Best Burrata Cheese Substitutes for Salads and Italian Cooking
The best substitute for burrata cheese is Fresh Mozzarella at a 1:1 ratio. It works best for caprese salad, pizza, pasta. There are 3 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Fresh Mozzarella
1:1
The outer shell of burrata is mozzarella. Less creamy inside but the closest overall match.
What are the other substitutes for burrata cheese?
Stracciatella (cheese)
1:1
The creamy filling inside burrata sold on its own. Perfect when you need just the creamy component.
Ricotta (fresh)
1:1
Creamy and mild but not as rich as burrata. Mix with a splash of cream for closer texture.
Cream Cheese (whipped)
1:1
In a pinch, whipped cream cheese provides a similar creamy texture. Add a squeeze of lemon.
What should you know before substituting burrata cheese?
Burrata is best consumed within 24-48 hours of being made. It should be served at room temperature and torn open at the table. There is no perfect substitute for burrata's unique inside-out texture, but fresh mozzarella drizzled with cream comes closest.
How do you substitute burrata cheese in a recipe?
An Italian fresh cheese from Puglia consisting of a mozzarella shell filled with a mixture of cream and soft curd (stracciatella). Burrata has an incredibly rich, creamy, milky flavor and is best served fresh and uncooked.
The best substitute for burrata cheese depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Fresh Mozzarella (1:1), which works well for caprese salad, pizza, pasta.
If you need a different option, Stracciatella (cheese) (1:1) is another reliable choice. The creamy filling inside burrata sold on its own. Perfect when you need just the creamy component.
When substituting burrata cheese, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of Burrata?
Fresh mozzarella is the best substitute for burrata, as burrata's outer shell is actually made of mozzarella. For the creamy interior, look for stracciatella cheese, or drizzle cream over torn mozzarella.
Is Burrata the same as mozzarella?
No, burrata is made from mozzarella but is a different cheese. Burrata has a mozzarella shell that is filled with a mixture of cream and soft cheese curds (stracciatella), making it much creamier and richer than plain mozzarella.
Can I substitute ricotta for Burrata?
Ricotta can work as a burrata substitute in some dishes, though it lacks burrata's richness. Mix fresh ricotta with a tablespoon of heavy cream per cup to approximate burrata's creamy consistency. It works best on toast and in pasta.