Bitto Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Bitto Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Bitto Cheese is a cow and goat-milk cheese from Italy, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Bitto Cheese?
Bitto is a historic cheese from the Valtellina valley in Lombardy, Italy. It is made from a mix of cow's and goat’s milk, giving it a unique, rich flavor. Aged Bitto can mature for up to 10 years, during which it develops a granular texture and deep, complex flavors ranging from fruity to nutty.
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 Bitto Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Milk type: Bitto Cheese (Cow's milk primarily, with non-mandatory addition of raw goat’s milk up to 10%), Provolone Cheese (cow's milk)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bitto Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Province Of Sondrio, Lombardy, Including Neighboring Upland Pastures Of Lecco And Bergamo | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk primarily, with non-mandatory addition of raw goat’s milk up to 10% | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | — | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Aging | Minimum of 70 days | — |
| Taste | — | Tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Bitto Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Pastrami, Salami |
| Other Good Pairings | — | 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 Bitto Cheese and Provolone Cheese
Bitto Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Bitto Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Bitto Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
Bitto Cheese can stand in for Provolone Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Bitto Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bitto Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Bitto Cheese is made from cow and goat milk; Provolone Cheese uses cow.
Is Bitto Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Bitto Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Bitto Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Bitto Cheese made of?
Bitto Cheese is made from cow and goat milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 70 days. It originates in Italy.
What is Provolone Cheese made of?
Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Bitto 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: Bitto Cheese and Provolone Cheese.