Its only natural to wonder What is the difference between mozzarella and burrata? (at least when youre dealing with fresh mozzarella cheese), but the most important distinction is probably the heavy cream filling burrata boasts.
When it comes to summer cheeses, mozzarella and burrata rank among the best. Both are semi-soft, white, fresh cheese and theyre similar in origin, but in addition to being incredibly delicious examples of Italian cheese, theyre also really, really easy to mistake for one another. If youre constantly confusing the two, its okay! Were here to help sort through all the curds and whey heres what makes them unique in their own right.
Mozzarella
Lets start with mozzarella. Whether youre topping a pizza or making a Caprese salad, this cheese always comes in handy. Unlike a lot of varieties of cheese, mozzarella is not aged and is best eaten right after being made. When made fresh, it has the most amazing texture. At its best, its moist and elastic, but not rubbery and has just enough stretch to pull apart with your fingers. Mozzarella is commonly made with cows milk, but it can also be made from water buffalos milk, which is a rarer and more expensive variety.
Of course, you can also find low-moisture shredded mozzarella, but fresh mozzarella cheese is a whole different animal.
Burrata
As for burrata, well, this cheese takes it to the next level with its decadent, creamy texture and rich taste. Burrata Cheese is sort of like the piata of the cheese world: it consists of an outer shell of fresh mozzarella cheese, but like the old saying goes, its not whats on the outside that counts. Its all about the inside, which is hollowed out and filled with soft curds and heavy cream.
Burrata literally translates to which should give you a sense of its luscious flavor and texture. Seriously, this cheese is so filling you can make an entire meal out of it. Just pair it with a crusty loaf of toasted bread and fresh heirloom tomatoes all with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil and you have dinner.
How to Use Mozzarella and Burrata
If youre looking for some inspiration on how to enjoy these cheeses beyond crostini and paired with cured meats as part of an Italian aperitivo.