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 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 Cheese?
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.
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)
- 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) | — |
| 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 | — |
| 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Cheddar Cheese and Provolone Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Provolone Cheese
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.
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.
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.
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). 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 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.
See full profiles: Cheddar Cheese and Provolone Cheese.