Aged Manchego Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Aged Manchego Cheese is a cheese, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Aged Manchego Cheese?
Aged Manchego is a popular Spanish cheese made from the milk of Manchega sheep, primarily found in the La Mancha region. It is aged for at least 12 months, which gives it a firm and crumbly texture. The cheese has a pale yellow color with a brown, inedible rind marked by a distinctive herringbone pattern. Its flavor is rich and nutty with a slightly sharp tang, becoming more pronounced as it matures. Aged Manchego is often enjoyed on its own, with fruit, or paired with Spanish wines. Its savory taste makes it a great addition to various dishes, adding depth and character.
What Is Provolone Cheese?
Provolone is a well-known Italian cheese with a smooth, firm texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor that becomes sharper and more robust with age. Made from cow's milk, this stretched-curd cheese can be aged from a few months to a year or more. Provolone is excellent for slicing, grating, or melting.
What's the Difference Between Aged Manchego Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aged Manchego Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Texture | — | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Taste | — | Tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Aged Manchego Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Pastrami, Salami |
| Other Good Pairings | Barleywine | Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Aged Manchego Cheese and Provolone Cheese
Aged Manchego Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Aged Manchego Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Aged Manchego Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
Aged Manchego Cheese can stand in for Provolone Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Aged Manchego Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aged Manchego Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Aged Manchego Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Aged Manchego Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Aged Manchego Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Aged Manchego Cheese made of?
Aged Manchego Cheese is made from milk.
What is Provolone Cheese made of?
Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Aged Manchego Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.
See full profiles: Aged Manchego Cheese and Provolone Cheese.