Is burrata just mozzarella?

Its outer shell is mozzarella, but the inside is stracciatella: torn curd and cream. That filling is what makes it so much richer.

Do you eat the outside of burrata?

Yes, all of it. Cut it open, let the center spill out, and eat the shell along with it.

Burrata vs mozzarella: what's the difference?

Burrata is a pouch of fresh mozzarella filled with stracciatella, torn curd soaked in cream, so it's softer and richer and spills open when you cut it.

Burrata

Very light

Indulgent

Subtle

Big punch

Mellow

Zingy

A soft mozzarella shell hiding a pool of creamy, milky filling.

What does Burrata taste like?

Mozzarella

Very light

Indulgent

Subtle

Big punch

Mellow

Zingy

Fresh, milky and springy, with a faint tang.

The real difference

Fresh mozzarella is curd stretched in hot water and shaped into smooth balls. Burrata starts the same way, but the mozzarella is formed into a pouch, stuffed with shredded curd and cream, and tied shut. Both are mild; burrata just adds a lot more cream.

Side by side

BurrataMozzarella

Made fromMozzarella shell, cream and curd insideStretched fresh curd

TextureSoft outside, runny insideSpringy, sliceable

TastesCreamy, milky, butteryMilky, clean, a little tangy

On a menuStarters with tomatoes, peaches, toastCaprese, pizza, sandwiches

Which to order

Order burrata if you want something rich and creamy to tear open and share.
Order the mozzarella dish if you want a lighter, fresher cheese that holds its shape.

Quick questions

Is burrata just mozzarella?: Its outer shell is mozzarella, but the inside is stracciatella: torn curd and cream. That filling is what makes it so much richer.
Do you eat the outside of burrata?: Yes, all of it. Cut it open, let the center spill out, and eat the shell along with it.