We love burrata cheese, but sometimes you just can't find it or maybe you're looking for something a bit different.
Burrata is creamy and delicious, but there are plenty of options that get pretty close (a fresh Italian pasta-filata cheese from Puglia with a soft, creamy center).
From fresh mozzarella to tofu, we'll cover them all. Whether you're making a salad, pizza, or just snacking, there's a substitute here that will work perfectly.
7 Easy Substitutes for Burrata Cheese
While nothing can truly replicate the creamy texture and rich flavor of burrata cheese, these substitutes are sure to come close.
| Substitute | Taste | Texture | Ratio | Suitable Dishes |
| Fresh Mozzarella | Mild, slightly sweet | Soft, creamy | 1:1 | Caprese salad, pizza, pasta dishes |
| Ricotta Salata | Salty, slightly tangy | Firm, crumbly | 1:1 | Salads, pasta dishes, bruschetta |
| Cottage Cheese | Mild, slightly tangy | Creamy, grainy | 1:1 | Lasagna, stuffed shells, dips |
| Goat Cheese | Tangy, slightly sweet | Soft, creamy | 1:1 | Salads, crostini, pasta dishes |
| Feta Cheese | Salty, tangy | Firm, crumbly | 1:1 | Greek salad, pasta dishes, pizza |
| Cream Cheese | Mild, slightly tangy | Soft, creamy | 1:1 | Cheesecake, dips, frosting |
| Tofu | Mild, slightly nutty | Soft, creamy | 1:1 | Vegan lasagna, dips, stuffed shells |
1 - Fresh Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella is a solid go-to if we're out of burrata (traditionally made from water buffalo milk or cow's milk, with a mild, milky flavor). It's soft, milky, and pairs well with nearly everything.
We've used it on salads, pizzas, and even eaten it plain.
The texture is slightly different from burrata since it's firmer.
For a burrata-like experience, try a 1:1 substitute ratio. Simply tear it into chunks or slice it thin.
It melts nice and evenly on hot dishes.
2 - Ricotta Salata
Ricotta Salata is a hard, salty cheese (made from pressed, salted ricotta curds). It's less creamy than burrata but still tasty.
It works best crumbled over dishes or grated finely.
We've used it on salads and pastas. It stands up to heat well.
For a burrata-like touch, use a 1:1 ratio. Dice it into tiny cubes or grate over hot dishes for that salty, tangy flair.
Ricotta Salata gets the job done, and ricotta alternatives for home cooks offer other options.
3 - Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is versatile and works well in place of burrata (a fresh curd cheese usually made from cow's milk with loose curds). It's creamy, has a mild flavor, and is easy to find.
Use it in salads or as a topping for bread. It has a different texture from burrata but still offers a creamy bite.
For a closer match, blend cottage cheese to make it smoother, or try Eden cheese alternatives for home cooks.
We've enjoyed it in pasta dishes and even as a snack with fruit.
Substitute it with a 1:1 ratio for burrata. Want more options?
Check our guide on cottage cheese substitutes.
4 - Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is another excellent substitute for burrata (made from goat's milk, often with a tangy, earthy flavor). It has a tangy and creamy texture that's pleasant in so many dishes.
We like to use it on salads, pizzas, and even as a spread on toast.
A 1:1 ratio works well with goat cheese for burrata. Just crumble or spread it as needed.
The flavor is a bit stronger than burrata, but it adds a wonderful zing to any meal.
We've made pasta with goat cheese, and it melts beautifully. It's a top pick for its versatility.
For more options, see white American cheese substitutes for melting and other ideas.
5 - Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is crumbly and tangy (traditionally made from sheep's or goat's milk with a briny taste). It's a fantastic substitute for burrata.
It has a strong, salty flavor that works well in salads and pastas.
We use a 1:1 ratio to swap feta for burrata. Its texture is firmer and drier.
It doesn't melt like burrata but adds a nice bite to dishes.
Add it over hot dishes, and you'll love the burst of flavor. Feta's taste is sharper but just as enjoyable as burrata.
We love using feta for its distinct flavor and versatility.
For more swaps, see fontina-friendly cheese swaps for cooking.
6 - Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a smooth substitute for burrata (a soft, spreadable cheese made from cow's milk and cream). It's creamy and spreadable, working well on bread or crackers.
For some dishes, use it in a 1:1 ratio.
We've added it to pasta and desserts with great results.
Taste-wise, it's milder and less rich than burrata. Blending cream cheese with a bit of milk can make it smoother and closer to burrata's texture.
It melts nicely over hot dishes, making it versatile.
We've found it handy for quick dips or spreads. It's easy to find and affordable.
See heavy cream alternatives for richer textures for more options.
7 - Tofu
Tofu is a plant-based cheese replacement with a mild flavor (made from coagulated soy milk, high in protein and neutral in taste). It's soft and moist, which makes it versatile.
We use a 1:1 ratio to replace burrata with tofu. Simply cut it into cubes or blend until smooth.
In salads, tofu holds up well. For a creamy twist, mix it with a bit of olive oil and salt.
Tofu does wonders in both cold and hot dishes.
We've enjoyed it on pizzas and pasta. For those seeking other options, check out our comprehensive guide on the best tofu substitutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, fresh mozzarella can replace burrata cheese, but it lacks the creamy center that burrata offers.
Yes, ricotta salata can replace burrata cheese, providing a crumbly texture and mild flavor.
Yes, cottage cheese can work in place of burrata, though it's less creamy and more granular in texture.
Yes, goat cheese can be a suitable alternative, offering a tangy flavor and soft texture.
Yes, feta cheese can be used as a substitute, though it is saltier and crumblier than burrata.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
