Boursin Cheese vs Provel Cheese

Boursin Cheese is a soft, creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Provel Cheese is soft, processed and made from cow milk, originating in United States.

What Is Boursin Cheese?

Boursin is a French brand of soft, fresh Gournay-style cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk and cream with herbs mixed in. It spreads easily, crumbles a little, and is best known for its original garlic and fine herbs flavour.

What Is Provel Cheese?

Provel is a white processed cheese that blends cheddar, Swiss and provolone with liquid smoke. It melts at a low temperature, tastes buttery, and is the traditional cheese on St. Louis-style pizza.

What's the Difference Between Boursin Cheese and Provel Cheese?

• Origin: Boursin Cheese (France), Provel Cheese (United States)
• Texture: Boursin Cheese (Soft, creamy), Provel Cheese (Soft, processed)
• Rind: Boursin Cheese (None), Provel Cheese (plastic)
• Taste: Boursin Cheese (Garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive), Provel Cheese (buttery)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Boursin Cheese Taste Like Provel Cheese?

Boursin Cheese reads as garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive, while Provel Cheese brings buttery character. On the nose, Boursin Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Provel Cheese's smokey. More specifically, Boursin Cheese shows fresh, with added flavors like garlic, herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive, while Provel Cheese leans toward buttery, smoky; a blend of cheddar, swiss and provolone with liquid smoke.

Can You Substitute Boursin Cheese for Provel Cheese?

In most recipes, Boursin Cheese and Provel Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, processed. Flavor-wise, Boursin Cheese reads as garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive while Provel Cheese brings buttery notes.

Which Is Better, Boursin Cheese or Provel Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, creamy cheese, go with Boursin Cheese. For a soft, processed profile, Provel Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Boursin Cheese suits recipes that want garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive notes, while Provel Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boursin Cheese the same as Provel Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Boursin Cheese originates in France, while Provel Cheese comes from United States.

Is Boursin Cheese similar to Provel Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Boursin Cheese for Provel Cheese?

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

Does Boursin Cheese taste like Provel Cheese?

Boursin Cheese reads as garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive, while Provel Cheese is buttery. Aromas also diverge. Boursin Cheese leans mild, and Provel Cheese is closer to smokey.

What is Boursin Cheese made of?

Boursin Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using microbial rennet. It's typically aged fresh (not aged). It originates in France.

What is Provel Cheese made of?

Provel Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in United States.

Which should I choose, Boursin Cheese or Provel Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Boursin Cheese is soft, creamy, while Provel Cheese is soft, processed.