Chèvre (Goat Cheese) vs Provolone Cheese
Chèvre (Goat Cheese)
Provolone Cheese
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is a soft goat-milk cheese from France, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
Chèvre is the French name for cheese made from goat's milk. The classic French style is soft and creamy under a light colored rind, tart from the fatty acids in goat milk, and is sometimes served hot as chèvre chaud.
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 Chèvre (Goat Cheese) and Provolone Cheese?
- Origin: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (France), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Goat), Provolone Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (soft), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Aging: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (not aged for long), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Chèvre (Goat Cheese) | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | France, Especially The Loire Valley And Poitou | Campania, Italy |
| Milk Type | Goat | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Light colored | — |
| Aging | Not aged for long | At least 4 months for piccante |
| Taste | Tangy | Tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese: wines, foods, breads and more.
| Chèvre (Goat Cheese) | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Pairs well with | Albariño, Asparagus, Bresaola, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Cava, Champagne, Fig Jam, German Riesling, Green Tea, Grüner Veltliner, Honey and more | Pastrami, Salami, Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey |
Taste Comparison: Does Chèvre (Goat Cheese) Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) reads as tangy, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) offers goaty, contrasted with Provolone Cheese's pleasant. Aging plays into this as well. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) at not aged for long develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.
Can You Substitute Chèvre (Goat Cheese) for Provolone Cheese?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) can stand in for Provolone Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan.
Which Is Better, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) or Provolone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Chèvre (Goat Cheese). For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) originates in France, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk; Provolone Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is typically aged not aged for long, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.
Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) similar to Provolone Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Chèvre (Goat Cheese) for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Chèvre (Goat Cheese) taste like Provolone Cheese?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) reads as tangy, while Provolone Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) leans goaty, and Provolone Cheese is closer to pleasant.
What is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) made of?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged not aged for long. It originates in France.
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, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.