Crème Fraîche Cheese vs Provolone Cheese

Q: Is Crème Fraîche Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?

No. Crème Fraîche Cheese and Provolone Cheese are distinct cheeses from France and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Crème Fraîche Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Crème Fraîche Cheese for Provolone Cheese, though the result will shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Q: Which should I choose, Crème Fraîche Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Crème Fraîche Cheese

Provolone Cheese

Crème Fraîche Cheese is a thick, highly viscous cheese from France, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Crème Fraîche Cheese?

Crème fraîche is a French soured cream made from cream and a bacterial culture, with 10 to 45% butterfat and a pH near 4.5. It is less sour than sour cream, and its fat content keeps it from curdling in hot sauces.

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 Crème Fraîche Cheese and Provolone Cheese?

Origin: Crème Fraîche Cheese (France), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
Texture: Crème Fraîche Cheese (thick, highly viscous), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
Taste: Crème Fraîche Cheese (mildly sour), Provolone Cheese (tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Crème Fraîche Cheese	Provolone Cheese
Country of Origin	France	Italy
Specific Origin	Normandy, France	Campania, Italy
Milk Type	—	Cow's milk
Texture	Thick, highly viscous	Semi-hard, artisan
Aging	—	At least 4 months for piccante
Taste	Mildly sour	Tangy

Taste Comparison: Does Crème Fraîche Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?

Crème Fraîche Cheese reads as mildly sour, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character.

Can You Substitute Crème Fraîche Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

Crème Fraîche Cheese can stand in for Provolone Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect thick, highly viscous bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Crème Fraîche Cheese reads as mildly sour while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Crème Fraîche Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a thick, highly viscous cheese, go with Crème Fraîche Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Crème Fraîche Cheese suits recipes that want mildly sour notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Crème Fraîche Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Crème Fraîche Cheese originates in France, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy.

Is Crème Fraîche Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Crème Fraîche Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Crème Fraîche Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?

Crème Fraîche Cheese reads as mildly sour, while Provolone Cheese is tangy.

What is Crème Fraîche Cheese made of?

Crème Fraîche Cheese is made from milk. 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, Crème Fraîche Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Crème Fraîche Cheese is thick, highly viscous, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.