Fontina-Style Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese is a cheese, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Fontina-Style Cheese?
Fontina-Style cheese is a semi-soft cheese known for its creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor. It draws inspiration from traditional Italian Fontina but is often made in various regions outside Italy. The cheese has a pale yellow interior with a few small holes and a natural rind. It melts well, making it a popular choice for cooking, particularly in sauces and fondues. The flavor is buttery and slightly earthy, which pairs well with a variety of foods. Fontina-Style cheese can be sliced for sandwiches or served as part of a cheese platter. It is also a good companion to fruits and nuts, enhancing its mild sweetness.
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 Fontina-Style Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontina-Style Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Texture | — | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Taste | — | Tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Fontina-Style Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Pastrami, Salami |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Fontina-Style Cheese and Provolone Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Fontina-Style Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontina-Style Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
Fontina-Style Cheese can stand in for Provolone Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontina-Style Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fontina-Style Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Fontina-Style Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontina-Style Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontina-Style Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Fontina-Style Cheese made of?
Fontina-Style Cheese is made from milk.
What is Provolone Cheese made of?
Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Fontina-Style Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.
See full profiles: Fontina-Style Cheese and Provolone Cheese.