Brie Cheese vs Provolone Cheese

Brie Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Brie Cheese?

Brie is a soft cow's milk cheese named after the French region it comes from, pale under a white mould rind. It runs 60 to 75 percent butterfat and tastes creamy, nutty and mushroom-like, with a faint acidity. The rind is eaten along with the paste.

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 Brie Cheese and Provolone Cheese?

• Origin: Brie Cheese (France), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
• Texture: Brie Cheese (Soft), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
• Aging: Brie Cheese (at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
• Taste: Brie Cheese (Nutty, Mushroom), Provolone Cheese (tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Pairing Comparison

What works with each cheese: wines, foods, breads and more.

Taste Comparison: Does Brie Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?

Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Brie Cheese offers ammoniated when overripe, contrasted with Provolone Cheese's pleasant. Aging plays into this as well. Brie Cheese at at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.

Can You Substitute Brie Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

In most recipes, Brie Cheese and Provolone Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Brie Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Brie Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, mushroom notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie Cheese originates in France, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Brie Cheese is typically aged at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.

Is Brie Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brie Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

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

Does Brie Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?

Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Provolone Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Brie Cheese leans ammoniated when overripe, and Provolone Cheese is closer to pleasant.

What is Brie Cheese made of?

Brie Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir. 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, Brie Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie Cheese is soft, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.