Camembert Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Camembert Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan 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 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 Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Origin: Camembert Cheese (France), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
- Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Aging: Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
- Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Camembert Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France | Campania, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions | — |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Bloomy | — |
| Aging | Minimum 3 weeks | At least 4 months for piccante |
| Taste | Slightly sour, stronger than brie | Tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese: wines, foods, breads and more.
| Camembert Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Pairs well with | Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, Gamay, Grüner Veltliner, Hard Cider, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Cava, Champagne, Crackers, Fig Jam and more | Pastrami, Salami, Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey |
Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Camembert Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Provolone Cheese's pleasant. Aging plays into this as well. Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.
Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
In most recipes, Camembert Cheese and Provolone 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 semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Provolone 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 semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camembert Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert Cheese originates in France, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Camembert Cheese is typically aged minimum 3 weeks, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.
Is Camembert Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Camembert Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Provolone Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Camembert Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Provolone Cheese is closer to pleasant.
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 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 Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.