Beaufort Cheese vs Provolone Cheese

Beaufort Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Beaufort Cheese?

Beaufort is a firm raw cow's milk cheese from the Savoie region of the French Alps, part of the gruyère family. Its wheels take a concave shape from the beechwood hoop, and the cheese melts easily enough to be a standard choice for fondue.

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 Beaufort Cheese and Provolone Cheese?

• Origin: Beaufort Cheese (France), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
• Texture: Beaufort Cheese (Hard), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
• Aging: Beaufort Cheese (5 to 12+ months), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
• Taste: Beaufort Cheese (strong), Provolone Cheese (tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Beaufort Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?

Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Beaufort Cheese offers fruity, nutty, contrasted with Provolone Cheese's pleasant. Aging plays into this as well. Beaufort Cheese at 5 to 12+ months develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.

Can You Substitute Beaufort Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

In most recipes, Beaufort Cheese and Provolone Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese reads as strong while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Beaufort Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard cheese, go with Beaufort Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese suits recipes that want strong notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beaufort Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Beaufort Cheese originates in France, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Beaufort Cheese is typically aged 5 to 12+ months, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.

Is Beaufort Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Beaufort Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Beaufort Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?

Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Provolone Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Beaufort Cheese leans fruity, nutty, and Provolone Cheese is closer to pleasant.

What is Beaufort Cheese made of?

Beaufort Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using dried calves’ abomasum in recuite rennet. It's typically aged 5 to 12+ 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, Beaufort Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Beaufort Cheese is hard, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.