Edam Holland Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Edam Holland Cheese is a firm, suitable for cutting; becomes firmer with age cow-milk cheese, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Edam Holland Cheese?
Edam Holland is a semi-hard cheese from the Netherlands, made from cow's milk. It is known for its ball, loaf, or block shapes and is naturally matured in Dutch maturing rooms. The cheese has a mild to piquant flavor, depending on its age and type. It has a firm, smooth, and dry rind, formed by drying during maturation. The cheese's color ranges from ivory to yellow, with a uniform cross-section and small round holes. Edam Holland is matured for a minimum of 28 days, with a minimum of 21 days for the baby version. The cheese is made using pasteurized milk and non-genetically modified cultures, with rennet from calf or microbial sources.
What Is Provolone Cheese?
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.
What's the Difference Between Edam Holland Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Texture: Edam Holland Cheese (Firm, suitable for cutting; becomes firmer with age), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Taste: Edam Holland Cheese (Mild to piquant), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Edam Holland Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Firm, suitable for cutting; becomes firmer with age | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Firm, smooth, dry, clean, no fungal flora | — |
| Aging | Minimum 28 days (21 days for baby version) | — |
| Taste | Mild to piquant | Tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Edam Holland Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Pastrami, Salami |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey |
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Where to buy Edam Holland Cheese and Provolone Cheese
Edam Holland Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Edam Holland Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Edam Holland Cheese reads as mild to piquant, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character.
Can You Substitute Edam Holland Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
In most recipes, Edam Holland Cheese and Provolone Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect firm, suitable for cutting; becomes firmer with age bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Edam Holland Cheese reads as mild to piquant while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Edam Holland Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm, suitable for cutting; becomes firmer with age cheese, go with Edam Holland Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Edam Holland Cheese suits recipes that want mild to piquant notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edam Holland Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Edam Holland Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Edam Holland Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Edam Holland Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Edam Holland Cheese reads as mild to piquant, while Provolone Cheese is tangy.
What is Edam Holland Cheese made of?
Edam Holland Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using calf's abomasum or microbial origin, not genetically modified rennet. It's typically aged minimum 28 days (21 days for baby version).
What is Provolone Cheese made of?
Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Edam Holland Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Edam Holland Cheese is firm, suitable for cutting; becomes firmer with age, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.
See full profiles: Edam Holland Cheese and Provolone Cheese.