Derby Cheese vs Provolone Cheese

Derby Cheese is a semi-firm, artisan cow-milk cheese from England and United Kingdom, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Derby Cheese?

Derby is a mild, semi-firm cow's milk cheese from Derbyshire, England, with a smooth, mellow texture and a buttery flavour. It sits close to Cheddar in taste but stays softer, and its best known version is the sage-flecked Sage Derby.

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 Derby Cheese and Provolone Cheese?

• Origin: Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
• Texture: Derby Cheese (semi-firm, artisan), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
• Aging: Derby Cheese (1 to 6 months), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
• Taste: Derby Cheese (buttery, mild, sweet), Provolone Cheese (tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Derby Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Derby Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Provolone Cheese's pleasant. Aging plays into this as well. Derby Cheese at 1 to 6 months develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.

Can You Substitute Derby Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

In most recipes, Derby Cheese and Provolone Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-firm, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Derby Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-firm, artisan cheese, go with Derby Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, mild, sweet notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Derby Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Derby Cheese originates in England and United Kingdom, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Derby Cheese is typically aged 1 to 6 months, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.

Is Derby Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Derby Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

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

Does Derby Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Provolone Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Derby Cheese leans mild, and Provolone Cheese is closer to pleasant.

What is Derby Cheese made of?

Derby Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 1 to 6 months. It originates in England and United Kingdom.

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, Derby Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Derby Cheese is semi-firm, artisan, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.