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Cheddar Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Provolone Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Provolone Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Provolone Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Provolone Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Provolone Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Provolone Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Provolone Cheese better?"
Cheddar Cheese Overview
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.
Provolone Cheese Overview
Provolone is a well-known Italian cheese with a smooth, firm texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor that becomes sharper and more robust with age. Made from cow's milk, this stretched-curd cheese can be aged from a few months to a year or more. Provolone is excellent for slicing, grating, or melting.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Provolone Cheese originated from Italy.
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Provolone Cheese is made with cow milk.
Composition and Texture
Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of up to 39%. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)". Provolone's texture can be described as "semi-hard, artisan".
Taste and Aroma
Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Provolone Cheese has a tangy taste. Provolone's aroma can be described as "pleasant".
Appearance and Aging
Cheddar Cheese's appearance is colored natural or dyed orange , is available in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and is aged a few months to several years . Provolone Cheese has a color of pale yellow .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) .
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Provolone is ranked #4 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Provolone | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | Pastrami, Salami |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and Provolone pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Not Specified |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Not Specified |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Tangy |
| Aroma | Varies | Pleasant |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | Pale yellow |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Not Specified |
| Age | A few months to several years | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a semi-hard, artisan consistency, Provolone might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Provolone offers a tangy profile, ideal for different meals.
