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Are you looking for the best substitutes for burrata cheese? If yes, you’ve come to the right place.
Cheese is a large part of Italian cooking. Many dishes call for using fresh cheese, while others require aged cheese. One of the cheeses you may come across in Italian cuisine is burrata.
Burrata cheese is unique in its presentation and taste, and it can sometimes take work to find.
As such, you may need to find a burrata substitute. If you’re looking for something to take the place of burrata in a recipe, keep reading.
We’re covering all aspects of burrata cheese and how you can replace it in your cooking!
What is Burrata?
Burrata is an Italian cow milk cheese that’s becoming increasingly popular worldwide. It is made from fresh mozzarella shells with cream and soft cheese curd.
Burrata cheese is a unique creamy cheese, and the flavor profile consists of salt and milky notes depending on how it was created.
In addition to being served as a main course alongside meats, burrata pairs well with crusty pieces of bread and salads, adding a layer of richness to every dish it touches.
As food trends continue to evolve, burrata is certainly one cheese worth trying!
Preparation and Serving Ideas for Burrata Cheese
Burrata cheese can be used in many different recipes or served as an appetizer, side dish, or in any number of savory dishes.
Here are some ideas for preparing and serving burrata:
• Use it in salads or pasta dishes for added creaminess and flavor.
• Serve it alongside crackers, crusty bread, olive oil, or vegetables for an easy appetizer.
• Stuff burrata into roasted peppers for an impressive presentation.
• Slice it up to top off pizza or flatbread before baking.
• Drizzle balsamic glaze over slices of burrata to add sweetness and texture to any dish.
Whether it’s spread on crostini, tossed into pasta dishes, or served as a side dish, burrata cheese always adds a special note to any culinary experience.
Flavor Profile of Burrata cheese
The flavor profile of burrata cheese is unique because it combines sweet and tangy elements.
The outer shell gives off a mild flavor, while the inside is creamy and slightly tangy due to the curd mixed with shredded mozzarella soaked in cream.
This combination creates a rich, complex flavor that pairs well with various ingredients such as roasted peppers, tomatoes, olives, arugula, honey, or balsamic glaze.
How is Burrata Made?
Burrata cheese is a type of Italian fresh cheese that has become popular worldwide.
It is made from a combination of buffalo mozzarella cheese, fresh cream, and its own burrata curd.
The process begins by mixing buffalo mozzarella cheese with cream to create the burrata cheese’s unique texture—a soft, creamy center and firm rind.
The burrata cheese curd is then formed into small balls filled with drops of heavy cream before being sealed in an envelope-shaped pouch.
The finished burrata product is best eaten when it is moist, creamy, and served immediately after being made.
Its delightful flavor derives from the sweet combination of soft cheese, rich cream, and subtle hints of saltiness, making burrata an impressive addition to any dish.
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Best Substitutes for Burrata Cheese
If you don’t have access to burrata or want to try something different, then there are several substitutes for burrata cheese you can use instead:
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella has a mild flavor similar to burrata but doesn’t have the same creamy texture
Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can easily be used as a worthy substitute for burrata.
For burrata cheese fans looking for a slightly different yet still creamy and delicious variation on burrata, fresh mozzarella can be shaped into burrata-like balls filled with cream.
These burrata-style mozzarella forms are not only easy to make but are also a cheaper alternative to burrata itself and yet provide all the same texture, flavor, and texture.
With the addition of herbs or spices, these burrata-style mozzarellas will make an impressive presentation at any table.
Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese can offer an amazing substitute for burrata, which is a traditional Italian cheese made of mozzarella and cream.
It is often used in salads or as a filling for pasta. Compared to burrata, ricotta cheese is easier to make and requires fewer ingredients.
Ricotta is usually made from cow’s milk but can be made using sheep, goat, or buffalo milk
This makes it an attractive cheese for home cooks who want the same taste without going through the labor-intensive process of making burrata from scratch.
Ricotta has a soft texture similar to burrata but a slightly tangy and creamy flavor. When eaten as an appetizer dish or main entrée, ricotta retains much of its rich flavor.
As a result, it serves as an excellent alternative for burrata when you wish use a more readily available cheese instead.
Cashew Cheese
Cashew cheese is a great and tasty alternative to burrata cheese, as it offers the same creamy texture without the animal products.
As burrata cheese is made from mozzarella and cream, cashew cheese can easily mimic the texture using mixed nuts, oil, and spices combined with some probiotics for a bit of tang.
In addition to being dairy-free, cashew cheese also tends to be cholesterol free and lower in fat than burrata, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a lighter option.
With its softer texture than regular vegan cheeses such as cheddar or parmesan, cashew cheese can easily replace burrata in salads and pasta dishes while still providing a delicious flavor that will tantalize your taste buds!
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese often gets overlooked as a versatile cheese, but its delicate, creamy texture and mild flavor make it an excellent substitute for burrata.
Replacing burrata with cream cheese gives a similarly rich and luxurious experience – it’s even been touted as a ‘burrata-like spread’ by some who’ve tried it.
This can be done by adding sea salt and black pepper to the cream cheese before spreading it onto toasted slices of sourdough, allowing you to create burrata-style dishes with much less effort!
Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is an ideal substitute for burrata, as it can provide a creamy texture and briny flavor similar to burrata.
Feta is usually made of sheep or goat’s milk, making it very tangy and salty.
Additionally, feta is an excellent source of protein and calcium. At the same time, burrata contains a much higher fat content, making feta a better option if you want to reduce your fat intake.
Feta can be used in the same recipes that typically call for burrata, such as salads, pizzas or pasta dishes, providing a delicious burst of flavor in a much healthier way. Try substituting burrata with feta cheese to create an unexpected twist to recipes you already know and love.
Feta Cheese has more tang than burrata but still has many similarities in terms of texture and flavor
Almond Cheese
Almond cheese is an excellent alternative to burrata cheese if you are trying to eliminate animal dairy products from your diet.
Almond cheese has a creamy texture similar to burrata and can be used on pizzas, salads, and toast as a delicious topping.
The salty flavor of almond cheese doesn’t measure up to burrata cheese, but with some creative additional toppings, it can become even more flavorful than its cow-produced counterpart.
Queso Fresco Cheese
Queso fresco cheese makes an excellent substitution for burrata, especially when burrata is unavailable.
Because queso fresco has a crumbly texture compared to burrata’s more creamy texture, it is often considered a better choice for recipes that call for burrata but don’t necessarily require its creaminess.
Queso fresco is commonly used to top salads, tacos, and other dishes as a light and fresh addition.
Its mild flavor makes it versatile and easy to pair with different foods while adding an attractive and cheesier note to one’s meal.
Therefore, using queso fresco or aged queso fresco cheese instead of burrata can help create unique meals that are sure to be a hit!
Summary: Substitutes for Burrata Cheese
In conclusion, Burrata, a cow’s milk cheese, is an incredibly versatile and creamy cheese that can be used in many different recipes or served as an appetizer or side dish.
Its unique combination of sweet and tangy flavors makes it stand out from other cheeses, while its creamy texture adds richness to any dish.
Additionally, there are several substitutes if you don’t have access to Burrata, such as Mozzarella, Ricotta Cheese, Cashew Cheese, Cream Cheese, or Feta Cheese which all offer their unique flavors yet still maintain some similarities to Burrata itself!
So next time you’re looking for something new, give Burrata (or one of its substitutes) a try!
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7 Best Burrata Cheese Substitutes
Ingredients
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Ricotta Cheese
- Cashew Cheese
- Cream Cheese
- Feta Cheese
- Almond Cheese
- Queso Fresco Cheese
Instructions
- Decide on the type of substitute for burrata cheese you need based on texture and flavor.
- Pick the best fit from the above list of substitutes.
- Add to the recipe the proportions required to match the flavor and texture of the burrata cheese.