought mozzarella before tearing it up into small curds, placing in a bowl, and mixing with heavy cream and salt. She lets this mixture sit and absorb for around a half hour. The result is a taste and texture just like stracciatella, which is that delicious inner part of burrata.
Is buffalo mozzarella-like burrata? ›
While buffalo milk mozzarella and burrata cheese may look extremely similar at first glance in the window of Italian cheese shops, they have distinct differences. Buffalo mozzarella is a simple, smooth cheese with a slightly tangy flavor, while fresh burrata is a luxurious, creamy cheese with a soft, runny center.
Brie cheese is an excellent choice for substituting burrata because it is also soft and creamy. It has a similar texture and can be used in dishes that rely on burrata's signature creaminess. However, it is essential to note that Brie does not have the same rich, buttery flavor as burrata.
What is the closest cheese to burrata? ›
Fresh mozzarella is the closest swap for burrata when it comes to flavor, although it lacks burrata's creamy interior texture. Look for mozzarella balls packed in water or whey for the closest match. This swap is perfect if your recipe calls for melted cheese.
What is burrata cheese compared to? ›
The Difference Between Burrata vs Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella cheese is a semi-soft Italian cheese made from cow or water buffalo milk. Burrata cheese takes the mozzarella one step further — it’s mozzarella that’s formed into a pouch and then filled with soft, stringy curd and cream.
Which is healthier, burrata or mozzarella? ›
One ounce serving of mozzarella cheese contains 85 calories. Compare to mozzarella, Burrata cheese, and stracciatella cheese contains 90 calories per ounce. Due to its center of thickened cream, burrata calories is higher than mozzarella.
Is burrata a mozzarella ball? ›
This fresh cheese resembles a Fresh Mozzarella ball, but when split open, you will be delighted to discover a rich-tasting soft filling of fresh pieces of Mozzarella soaked in heavy cream. This cheese offers a sweet, milky flavor that gently fills the palate.
What's so special about burrata? ›
Made and enjoyed fresh, no aging or maturing is needed to produce Burrata. No additives, preservatives or artificial fillers go into making the cheese, ensuring a clean and gluten-free experience.
Do supermarkets sell burrata? ›
Tesco Finest Italian Burrata 250G.
Is mascarpone the same as burrata? ›
Mascarpone cheese is made from cow's milk and has a smooth, silky texture similar to cream cheese. However, unlike burrata, which has a mozzarella shell and creamy interior, mascarpone cheese is soft and spreadable. Mascarpone cheese has a sweet, delicate flavor that is slightly sour.
