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.
Provolone Cheese Taste
Provolone cheese is known for its mild yet tangy flavor that can vary depending on the aging process. When it’s young, provolone has a softer, milder taste, often compared to mozzarella, with a smooth and creamy texture. As it ages, provolone becomes firmer and develops a more pronounced, sharper taste with hints of smokiness and complexity. The aged provolone (often called Provolone Piccante) is tangier and more robust, making it perfect for pairing with bold ingredients.
In summary:
Young provolone: Mild, creamy, and slightly tangy.
Aged provolone: Firm, sharp, tangy, and smokier.
What Is Provolone Cheese Used For?
Provolone cheese is a versatile ingredient in many culinary creations. Here are some common uses of provolone cheese in cooking:
Sandwiches and Paninis: Provolone adds a creamy and slightly tangy layer to sandwiches, especially in Italian-style subs and paninis. It pairs beautifully with deli meats like salami, turkey, and ham.
Pizza: Provolone’s meltability makes it an excellent choice for pizza. It can either be used alone or mixed with mozzarella for a unique flavor profile.
Cheese Platters: Sliced provolone can be added to cheese boards, offering guests a variety of flavors and textures.
Grilled Cheese: Provolone enhances classic grilled cheese sandwiches, melting perfectly between slices of toasted bread.
Baked Dishes: It is used in various baked dishes like lasagna, casseroles, and stuffed peppers due to its ability to melt and blend well with other ingredients.
Provolone also works well in salads, on burgers, and even as a garnish for soups.
How Is Provolone Cheese Made?
Provolone cheese is made using a traditional Italian method called pasta filata, which is the same process used for mozzarella. Here’s an overview of how provolone cheese is made:
Milk Selection: Provolone cheese is typically made from cow’s milk, though variations may use sheep’s milk in some regions.
Curd Formation: The milk is heated and combined with rennet (an enzyme), which helps form curds. The curds are cut into small pieces and cooked at a low temperature.
Stretching: After cooking the curds, the cheese is stretched and kneaded to develop its texture. This step gives provolone its elasticity.
Shaping: The stretched cheese is then formed into large pear-shaped or ball-like forms.
Salting and Aging: The cheese is soaked in a brine solution for a few days, which adds flavor and helps preserve the cheese. After salting, provolone is aged for varying lengths of time to develop the desired taste. Young provolone is aged for about 2 to 3 months, while aged provolone can be matured for 6 months or longer.
Provolone Cheese Substitute
If you’re out of provolone or need a different flavor, here are some excellent substitutes:
Mozzarella: Since provolone is similar in texture to mozzarella, especially when young, it can be swapped in recipes like sandwiches, pizza, and pasta.
Fontina: Fontina is another semi-soft Italian cheese that can be a great substitute for provolone, offering a similar meltability and a slightly tangy flavor.
Gouda: Gouda has a smooth texture and a slightly sweet flavor, making it a good alternative in both sandwiches and baked dishes.
Cheddar: Aged cheddar can provide a sharper flavor, similar to that of aged provolone, but with more intensity.
Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese, with its mild flavor and smooth texture, is another great substitute for provolone, especially when making grilled cheese sandwiches or using it in cheese platters.
Which Cheese Is Similar to Provolone?
If you’re looking for cheeses with a flavor and texture similar to provolone, consider the following:
Mozzarella: This is one of the closest cheeses to provolone, especially when provolone is young. It has a soft texture and a milder taste.
Fontina: A mild, semi-soft cheese that resembles provolone in both texture and flavor. It’s perfect for melting.
Gouda: Gouda has a firmer texture when aged and provides a similar smooth melt, making it an excellent choice for substituting provolone.
Monterey Jack: While not as tangy as provolone, Monterey Jack shares the same smooth texture and mild flavor, particularly in cooking.
Gruyère: A bit more assertive than provolone, Gruyère provides a similar melt and is great for recipes requiring a bit more depth in flavor.
Can I Use Provolone Cheese on Pizza?
Absolutely! Provolone cheese is excellent on pizza. It’s commonly used in Italian pizza recipes for its creamy texture and its ability to melt beautifully. Here’s why provolone is perfect for pizza:
Meltability: Provolone melts smoothly and evenly, just like mozzarella, making it a great pizza cheese.
Flavor: Young provolone adds a mild tanginess, while aged provolone can contribute a sharper, richer flavor to your pizza.
Texture: Provolone offers a creamy, stretchy texture when melted, making your pizza extra delicious.
You can use provolone on its own, or you can mix it with mozzarella for a more balanced flavor. It pairs wonderfully with toppings like tomatoes, basil, and Italian sausages.
Is Provolone Cheese Healthy?
When it comes to health, provolone cheese can be part of a balanced diet, but like all cheeses, it should be consumed in moderation. Here’s a look at the nutritional aspects:
Provolone Nutritional Facts (per 1 oz. serving):
Calories: Around 100-120 calories
Fat: 7-9 grams (mostly saturated fat)
Protein: 6-7 grams
Calcium: 20% of the daily recommended intake
Health Benefits of Provolone:
Rich in Protein: Provolone is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
Calcium-Rich: The cheese provides a significant amount of calcium, promoting bone health and teeth strength.
Vitamins: It contains vitamin A and B12, which are important for immune function, eye health, and energy production.
Considerations:
High in Fat and Sodium: Provolone can be high in saturated fats and sodium, so it’s important to watch your portion sizes if you are managing heart health or blood pressure.
Moderation is Key: To keep it healthy, enjoy provolone as part of a varied diet and balance it with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
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.