14 Absolute Best Substitutes For Burrata Cheese

You may have heard of burrata if you're familiar with Italian cheeses. Burrata is so good and complex that it's best served on its own, with a drizzle of olive oil, sea salt, and a slice of crusty bread. But, on the other hand, it's a versatile cheese that's perfect for topping a salad, pizzas, or even dessert grilled nectarines.

But what is burrata? Well, believe it or not, it's actually two cheese varieties served as one. Burrata is made similarly to mozzarella by heating the milk and separating the curds. Then, part of the curd is warmed until it becomes stretchable (that's the mozzarella shell of the burrata). The other parts of the curd are soaked in cream, and the mixture gets stuffed inside the mozzarella pouch. The cheese obtained through this process resembles a ball that releases a creamy interior when cut. So, there you go — two cheese varieties in one.

It can be challenging to find burrata sometimes, and you might find yourself needing it for a recipe or just craving a mouthful of that creamy, stringy texture. What to do when you're fresh out and can't locate any? Give one of these burrata substitutes a try.

Mozzarella cheese is a simplified, similar-looking relative of burrata. Both cheese varieties are round-shaped and come in water-filled containers. The main difference between mozzarella and burrata is the internal consistency. Unlike mozzarella, which has a similar exterior and interior texture, burrata has an outer consistency like mozzarella but is creamy inside. However, despite this difference in texture, mozzarella is an excellent burrata substitute.

It's best to replace burrata with mozzarella in recipes that call for melted or soft cheese, such as pizzas, salads, and sandwiches. To make a substitution, you can use a ball of fresh mozzarella and add a dollop of ricotta cheese in the center to mimic the creaminess of the burrata. Alternatively, you can mix mozzarella and heavy cream to create a similar texture.

While mozzarella may not have the same luxurious creaminess as burrata, it has a soft flavor and smooth texture that can still add richness to dishes. In addition, mozzarella is widely available and more affordable than burrata, making it a convenient alternative for those who cannot find or afford burrata cheese.

Feta cheese is a famous Mediterranean cheese that can replace burrata in some dishes because of its slightly sour taste. Feta cheese is made from sheep or goat milk and has a crumbly texture that's far firmer than burrata and lacks the creamy, luxurious consistency that characterizes it. However, feta can be crumbled easily, adding a delicious salty kick to any dish.

The ratio can vary depending on the recipe when substituting feta cheese for burrata. Generally, a one-to-one substitution is not recommended, as feta cheese has a more robust flavor and a different texture. Instead, it is recommended to use feta cheese in smaller quantities or in combination with other ingredients to achieve a similar taste and texture to burrata. While feta cheese cannot fully replicate burrata's consistency and flavor, it can be a suitable substitute in specific recipes, adding its unique taste to the dish.

Bocconcini cheese is a fresh, semi-soft cheese that is a perfect substitute for burrata due to its creamy flavor and soft texture. Bocconcini cheese is made from cow's milk and has a slightly salty and uniquely milky flavor. The cheese is often sold in small, bite-sized balls perfect for snacking or salads.

Although bocconcini cheese and burrata are different types of cheese, they are both made from the same curd. The main difference is that burrata is filled with cream and bocconcini is not. As a result, bocconcini has a firmer texture than burrata but still has a creamy flavor that makes it a great alternative.

When substituting burrata with bocconcini, the ratio should be one-to-one. For example, if a recipe calls for one ball of burrata, you can use one ball of bocconcini instead. However, remember that bocconcini will not have the same creamy center as burrata. Therefore, bocconcini is best used to replace burrata on top of pizzas or sandwiches with prosciutto, tomatoes, and basil, where the creamy texture that characterizes burrata is not essential to the dish.

Cashew cheese is a vegan and dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese, made from blended raw cashews, water, and various flavorings. Because of its creamy texture and mild taste, cashew cheese works well in place of burrata. Historically, cashew cheese has existed for centuries in countries such as India and Africa, where it is used in traditional cooking. However, in recent years, it has gained popularity in the United States and other Western countries as a dairy-free alternative to cheese.

To make cashew cheese, raw cashews are soaked overnight to soften them before blending with water and seasonings such as nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and salt. The mixture is then strained to create a smooth and creamy texture like cheese. The result is an acidic, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor with a creamy consistency ranging from soft and spreadable to firmer and sliceable.

When it comes to substituting burrata with cashew cheese, the ratio is generally one-to-one. However, cashew cheese can be used in any recipe that calls for burrata. Its creamy texture and slightly sour taste make cashew cheese an excellent substitute for traditional cheese, and it is a perfect choice for those looking for a dairy-free and vegan option.

Another vegan cheese variety that makes a good substitute for burrata cheese is almond cheese. It is a vegan-friendly alternative to traditional dairy-based cheese made, of course, from almonds. It has a creamy and nutty flavor, with a texture similar to soft cheese, making it a delicious and healthy option for people who are lactose intolerant or following a plant-based diet.

To make almond cheese, soak raw almonds overnight, then blend them with water, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. Then, strain the mixture through cheesecloth and allow it to rest in the fridge until it reaches a desired consistency.

Regarding substitution, almond cheese can be used instead of burrata in many recipes. The substitution ratio can be one-to-one, meaning that for every ounce of burrata required in a recipe, one ounce of almond cheese can be used instead. When using almond cheese, it's important to note that the flavor profile may differ slightly from burrata. Almond cheese tastes nutty, while burrata has a creamy, milky flavor. However, the texture of almond cheese is very similar to burrata, making it an excellent alternative for recipes where consistency is essential.

Tofu is a plant-based protein made from soybeans, and it can be used as a substitute for burrata in many dishes. While it may not have the same flavor or texture as burrata, it can be a delicious and healthy alternative. Tofu has a mild flavor and can be seasoned and cooked in various ways so that it tastes differently. Its texture can range from soft and creamy to firm and chewy, depending on the type and how it is prepared. Compared to burrata, tofu is less rich and less fatty, making it a healthier option for those watching their calorie intake.

Tofu has a long history in Asian cuisine, dating back to ancient China. It was introduced to Japan in the 10th century, where it became a staple food. Then, it was brought to the United States in the early 20th century and gained popularity as a vegetarian and vegan protein source. The ratio can vary depending on the dish and personal preference when substituting tofu for burrata. In general, a one-to-one ratio can be used, but it may be necessary to adjust the amount of seasoning or other ingredients to achieve the desired flavor and texture.

Fontina can provide a similar mouthfeel and richness to dishes that call for burrata because of its creamy, rich texture. Fontina cheese is a semi-soft cow's milk cheese originating from Italy's Aosta Valley. It is made from unpasteurized milk and aged for at least three months, resulting in a nutty and earthy flavor profile with a slightly fruity finish. Since Fontina's is smooth and creamy, it's a popular choice for melting.

In terms of flavor, Fontina is milder and nuttier than burrata, but it is an excellent option for heated dishes that call for burrata, as it melts quickly. When using Fontina as a burrata substitute, it's important to note that it won't have the same creaminess, but it can still add a deliciously cheesy flavor to your dish. When substituting burrata with Fontina, the ratio may vary depending on the dish — a good starting point is to use about half the amount of Fontina as you would burrata and adjust as necessary based on your taste and the dish you are making. The best thing about using Fontina to substitute burrata is the decadently cheesy flavor it will bring to your dish.