Cantal Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Cantal Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Cantal Cheese is a firm cow-milk cheese from France, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Cantal Cheese?
Cantal is a firm, uncooked cow's milk cheese from the Auvergne region of central France and one of the oldest cheeses in the country. Its tangy, buttery flavor recalls Cheddar and sharpens with age, from the mild jeune to the hard, nutty vieux.
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 Cantal Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Origin: Cantal Cheese (France), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
- Texture: Cantal Cheese (Firm), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Aging: Cantal Cheese (Jeune: 30-60 days, Entre-Deux: 90-210 days, Vieux: >8 months), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cantal Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Département Of Cantal | Campania, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Firm | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Gray-white to golden | — |
| Aging | Jeune: 30-60 days, Entre-Deux: 90-210 days, Vieux: >8 months | At least 4 months for piccante |
| Taste | — | Tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Cantal Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Cantal Cheese at jeune: 30-60 days, entre-deux: 90-210 days, vieux: >8 months develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.
Can You Substitute Cantal Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
In most recipes, Cantal Cheese and Provolone Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect firm bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan.
Which Is Better, Cantal Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm cheese, go with Cantal Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cantal Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cantal Cheese originates in France, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Cantal Cheese is typically aged jeune: 30-60 days, entre-deux: 90-210 days, vieux: >8 months, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.
Is Cantal Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cantal Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cantal Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Cantal Cheese made of?
Cantal Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using rennet rennet. It's typically aged jeune: 30-60 days, entre-deux: 90-210 days, vieux: >8 months. 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, Cantal Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cantal Cheese is firm, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.