Burrata vs. Mozzarella: Differences, Uses & Which Might You Like More

Burrata and mozzarella look the same, so people do not usually differentiate them. While they seem exactly the same on the outside, their inner features and properties have many differences. Therefore, what are the differences between burrata and mozzarella, and how can you tell which is which?

Burrata contains an outer layer of mozzarella, but the core is filled with soft, stringy curd and fresh cream. In contrast, mozzarella is a lighter type of cheese with an elastic texture, and it does not include buttery and creamy flavors in its inner part.

In the rest of this article, I’ll explain the differences between the two so you can determine when to use them and which you might prefer.

Differences between burrata and mozzarella

Burrata and mozzarella have many similar features, which is perfectly logical if you consider that burrata contains mozzarella. Still, they are not the same types of cheese; they have significant differences that make them distinct. Below, I have compared the texture, taste, and different uses of burrata and mozzarella. 

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Texture 

You will not spot any particular differences when you look at burrata and mozzarella. They look pretty much the same, and if you see them served on a cheese platter, you will probably not be able to say which is which. However, if you look closely and pay attention to the textures of these types of cheese, then you will surely see some distinctions.

If you do not see them, you will definitely feel them in your mouth when you take a bite. Namely, burrata is known for its creamy and buttery texture. This cheese is also known as filled cheese because its core is filled with fresh cream and a soft, stringy curd. 

Mozzarella is lighter in texture than burrata. It has an elastic texture, and it is usually eaten fresh. The texture of mozzarella is great once the production process is done, meaning you do not have to wait for it to age. 

Therefore, burrata is your ideal choice if you are looking for something rich and buttery in flavor. On the other hand, if you are looking for something lighter and semi-soft, mozzarella would satisfy your needs. 

Taste 

Since burrata contains a layer of mozzarella, it is logical to assume that these types of cheese have very similar tastes. However, that is not entirely true because their inner flavors significantly differ in taste. 

So, when eating burrata, you will experience some creamy buttery tastes.

By contrast, mozzarella is not characterized by such a rich flavor. Both burrata and mozzarella are known for slightly sour and delicate tastes, but the flavors in burrata are creamier and longer-lasting than the ones in mozzarella. 

Uses 

Considering that burrata and mozzarella have a few different properties, you might assume they can be used interchangeably. However, using them as ingredients in different dishes might significantly affect your meals’ taste. That is why it is important to be familiar with their features. 

Both burrata and mozzarella can be served fresh as appetizers or side dishes. They are compatible with different types of wine, so they will look great as the centerpieces of a cheeseboard. Nonetheless, using one over the other might be more convenient in some recipes. 

For instance, mozzarella is mostly used in pizza and lasagna. It can also be used in light salads or even pasta. By drizzling a little bit of olive oil over mozzarella, you can achieve the delicious flavors that we all desire in cheese. 

On the other hand, burrata is mainly used in different types of pasta due to its creaminess and buttery flavors. It also works well with grilled vegetables and some cold meats. 

Burrata or mozzarella: Which might you like more?

Since they have many similar features and are commonly used interchangeably, it is difficult to determine which is better. 

However, if you use them as ingredients in other dishes, your choice will depend on your recipe. If your recipe calls for creaminess, burrata would be your best choice, while mozzarella would work well if pizza is in question. 

Nonetheless, if you are serving your cheese fresh, which one you pick will depend on your taste. Tastes can hardly be discussed, especially if you are trying to determine which is better. Therefore, make sure that you try both of them and see which one suits your palate the best.