Burrata Cheese Substitute: Complete Guide to the Best Alternatives
Discover the best substitutes for burrata cheese including fresh mozzarella, ricotta, vegan alternatives, and specific recommendations for pasta, salad, and cooking. Complete guide with ratios and cooking tips.
Quick Answer
The best substitutes for burrata cheese are fresh mozzarella, ricotta cheese, or a combination of both. For vegan options, use plant-based mozzarella or cashew cheese. The key is matching burrata's creamy center and soft texture while maintaining its mild, buttery flavor.
Best Substitutes
Fresh Mozzarella
1:1Fresh mozzarella is the closest substitute to burrata, offering similar texture and mild flavor. While it lacks burrata's creamy center, it provides the same soft, delicate texture that works well in most applications.
Best for:
Use fresh mozzarella balls or tear into pieces. Best when served at room temperature. Works well for most burrata applications.
Ricotta Cheese
1:1Ricotta cheese provides a creamy texture similar to burrata's center, though with a slightly different flavor profile. It's excellent for cooking applications and adds richness to dishes.
Best for:
Ricotta has a slightly grainier texture than burrata but provides good creaminess. Works well in cooked applications.
Mozzarella + Ricotta Mix
1:1 (equal parts mozzarella and ricotta)Combining fresh mozzarella with ricotta creates a texture and flavor profile that closely mimics burrata. The mozzarella provides the outer shell texture while ricotta adds the creamy center.
Best for:
Mix equal parts fresh mozzarella (torn into pieces) and ricotta. This combination best replicates burrata's unique texture.
Bocconcini
1:1Small, fresh mozzarella balls that are very similar to burrata in texture and flavor. They're often the same size as burrata balls and provide an excellent substitute.
Best for:
Bocconcini are essentially small fresh mozzarella balls. They work perfectly as a 1:1 substitute for burrata in most applications.
Stracciatella
1:1Stracciatella is very similar to burrata and is often used interchangeably. It has a creamy texture and mild flavor that makes it an excellent substitute.
Best for:
Stracciatella is essentially the creamy filling of burrata without the outer shell. It's an excellent substitute with very similar characteristics.
Vegan Mozzarella
1:1Plant-based mozzarella alternatives that can work as burrata substitutes. Quality varies by brand, so choose one with good texture and mild flavor.
Best for:
Look for high-quality vegan mozzarella brands. Some may need to be combined with vegan ricotta for better texture match.
Cashew Cheese
1:1Homemade or store-bought cashew-based cheese that can replicate burrata's creamy texture. Often used in vegan cooking as a dairy-free alternative.
Best for:
Cashew cheese can be made at home or purchased. It provides a creamy texture similar to burrata's center.
Buffalo Mozzarella
1:1Traditional mozzarella made from buffalo milk that has a richer, creamier texture than regular mozzarella. It's closer to burrata in richness and flavor.
Best for:
Buffalo mozzarella is more expensive but provides a richer, creamier alternative to regular mozzarella. Closer to burrata's characteristics.
Cooking Tips
- 💡Burrata is best served at room temperature to bring out its full flavor and creamy texture
- 💡For pasta dishes, add burrata or its substitute at the end of cooking to preserve its delicate texture
- 💡When using mozzarella as a substitute, tear it into pieces rather than cutting it for a more authentic texture
- 💡In salads, let the cheese come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor
- 💡For pizza, add burrata or substitute after baking to prevent it from becoming too melted
- 💡Burrata pairs excellently with tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar
- 💡When cooking with burrata substitutes, be gentle to avoid breaking down the delicate texture
- 💡For the closest match to burrata's creamy center, use a combination of mozzarella and ricotta
- 💡Store fresh mozzarella and ricotta in their liquid to maintain moisture and texture
- 💡For vegan alternatives, look for brands that specifically mention 'fresh' or 'soft' texture
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best substitute for burrata cheese?
Fresh mozzarella is the best single substitute for burrata cheese. For an even closer match, combine equal parts fresh mozzarella and ricotta cheese to replicate burrata's unique texture with its creamy center.
Can I use ricotta instead of burrata?
Yes, ricotta cheese works as a substitute for burrata, especially in cooked applications like pasta dishes. While it has a slightly different flavor profile, it provides the creamy texture that makes burrata special.
What's the difference between burrata and mozzarella?
Burrata has a creamy, soft center made from cream and mozzarella curds, wrapped in a mozzarella shell. Regular mozzarella is solid throughout. Burrata is richer and creamier than mozzarella.
Can I substitute mozzarella for burrata in pasta?
Yes, fresh mozzarella works well as a substitute for burrata in pasta dishes. Tear it into pieces and add it at the end of cooking to preserve its texture. For a creamier result, mix mozzarella with ricotta.
What's a good vegan substitute for burrata?
High-quality vegan mozzarella or cashew-based cheese are the best vegan substitutes for burrata. Look for brands that offer soft, creamy textures. You can also make homemade cashew cheese for a closer match.
Can I use burrata substitute in salad?
Yes, fresh mozzarella, bocconcini, or stracciatella work excellently in salads as burrata substitutes. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Is stracciatella the same as burrata?
Stracciatella is very similar to burrata and is often used interchangeably. It's essentially the creamy filling of burrata without the outer mozzarella shell, making it an excellent substitute.
Can I cook with burrata substitutes?
Yes, most burrata substitutes can be cooked with, though fresh mozzarella and ricotta work best. Add them at the end of cooking to preserve their delicate texture. Avoid overcooking to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
Summary
Find the best substitutes for burrata cheese including fresh mozzarella, ricotta, vegan alternatives, and specific recommendations for pasta, salad, and cooking. Complete guide with ratios and cooking tips.