Bresse Bleu Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Bresse Bleu Cheese is a soft, blue-veined cow-milk cheese from France, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Bresse Bleu Cheese?
Bresse Bleu, or Bleu de Bresse, is a French blue cheese from the Bresse area, first made after World War II. It is known for its firm white edible coating that smells of mushrooms and a creamy Brie-like interior flecked with blue mould.
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 Bresse Bleu Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Origin: Bresse Bleu Cheese (France), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
- Texture: Bresse Bleu Cheese (soft, blue-veined), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Taste: Bresse Bleu Cheese (creamy), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bresse Bleu Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Bresse, France | Campania, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft, blue-veined | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Firm, edible white coating of Penicillium camemberti | — |
| Aging | — | At least 4 months for piccante |
| Taste | Creamy | Tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Bresse Bleu Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Bresse Bleu Cheese reads as creamy, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Bresse Bleu Cheese offers milky, mushroom, contrasted with Provolone Cheese's pleasant.
Can You Substitute Bresse Bleu Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
In most recipes, Bresse Bleu Cheese and Provolone Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, blue-veined bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Bresse Bleu Cheese reads as creamy while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Bresse Bleu Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, blue-veined cheese, go with Bresse Bleu Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bresse Bleu Cheese suits recipes that want creamy notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bresse Bleu Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Bresse Bleu Cheese originates in France, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy.
Is Bresse Bleu Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Bresse Bleu Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Bresse Bleu Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Bresse Bleu Cheese reads as creamy, while Provolone Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Bresse Bleu Cheese leans milky, mushroom, and Provolone Cheese is closer to pleasant.
What is Bresse Bleu Cheese made of?
Bresse Bleu 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, Bresse Bleu Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bresse Bleu Cheese is soft, blue-veined, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.