Alpicrème Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Alpicrème Cheese is a soft goat-milk cheese from France, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Alpicrème Cheese?
Alpicrème is a soft cheese from France made with goat's milk. It features a bloomy rind that develops during an aging process of 30 days to 3 months. The cheese has a creamy and smooth texture, making it easy to spread. Its flavor is mild and slightly tangy, with the characteristic earthiness that comes from goat's milk. The aging process enhances its flavors, giving it a more pronounced taste over time. Alpicrème is often enjoyed on a cheese platter or paired with a crusty baguette.
What Is Provolone Cheese?
Provolone is an Italian semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk with a stretched curd. It runs from the very sharp piccante, aged at least four months, to the mild dolce.
What's the Difference Between Alpicrème Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Origin: Alpicrème Cheese (France), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Alpicrème Cheese (goat's milk), Provolone Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Alpicrème Cheese (soft), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Aging: Alpicrème Cheese (30 days to 3 months), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Alpicrème Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Campania, Italy |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Texture | Soft | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Bloomy | — |
| Aging | 30 days to 3 months | At least 4 months for piccante |
| Taste | — | Tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Alpicrème Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Alpicrème Cheese at 30 days to 3 months develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.
Can You Substitute Alpicrème Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
Alpicrème Cheese can stand in for Provolone Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan.
Which Is Better, Alpicrème Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Alpicrème Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alpicrème Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Alpicrème Cheese originates in France, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Alpicrème Cheese is made from goat milk; Provolone Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Alpicrème Cheese is typically aged 30 days to 3 months, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.
Is Alpicrème Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Alpicrème Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Alpicrème Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Alpicrème Cheese made of?
Alpicrème Cheese is made from goat milk. It's typically aged 30 days to 3 months. It originates in France.
What is Provolone Cheese made of?
Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged at least 4 months for piccante. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Alpicrème Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Alpicrème Cheese is soft, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.