Cheddar Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
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 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 Cheddar Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Aging: Cheddar Cheese (A few months to several years), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Campania, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | — |
| Aging | A few months to several years | At least 4 months for piccante |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese: wines, foods, breads and more.
| Cheddar Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Pairs well with | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey, Kombucha, Tomatoes | Pastrami, Salami, Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey |
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. Aging plays into this as well. Cheddar Cheese at a few months to several years develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
In most recipes, Cheddar Cheese and Provolone 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 semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Provolone 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 semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Cheddar Cheese is typically aged a few months to several years, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Provolone Cheese is tangy.
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 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, Cheddar Cheese or Provolone 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 Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.