Brie Cheese vs Provolone Cheese

Brie Cheese

Provolone Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Brie Cheese and Provolone Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Brie Cheese and Provolone Cheese?"
  • "Is Brie Cheese and Provolone Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Brie Cheese compare to Provolone Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Brie Cheese compare to Provolone Cheese?"
  • "Is Brie Cheese or Provolone Cheese better?"

Brie Cheese Overview

Brie is a soft cheese named after the French region from which it originated. It’s famous for its creamy interior and edible white rind. Brie has a rich, buttery flavor with hints of mushrooms and almonds. It’s often served at room temperature on cheese platters or used in cooking for its ability to add depth and creaminess to recipes.

Provolone Cheese Overview

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.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Brie Cheese comes from France. Provolone Cheese originated from Italy.

Milk Type and Treatment

Brie Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Provolone Cheese is made with cow milk.

Composition and Texture

Brie's texture can be described as "soft". Provolone's texture can be described as "semi-hard, artisan".

Taste and Aroma

Brie Cheese has a nutty, mushroom taste. Provolone Cheese has a tangy taste. Provolone's aroma can be described as "pleasant".

Appearance and Aging

Brie Cheese's appearance is colored white . Provolone Cheese has a color of pale yellow .

Rind and Rennet Type

Brie Cheese's rind is described as bloomy and uses animal rennet.

Ranking

Brie is ranked #6 out of 996 types based on community views. Provolone is ranked #4 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Brie Provolone
Best Pairings Apples, Apricot, Asian Pear, Asti Spumante, Beaujolais, Belgian Blonde, Bresaola, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Cava, Champagne, Crackers, Dried Cranberries, Dried Fruit, Fig Jam, Fruit Compote, Gamay, Ginger, Grapes, Hard Cider, Honey, Honeycomb, Kombucha, Mangoes, Merlot, Mushrooms, Pear, Pecans, Pistachios, Port, Prosecco, Raspberry, Sparkling Rosé, Strawberries, Turkey, Viognier, White Burgundy Pastrami, Salami
Other Good Pairings Almonds, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, Dijon Mustard, Dried Figs, German Riesling, Green Apple, Green Tea, GrĂĽner Veltliner, Ham, Kiwi, Muscat, Prosciutto, Pumpkin, Roasted Vegetables, Salmon, Scotch, Sweet Potato Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Brie and Provolone pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Brie Cheese Provolone Cheese
Country of Origin France Italy
Specific Origin Brie Not Specified
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Raw, Pasteurized Not Specified
Rind Bloomy Not Specified
Texture Soft Semi-hard, artisan
Taste Nutty, Mushroom Tangy
Aroma Not Specified Pleasant
Colors White Pale yellow
Rennet Type Animal Not Specified

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a soft cheese, go for Brie. But if you enjoy a semi-hard, artisan consistency, Provolone might be the better pick. Brie has a nutty, mushroom taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Provolone offers a tangy profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Brie Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Provolone Cheese to Other Cheeses

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