Boursault Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Boursault Cheese is a soft, soft-ripened cow-milk cheese from France, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Boursault Cheese?
Boursault is a soft, soft-ripened cheese from France made from pasteurized cow's milk. It features a bloomy rind, which helps develop its creamy interior. The texture is exceptionally smooth and spreadable, making it a popular choice for spreading on bread or crackers. Its flavor is predominantly buttery, with a rich and mild taste that appeals to many palates. Boursault's approachable flavor and creamy texture make it a favorite for both casual snacking and more formal cheese platters. It pairs well with light wines, fruit, and nuts, enhancing its creamy character.
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 Boursault Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Origin: Boursault Cheese (France), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
- Texture: Boursault Cheese (soft, soft-ripened), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Taste: Boursault Cheese (buttery), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Boursault Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Campania, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft, soft-ripened | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Bloomy | — |
| Aging | — | At least 4 months for piccante |
| Taste | Buttery | Tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Boursault Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Boursault Cheese reads as buttery, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character.
Can You Substitute Boursault Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
In most recipes, Boursault Cheese and Provolone Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, soft-ripened bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Boursault Cheese reads as buttery while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Boursault Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, soft-ripened cheese, go with Boursault Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Boursault Cheese suits recipes that want buttery notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boursault Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Boursault Cheese originates in France, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy.
Is Boursault Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Boursault Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Boursault Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Boursault Cheese reads as buttery, while Provolone Cheese is tangy.
What is Boursault Cheese made of?
Boursault Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). 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, Boursault Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Boursault Cheese is soft, soft-ripened, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.