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Cream Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Cream Cheese
Provolone Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cream Cheese and Provolone Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cream Cheese and Provolone Cheese?"
- "Is Cream Cheese and Provolone Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cream Cheese compare to Provolone Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cream Cheese compare to Provolone Cheese?"
- "Is Cream Cheese or Provolone Cheese better?"
Cream Cheese Overview
Cream cheese is a fresh, soft cheese made primarily from cow's milk. It is typically pasteurized and has a smooth, spreadable texture. The flavor profile is creamy, mild, and slightly sweet, making it a versatile addition to both savory and sweet dishes. It is white in color and lacks a rind, which contributes to its smooth and appealing appearance. Commonly used as a spread on bagels or as a base for cheesecakes and dips, cream cheese is a staple in many kitchens. Its fresh and pleasant aroma enhances its appeal for a variety of culinary applications. Additionally, flavored versions, such as fruit cream cheese, are also popular.
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
Cream Cheese comes from United States. Provolone Cheese originated from Italy.
Milk Type and Treatment
Cream Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Provolone Cheese is made with cow milk.
Composition and Texture
Cream Cheese's texture can be described as "fresh soft, processed". Provolone's texture can be described as "semi-hard, artisan".
Taste and Aroma
Cream Cheese has a creamy, mild, sweet taste. Cream Cheese's aroma can be described as "fresh, pleasant". Provolone Cheese has a tangy taste. Provolone's aroma can be described as "pleasant".
Appearance and Aging
Cream Cheese's appearance is colored white . Provolone Cheese has a color of pale yellow .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cream Cheese's rind is described as rindless .
Ranking
Cream Cheese is ranked #190 out of 996 types based on community views. Provolone is ranked #4 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cream Cheese | Provolone | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Ginger, Salmon, Seaweed, Shrimp | Pastrami, Salami |
| Other Good Pairings | Cod, Green Tea | Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cream Cheese and Provolone pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cream Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Not Specified |
| Rind | Rindless | Not Specified |
| Texture | Fresh soft, processed | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Taste | Creamy, mild, sweet | Tangy |
| Aroma | Fresh, pleasant | Pleasant |
| Colors | White | Pale yellow |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a fresh soft, processed cheese, go for Cream Cheese. But if you enjoy a semi-hard, artisan consistency, Provolone might be the better pick. Cream Cheese has a creamy, mild, sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Provolone offers a tangy profile, ideal for different meals.
