Cottage Cheese vs. Burrata Cheese

Cottage cheese and burrata cheese - two soft, creamy cheeses that each have their devoted fans.

But which one wins in a head-to-head showdown?

What is Cottage Cheese?

Cottage cheese is a fresh, soft cheese made from curdled milk. Traditionally a byproduct when making hard cheeses, today cottage cheese is commonly made specifically for direct sale and consumption on its own.

The flavor of cottage cheese is mild, tangy, and lightly salty. The curds give it a unique lumpy, almost grainy texture interspersed in the creamy dressing holding them together. It's a staple in many kitchens thanks to its high protein content and versatility.

Cottage cheese is available in full fat, low fat, and nonfat varieties. Full fat versions have a richer flavor and creamier mouthfeel.

There are also small and large curd cottage cheeses. The curd size simply determines the size of those chewy lumps in the creamy base.

Baked ziti, eggs, and salads are popular ways to enjoy cottage cheese, but the uses are endless thanks to the neutral flavor.

Key Takeaway: Cottage cheese is a soft, mild cheese with a lumpy, grainy texture made by curdling milk into soft curds bathed in a creamy dressing.

What is Burrata Cheese?

Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. The name comes from the Italian word for butter, thanks to its exceptionally rich, buttery texture and flavor.

The outer shell of burrata is stretched mozzarella. Inside, there are shreds of mozzarella immersed in heavy cream.

When you slice into a ball of burrata, the creamy interior oozes out ready to be scooped up and enjoyed. The flavor is reminiscent of mozzarella but richer and more decadent, with a buttery quality next level fresh mozzarella just can't match.

Burrata is a real treat thanks to its sublime indulgent texture and taste. It shines when served simply as an appetizer with bread and olive oil, highlighting its inherent flavors.

Pizza, pasta, salads, and bruschetta all get an instant flavor improvement when topped with velvety burrata as well.

Calorie and Macronutrient Differences

Now, let's take a look at how cottage cheese and burrata stack up calorie and macronutrient wise to compare their nutritional value:

So at a quick glance, we can see:

• Burrata has almost 3 times as many calories as cottage cheese
• Burrata contains 4 times as much fat as cottage cheese
• Burrata is quite a bit higher in protein
• Carb content is very close between the two

Clearly, burrata is the richer, more indulgent option while cottage cheese gives you a better bang for your buck protein wise.

Key Takeaway: Burrata cheese is nearly 3 times higher calorie than cottage cheese and much richer, with 4 times the fat content and more protein as well.

Cottage Cheese Macronutrients

• 46% Protein - Nearly half cottage cheese's calories come from protein
• 40% Fat - Fat contributes under half the calories
• 14% Carbs - Carbs make up the smallest caloric contribution

Cottage cheese is relatively high protein for a cheese and gets a significant amount of calories from protein rather than just fat.

Burrata Cheese Macronutrients

• 27% Protein - Burrata has less calories from protein than cottage cheese
• 70% Fat - The high fat cream filling puts fat as the biggest calorie source
• 3% Carbs - Carbs contribute very little to overall calories

True to burrata’s indulgent reputation, a whopping 70% of its calories come from fat thanks to all that delicious cream inside.

Vitamin and Mineral Differences

While both cheeses can play an important role in a balanced diet, there are some noteworthy differences in their vitamin and mineral content:

• Calcium: Burrata has over 7 times more calcium than cottage cheese
• Vitamin A: Burrata provides 5 times as much Vitamin A
• B Vitamins: Cottage cheese is a better source of most B vitamins
• Sodium: Cottage cheese contains nearly 20 times more sodium

So if you're looking for calcium, vitamin A or a mineral boost, burrata outpaces cottage cheese. But if B vitamins are your goal without excess sodium, cottage cheese pulls ahead.

Comparing the Taste and Texture

Now to the good part - how cottage cheese and burrata stack up taste and texture wise!

Cottage cheese has a mild, tangy flavor thanks to the curds preserved in acidic environments. Some describe it as milky or sour cream-like.

The texture is prime cottage cheese’s claim to fame. Chunky, grainy curds are suspended in a smooth, creamy base. The curd sizes vary from tiny to large depending on variety.

It's unlike any other cheese thanks to this unique curdy/creamy contrast. Fans love the interesting mouthfeel and mildly tangy fresh flavor.

In contrast, sliced burrata is downright decadent. The soft outer mozzarella shell gives way to a sublimely lush interior of smooth, satiny cream intermingled with tender shredded mozzarella.

Rich, buttery notes dominate as the cheese practically melts on your tongue. The flavor improves with room temperature while cold dulls its impact.

Burrata is truly one of a kind - incredibly indulgent yet ethereal, delivering luscious flavors and texture with every bite. Between fresh mozzarella's milky notes and viscous texture, it’s an exquisite eating experience.

Key Takeaway: Cottage cheese has a uniquely grainy, lumpy texture with refreshing mild tangy notes. Burrata boasts an unbelievable lush, buttery creaminess and indulgent flavor.

Best Uses for Each Cheese

With two completely different cheeses in terms of taste, mouthfeel, and nutrition, cottage cheese and burrata naturally lend themselves to different uses.

Cottage cheese does well:

• As a protein boost baked into dishes like lasagna
• Added to eggs, bowls or toast for extra protein
• As the creamy base to salads in need of heft
• Used as a dip thanks to its spoonable texture

Thanks to that mild tang and curdy contrast, cottage cheese plays well baked into cheesy dishes while providing protein. It also improves texture when blended into creamy spreads and dips.

On the other hand, burrata cheese really shines when it can shine on its own:

• Served with bread, oil, balsamic* for ultimate richness
• As the crown jewel in Caprese salad for a touch of decadence
• Dolloped onto pizza post-oven for oozie richness
• Tossed with fresh pasta for a sublime sauceless noodle dish
• Paired with fresh summer fruit and herbs

Fresh simple preparations let burrata take center stage so you can truly enjoy every lush, buttery bite. This cheese is too decadent not to highlight!

FAQs

Is cottage cheese or burrata healthier?

Cottage cheese is the healthier option. It has far less fat and calories than burrata, with lots of protein. Cottage cheese makes for an excellent healthy snack.

Burrata is quite high calorie and fat thanks to all the cream, but does provide ample calcium. Enjoy it in moderation when you want a really decadent, tasty cheese experience.

Can you bake with cottage cheese or burrata?

Cottage cheese bakes extremely well into dishes like lasagna, enchiladas, and more thanks to its high protein content. It gives great texture contrast.

However, it’s best not to bake burrata as the high heat makes the cheese ooze fat out and turn rubbery. Save burrata as a fresh topping after baking instead.

Which cheese has more sodium?

Cottage cheese has nearly 20 times more sodium than burrata cheese. If limiting sodium is necessary for your diet, burrata is the better choice over salty cottage cheese.

Can you freeze either cheese?

Due to high moisture, neither burrata nor cottage cheese freeze well. Freezing causes texture degradation and separation.

It's best enjoyed fresh within 5 days of purchase. Store any leftovers covered in water in the fridge.

Conclusion

Between cottage cheese versus burrata, both come out winners in their own way thanks to entirely different flavors, textures, nutrition, and ideal uses.

Cottage cheese is the far more nutritious option thanks to much protein with minimal fat and calories. Its unique chunky, creamy contrast gives a tangy, refreshing effect.

Burrata is pure decadence through and through. That unbelievable creaminess and lush mouthfeel underscored by buttery, rich flavors make it one of the most exquisite fresh cheeses around.