Burrata cheese substitutes
Burrata cheese substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Also called burrata, burrata di bufala, fresh burrata
Use Fresh mozzarella
Same amount as the burrata cheese
The closest burrata substitute is fresh mozzarella with the cream put back: use the same weight, tear the ball open rather than slicing it, and spoon 1-2 tbsp of heavy cream or a heaped spoonful of ricotta into it. Fresh mozzarella on its own gives you the shell and none of the ooze, which is the whole point of burrata.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- salads
Checked 23 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of burrata cheese | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fresh mozzarellasalads | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Ricotta cheesepasta | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Mozzarella + ricottasalads | Same amountHalf of eachWorks | Works |
| 4 | Bocconcinisalads | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Stracciatellasalads | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 6 | Vegan cheesevegan cooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Fresh mozzarella
different taste, similar texture
Soft, fresh cheese with similar texture and mild flavor.
- Best for
- salads, pizza, sandwiches, appetizers
Similar texture but different flavor. Good for most applications.
Ricotta cheese
different taste, similar texture
Soft, creamy cheese with similar texture and mild flavor.
- Best for
- pasta, desserts, appetizers, cooking
Similar texture but different flavor. Good for cooking applications.
Mozzarella + ricotta
similar taste and texture
Mix mozzarella and ricotta for similar texture and flavor.
- Best for
- salads, pizza, appetizers, cooking
- Prep
- Use equal weights of fresh mozzarella and whole-milk ricotta to make up the weight of burrata called for: tear the mozzarella for the shell and spoon the ricotta into the middle.
Mix equal parts mozzarella and ricotta. Closer to burrata's texture and flavor.
Bocconcini
similar taste and texture
Small, fresh mozzarella balls with similar texture and flavor.
- Best for
- salads, appetizers, pizza, snacking
Similar texture and flavor to burrata. Good for most applications.
Stracciatella
similar taste and texture
Fresh cheese with similar texture and flavor to burrata.
- Best for
- salads, appetizers, pizza, cooking
Very similar to burrata. Good for most applications.
Vegan cheese
different taste, similar texture
Plant-based alternative with similar texture and flavor.
- Best for
- vegan cooking, salads, appetizers, pizza
Quality varies by brand. Look for brands with good texture and flavor.
Questions
6 questionsWhat's the difference between burrata and mozzarella?
Burrata has a creamy center and mozzarella shell, while mozzarella is solid throughout. Burrata is richer and creamier than mozzarella.
Can I use ricotta instead of burrata?
Yes, ricotta works as a substitute, though it has a different flavor profile. It's good for cooking applications where creaminess is needed.
Is burrata cheese vegetarian?
Traditional burrata is made with animal rennet, so it's not suitable for vegetarians. Look for vegetarian versions or use plant-based alternatives.
Can I cook with burrata cheese?
Yes, burrata can be cooked, but it's best added at the end of cooking to preserve its creamy texture. It's great for pasta dishes and pizzas.
What is the best substitute for burrata?
Fresh mozzarella with cream added back. Use the same weight of mozzarella, tear it open with your hands rather than slicing it, and spoon 1-2 tbsp of heavy cream or a heaped spoonful of whole-milk ricotta over and into the torn centre. That reconstructs both halves of burrata: the springy shell and the soft, creamy middle. Stracciatella on its own is the filling without the shell, and works if you are spooning it onto toast.
Can I bake or cook with burrata, or a burrata substitute?
Add it after cooking, not before. Burrata's centre is cream and loose curd, so in the oven it collapses into a puddle and the shell goes rubbery. Put it on a hot pizza, pasta or roast vegetables the moment they come out and let the residual heat soften it. The same is true of any mozzarella-and-cream stand-in.
Tips for substituting burrata cheese
6 tips- Take burrata out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before serving. Cold, the centre is stiff and tastes of very little.
- Tear it open on the plate rather than slicing it, so the stracciatella spills out where you want it.
- Drain the ball on kitchen paper for a minute first, or the whey thins whatever it is sitting on.
- Add it to a hot dish at the end, off the heat. Baked burrata splits into a rubbery shell and a greasy pool.
- Substituting fresh mozzarella? Tear it and add 1-2 tbsp of cream or a spoonful of ricotta per ball to replace the centre.
- It is highly perishable - use it within a day or two of opening, and keep it in its own liquid until you do.