Dorset Blue Cheese vs Provolone Cheese

Dorset Blue Cheese is a firm cow-milk cheese, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Dorset Blue Cheese?

Dorset Blue is an English cow's milk blue cheese protected by a European designation of origin. Also sold as Dorset Blue Vinney, it is known for moderate blue veining and a piquant flavor that stops short of being strong.

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 Dorset Blue Cheese and Provolone Cheese?

• Texture: Dorset Blue Cheese (Firm), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
• Aging: Dorset Blue Cheese (12 to 20 weeks), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
• Taste: Dorset Blue Cheese (Piquant, peppery, mild to strong), Provolone Cheese (tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Dorset Blue Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?

Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. Aging plays into this as well. Dorset Blue Cheese at 12 to 20 weeks develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.

Can You Substitute Dorset Blue Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Dorset Blue Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dorset Blue Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Dorset Blue Cheese is typically aged 12 to 20 weeks, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.

Is Dorset Blue Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Dorset Blue Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

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

Does Dorset Blue Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?

Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong, while Provolone Cheese is tangy.

What is Dorset Blue Cheese made of?

Dorset Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed). It's typically aged 12 to 20 weeks.

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, Dorset Blue Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

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