Provolone cheese is a semi-hard Italian cheese made from cow’s milk. It comes in two varieties – Provolone Dolce and Provolone Piccante. Dolce uses calf rennet and is aged 2-3 months, giving it a mild, creamy flavor. Piccante uses goat or lamb rennet, ages 3+ months, and has a drier, sharper flavor. Both can be smoked, lending a mild smoky taste. Provolone has a distinctive aroma and soft texture, making it suitable for dishes.
Nutrition
Provolone cheese provides a modest nutrition profile. One ounce contains around 80 calories and 7 grams of protein. It contains 6 grams of total fat and no added sugar. Specifically, provolone has 7.45 grams of total fat, 0.6 grams of carbohydrate, and 7.16 grams of protein per one ounce slice. It also delivers important minerals like calcium, phosphorus and selenium.
What Goes Well With Provolone Cheese
Provolone pairs well with many foods. In Italian sandwiches, its creaminess balances salty cured meats like salami and prosciutto. Crisp vegetables such as tomatoes, arugula and bell peppers also complement provolone. Certain fruits, nuts and wines match its flavor profile, including apples, grapes, berries, almonds, Chianti and Pinot Grigio. Considered versatile, provolone enhances pasta, pizza, sandwiches and salads. It can be melted or grated for added texture.