Cheddar Cheese vs Provel Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Provel Cheese is soft, processed and made from cow milk, originating in United States.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar is a relatively hard, off-white to orange cow's milk cheese from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. The name is not protected, so it is made worldwide, and it is the UK's most popular cheese at 51% of the national cheese market.
What Is Provel Cheese?
Provel is a white processed cheese that blends cheddar, Swiss and provolone with liquid smoke. It melts at a low temperature, tastes buttery, and is the traditional cheese on St. Louis-style pizza.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Provel Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Provel Cheese (United States)
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), Provel Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Provel Cheese (soft, processed)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Provel Cheese (plastic)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Provel Cheese (buttery)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Provel Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | United States |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Soft, processed |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Plastic |
| Aging | A few months to several years | — |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Buttery |
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Provel Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Provel Cheese brings buttery character. More specifically, Cheddar Cheese shows from mild and buttery to brothy and savory, with distinctive sharpness; variations in sweetness and flavor depending on the producer, while Provel Cheese leans toward buttery, smoky; a blend of cheddar, swiss and provolone with liquid smoke.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Provel Cheese?
In most recipes, Cheddar Cheese and Provel Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, processed. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Provel Cheese brings buttery notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Provel Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go with Cheddar Cheese. For a soft, processed profile, Provel Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Provel Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Provel Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Provel Cheese comes from United States.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Provel Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Provel Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Provel Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Provel Cheese is buttery.
What is Cheddar Cheese made of?
Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized), using animal; microbial chymosin in vegetarian and kosher versions rennet. It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
What is Provel Cheese made of?
Provel Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in United States.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Provel Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Provel Cheese is soft, processed.