Fourme d'Ambert Cheese vs Provolone Cheese

Fourme d'Ambert Cheese is a soft and creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Fourme d'Ambert Cheese?

Fourme d'Ambert is one of France's oldest blue cheeses, from the Auvergne region. It has a cylindrical shape with a creamy, smooth texture and a mild, fruity blue flavor. Less intense than other blue cheeses, Fourme d'Ambert is known for its delicate mushroomy and earthy notes, making it a favored choice for those new to blue cheeses.

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 Fourme d'Ambert Cheese and Provolone Cheese?

• Origin: Fourme d'Ambert Cheese (France), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
• Texture: Fourme d'Ambert Cheese (Soft and creamy), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
• Taste: Fourme d'Ambert Cheese (Mild blue cheese), Provolone Cheese (tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Fourme d'Ambert Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?

Fourme d'Ambert Cheese reads as mild blue cheese, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Fourme d'Ambert Cheese offers underwood, contrasted with Provolone Cheese's pleasant.

Can You Substitute Fourme d'Ambert Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

In most recipes, Fourme d'Ambert Cheese and Provolone Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft and creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Fourme d'Ambert Cheese reads as mild blue cheese while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Fourme d'Ambert Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fourme d'Ambert Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fourme d'Ambert Cheese originates in France, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy.

Is Fourme d'Ambert Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fourme d'Ambert Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

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

Does Fourme d'Ambert Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?

Fourme d'Ambert Cheese reads as mild blue cheese, while Provolone Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Fourme d'Ambert Cheese leans underwood, and Provolone Cheese is closer to pleasant.

What is Fourme d'Ambert Cheese made of?

Fourme d'Ambert Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged minimum 28 days from the date of renneting. It originates in France.

What is Provolone Cheese made of?

Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Fourme d'Ambert Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Fourme d'Ambert Cheese is soft and creamy, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.