Cheddar Cheese vs Provolone del Monaco Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese is compact with eyes and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.
What Is Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Provolone del Monaco is a semi-hard cheese from the Sorrentine Peninsula of Italy, made from the milk of local Agerolese cows. Aged for a minimum of six months, it develops a strong, sharp flavor with earthy and nutty undertones. Its name, meaning "Monk's Provolone," refers to the cloak-like cover traditionally used during the aging process.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Italy)
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Compact with eyes)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Thin and smooth pale-yellow)
- Aging: Cheddar Cheese (A few months to several years), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (At least 6 months)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Provolone del Monaco Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Municipalities In The Metropolitan City Of Naples |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Compact with eyes |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Thin and smooth pale-yellow |
| Aging | A few months to several years | At least 6 months |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Cheddar Cheese | Provolone del Monaco Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | — |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Cheddar Cheese and Provolone del Monaco Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Provolone del Monaco Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese brings sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste character. Aging plays into this as well. Cheddar Cheese at a few months to several years develops a different profile than Provolone del Monaco Cheese at at least 6 months.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
In most recipes, Cheddar Cheese and Provolone del Monaco 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 compact with eyes. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Provolone del Monaco Cheese brings sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar 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 varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go with Cheddar Cheese. For a compact with eyes profile, Provolone del Monaco Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Cheddar Cheese is typically aged a few months to several years, Provolone del Monaco Cheese at least 6 months.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese is sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste.
What is Cheddar Cheese made of?
Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized). It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
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, Cheddar Cheese or Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Provolone del Monaco Cheese is compact with eyes.
See full profiles: Cheddar Cheese and Provolone del Monaco Cheese.