Brunost Cheese vs Provolone Cheese

Brunost Cheese is a semi-soft, whey cow and goat-milk cheese from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Brunost Cheese?

Brunost, or "brown cheese," is a distinctly Norwegian dairy product, often classified as a cheese, though it differs from traditional cheeses. It is made by boiling down the whey of goat's milk, cow's milk, or a combination of both, until the water evaporates, and the natural milk sugars caramelize. This process gives Brunost its unique brown color, sweet caramel-like flavor, and fudge-like texture. It is commonly sliced thin and served on bread, crispbreads, or waffles.

What Is Provolone Cheese?

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.

What's the Difference Between Brunost Cheese and Provolone Cheese?

• Origin: Brunost Cheese (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
• Milk type: Brunost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk), Provolone Cheese (cow's milk)
• Texture: Brunost Cheese (semi-soft, whey), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
• Taste: Brunost Cheese (caramel, sweet), Provolone Cheese (tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Pairing Comparison

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

Taste Comparison: Does Brunost Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?

Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character.

Can You Substitute Brunost Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

Brunost Cheese can stand in for Provolone Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, whey bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Brunost Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brunost Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brunost Cheese originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Brunost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk; Provolone Cheese uses cow.

Is Brunost Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Brunost Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Brunost Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?

Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet, while Provolone Cheese is tangy.

What is Brunost Cheese made of?

Brunost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

What is Provolone Cheese made of?

Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Brunost Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

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

See full profiles: Brunost Cheese and Provolone Cheese.

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