Camembert de Normandie Cheese vs Provolone Cheese

Camembert de Normandie Cheese is a young: narrow unripe core; aged: homogeneous, sticky cow-milk cheese from France, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Camembert de Normandie Cheese?

Camembert de Normandie is the AOC version of Camembert, a soft, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese from Normandy in northwest France. The rules require raw milk from Normande cows, and each small round is covered by a bloomy white rind.

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 Camembert de Normandie Cheese and Provolone Cheese?

• Origin: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (France), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
• Texture: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (Young: Narrow unripe core; Aged: Homogeneous, sticky), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
• Aging: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (~30 days), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
• Taste: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (Young: Lactic, tangy, sweet; Aged: Pungent, mushroom, garlic), Provolone Cheese (tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Camembert de Normandie Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?

Camembert de Normandie Cheese reads as young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Camembert de Normandie Cheese offers lactic to pungent with notes of mushroom and garlic, contrasted with Provolone Cheese's pleasant. Aging plays into this as well. Camembert de Normandie Cheese at ~30 days develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.

Can You Substitute Camembert de Normandie Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

In most recipes, Camembert de Normandie Cheese and Provolone Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect young: narrow unripe core; aged: homogeneous, sticky bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Camembert de Normandie Cheese reads as young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Camembert de Normandie Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a young: narrow unripe core; aged: homogeneous, sticky cheese, go with Camembert de Normandie Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert de Normandie Cheese suits recipes that want young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Camembert de Normandie Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert de Normandie Cheese originates in France, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Camembert de Normandie Cheese is typically aged ~30 days, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.

Is Camembert de Normandie Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Camembert de Normandie Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

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

Does Camembert de Normandie Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?

Camembert de Normandie Cheese reads as young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic, while Provolone Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Camembert de Normandie Cheese leans lactic to pungent with notes of mushroom and garlic, and Provolone Cheese is closer to pleasant.

What is Camembert de Normandie Cheese made of?

Camembert de Normandie Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged ~30 days. 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, Camembert de Normandie Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert de Normandie Cheese is young: narrow unripe core; aged: homogeneous, sticky, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.