Burrata cheese is the favorite of many around the world. It has a crusty yet soft texture on the outside and a smooth, creamy texture on the inside.
Just cut a piece of this cheese and you will want to enjoy it as often as possible. It is made in Italy, from fresh buffalo milk and it is best enjoyed fresh by itself or as part of different salads.
If you don’t have burrata cheese though, you can use feta cheese, mozzarella, and even queso fresco cheese. Keep reading to find out even more burrata cheese substitutes and how you can make the most of them for your meal!
Best Substitutes For Burrata Cheese
You might not find all the following burrata cheese alternatives in all local stores. But the majority of them are fairly available and affordable!
1. Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is one of the options you will find fairly easily in all supermarkets and local markets. It has a similar tangy taste but it tends to be saltier than burrata.
So, if you use this option, you might want to add less extra salt to your salad or any other dish you are making. Feta cheese is soft in texture and has a white color that makes it similar in appearance to burrata cheese.
2. Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella is one of the best options you have when you need a substitute for burrata cheese. It is easy to find, affordable, and incredibly tasty.
Being made of buffalo or cow milk, mozzarella has a similar taste to burrata cheese but it might be less milky in terms of flavor. Use it in the same way you would use burrata and keep in mind that mozzarella cheese goes great for cooked dishes as well as for cold ones.
3. Queso Fresco
If you can find queso fresco at your local store, it is well worth giving it a try instead of burrata cheese. This cheese is made of cow’s milk and has a smooth and delicate taste that you will definitely appreciate.
You can use it plain or as part of a more complex dish. In cooked dishes, it melts rather fast and it will acquire a chewy texture. If you are looking for a more pungent taste, choose an aged queso fresco and you will get an even better flavor!
4. Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese can also save you when you don’t have burrata in your kitchen.
It has a milder flavor and it works best for lasagna or ravioli but you can ultimately add it to any dish you want. Ricotta is suitable for desserts as well since it combines great with sweet ingredients.
The best dessert to use ricotta cheese in is cheesecake but it will taste great in cannoli as well.
5. Cream Cheese
Cheam cheese comes in all types of versions and makes a great substitute for burrata. You can use it instead of burrata on sandwiches or tarts.
It is easy to find plain or with flavors such as pepper or parsley and you will definitely fall in love with its taste and creamy texture.
Cream cheese will not be suitable for cooked recipes. However, you can always use it as a topping on a hot dish that you just got out of the oven.
This type of cheese allows you to get creative in the kitchen.
6. Cashew Cheese
Cashew cheese is one of the best vegan options for replacing any type of dairy cheese not just burrata.
It has a soft texture and is a healthy option for many that try to stay away from milk. The taste is in the same tangy category and you can use it best in cold dishes such as salads or sandwiches.
You might even prefer cashew cheese thanks to its sweet, nutty flavor as well!
7. Almond Cheese
Just like cashew cheese, almond cheese can replace burrata cheese very well. It is more difficult to find but vegan stores definitely have such a product.
Almond cheese also has a nutty flavor but it is less sweet and has more of a neutral taste. However, with the right seasonings, this could save your dish successfully.
8. Tofu
If you are vegan or if you tried to replace dairy cheese in any dish before, you are most likely familiar with tofu.
This substitute is soft and comes with a neutral taste. However, the good thing about tofu is that it is easy to season and will obtain the taste of other ingredients you use in recipes.
This makes it one of the best substitutes for burrata cheese if you want to stay away from milk.
9. Brie Cheese
Another soft and tasty cheese to use instead of burrata is brie cheese. This cheese is made of cow’s milk and you should be able to find it in most supermarkets.
You can either use it in cold dishes or eat it plain next to your favorite salad and you will love its smooth texture and delicate flavor. Brie can also enrich any type of sandwich you add it to.
10. Cottage Cheese
Using cottage cheese instead of burrata might seem like a culinary stretch but it is really not.
Cottage cheese is sweet and soft, making it somewhat in between cream cheese and solid cheese. You can use it in pies, cakes, and even in cheese creams as long as you blend it to a smoother texture.
It goes great in both sweet and savory dishes!
Is Burrata A Soft Cheese?
Burrata is a semi-soft cheese. It would be a soft one if it wouldn’t have a hard outside surface. However, considering that it is wrapped in a shell that gives it a tougher look and only the inside is completely soft, it is in the soft cheese category.
Depending on the type of burrata you get though, the outer shell might not be as visible and if the cheese is extremely fresh, it can be considered soft cheese.
Aged burrata tends to be firmer and acquire a stronger texture so be aware of the age of your cheese before you decide which category to put it in.
Burrata Vs Mozzarella: What’s The Difference?
Mozzarella is one of the best substitutes for burrata but how similar are these two cheeses? The good news is that they are so similar that they can be used interchangeably.
However, they do not have the same taste. Mozzarella is more delicate in flavor and more elastic, while burrata is less elastic but softer. It also has a stronger and more concentrated taste.
In terms of appearance, you will notice that mozzarella and burrata look very much alike. They both have a white color and a soft crust on top of them, with a creamy and smooth middle part.
Even if you can use burrata cheese and mozzarella interchangeably, it is essential to be aware of their differences as they will have a direct impact on your final dish.
However, they are both very popular kinds of cheese and mozzarella is even easier to find than burrata which makes it an alternative preferred by many around the globe.
Conclusion
If you are in Italy, you shouldn’t have a problem finding different kinds of burrata cheese. But this could be a challenging taste somewhere else. If that is the case, don’t hesitate to find one of the substitutes on our list and use it in your recipe.
Most of the cheeses above can be enjoyed raw thanks to their delicious flavor. Just make sure to choose the right substitute if you are planning to use cheese in a cooked dish, be it fried or baked as not all cheese melts the same way.
Ultimately, know that you can’t go wrong with either of the alternatives in this guide and you will still have a great meal even without burrata cheese!