Camembert Cheese vs Provolone del Monaco Cheese
Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese is compact with eyes and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Camembert Cheese?
Camembert is a moist, soft, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese from Normandy, first made in the late 18th century. Penicillium camemberti gives it a white bloomy rind and a creamy interior, with a taste stronger and slightly more sour than brie.
What Is Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Provolone del Monaco is an Italian cheese made from the milk of the Agerolese cow in the hills behind Naples. It is named for the heavy cloaks its makers wore when they landed at the port of Naples, and it has held PDO status since 2010.
What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
- Origin: Camembert Cheese (France), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Italy)
- Milk treatment: Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Compact with eyes)
- Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Thin and smooth pale-yellow)
- Aging: Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (At least 6 months)
- Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Camembert Cheese | Provolone del Monaco Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France | Municipalities In The Metropolitan City Of Naples |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Compact with eyes |
| Rind | Bloomy | Thin and smooth pale-yellow |
| Aging | Minimum 3 weeks | At least 6 months |
| Taste | Slightly sour, stronger than brie | Sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste |
Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese brings sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste character. On the nose, Camembert Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Provolone del Monaco Cheese's sweet and buttery. Aging plays into this as well. Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks develops a different profile than Provolone del Monaco Cheese at at least 6 months.
Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
In most recipes, Camembert Cheese and Provolone del Monaco Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for compact with eyes. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Provolone del Monaco Cheese brings sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste notes.
Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, artisan cheese, go with Camembert Cheese. For a compact with eyes profile, Provolone del Monaco Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camembert Cheese the same as Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert Cheese originates in France, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Camembert Cheese is typically aged minimum 3 weeks, Provolone del Monaco Cheese at least 6 months.
Is Camembert Cheese similar to Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Camembert Cheese taste like Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese is sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste. Aromas also diverge. Camembert Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Provolone del Monaco Cheese is closer to sweet and buttery.
What is Camembert Cheese made of?
Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized for aoc camembert de normandie, pasteurized for most other versions). It's typically aged minimum 3 weeks. It originates in France.
What is Provolone del Monaco Cheese made of?
Provolone del Monaco Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using kid rennet paste or calf liquid rennet or a combination of both rennet. It's typically aged at least 6 months. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese is compact with eyes.