Butterkase Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Butterkase Cheese is a semi-soft cow-milk cheese from Austria and Germany, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Butterkase Cheese?
Butterkase, or Butterkäse, is a semi-soft cow's milk cheese made mostly in Germany. It is known for a buttery, mild taste and a smooth creamy body that slices easily and melts well.
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 Butterkase Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Origin: Butterkase Cheese (Austria and Germany), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
- Texture: Butterkase Cheese (semi-soft), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Aging: Butterkase Cheese (brief), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
- Taste: Butterkase Cheese (buttery, mild), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Butterkase Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Austria And Germany | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Germany, Also Wisconsin In The U.S. | Campania, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Semi-soft | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | Brief | At least 4 months for piccante |
| Taste | Buttery, mild | Tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Butterkase Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Butterkase Cheese reads as buttery, mild, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. Aging plays into this as well. Butterkase Cheese at brief develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.
Can You Substitute Butterkase Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
In most recipes, Butterkase Cheese and Provolone Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Butterkase Cheese reads as buttery, mild while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Butterkase 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 cheese, go with Butterkase Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Butterkase Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, mild notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Butterkase Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Butterkase Cheese originates in Austria and Germany, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Butterkase Cheese is typically aged brief, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.
Is Butterkase Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Butterkase Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Butterkase Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Butterkase Cheese reads as buttery, mild, while Provolone Cheese is tangy.
What is Butterkase Cheese made of?
Butterkase Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged brief. It originates in Austria and Germany.
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, Butterkase Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Butterkase Cheese is semi-soft, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.