Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese?
Caciocavallo di Bufala is a traditional Italian cheese made from pasteurized water buffalo's milk. It is a semi-hard, artisan cheese known for its savory flavor and earthy aroma. The cheese is typically shaped into a teardrop and aged for a period to develop its characteristic taste and texture. Its firm yet pliable consistency makes it suitable for slicing and melting, adding rich flavor to various dishes. Often enjoyed on its own or as part of a cheese board, Caciocavallo di Bufala pairs well with hearty breads and full-bodied wines. This cheese offers a taste of Italy's rich dairy heritage, particularly appreciated in regions where it is traditionally produced.
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 Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Milk type: Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese (water buffalo's milk), Provolone Cheese (cow's milk)
- Taste: Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese (savory), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Milk Type | Water buffalo's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Semi-hard, artisan | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Taste | Savory | Tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Pastrami, Salami |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese and Provolone Cheese
Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese reads as savory, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese offers earthy, contrasted with Provolone Cheese's pleasant.
Can You Substitute Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese can stand in for Provolone Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Flavor-wise, Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese reads as savory while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese suits recipes that want savory notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese is made from buffalo milk; Provolone Cheese uses cow.
Is Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese reads as savory, while Provolone Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese leans earthy, and Provolone Cheese is closer to pleasant.
What is Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese made of?
Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese is made from buffalo milk (pasteurized). It originates in Italy.
What is Provolone Cheese made of?
Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.
See full profiles: Caciocavallo di Bufala Cheese and Provolone Cheese.