Fromage Frais Cheese vs Provel Cheese

Fromage Frais Cheese is a fresh soft cheese from France, while Provel Cheese is soft, processed and made from cow milk, originating in United States.

What Is Fromage Frais Cheese?

Fromage frais is an acid-coagulated fresh cheese from northern France and southern Belgium, sold with its live cultures still active. It looks and eats much like yogurt, and turns up in desserts, on bread under jam, and in savoury cooking.

What Is Provel Cheese?

Provel is a white processed cheese that blends cheddar, Swiss and provolone with liquid smoke. It melts at a low temperature, tastes buttery, and is the traditional cheese on St. Louis-style pizza.

What's the Difference Between Fromage Frais Cheese and Provel Cheese?

• Origin: Fromage Frais Cheese (France), Provel Cheese (United States)
• Texture: Fromage Frais Cheese (fresh soft), Provel Cheese (soft, processed)
• Taste: Fromage Frais Cheese (milky, smooth), Provel Cheese (buttery)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Fromage Frais Cheese Taste Like Provel Cheese?

Fromage Frais Cheese reads as milky, smooth, while Provel Cheese brings buttery character. On the nose, Fromage Frais Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Provel Cheese's smokey.

Can You Substitute Fromage Frais Cheese for Provel Cheese?

Fromage Frais Cheese can stand in for Provel Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect fresh soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, processed. Flavor-wise, Fromage Frais Cheese reads as milky, smooth while Provel Cheese brings buttery notes.

Which Is Better, Fromage Frais Cheese or Provel Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a fresh soft cheese, go with Fromage Frais Cheese. For a soft, processed profile, Provel Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Fromage Frais Cheese suits recipes that want milky, smooth notes, while Provel Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fromage Frais Cheese the same as Provel Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fromage Frais Cheese originates in France, while Provel Cheese comes from United States.

Is Fromage Frais Cheese similar to Provel Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Fromage Frais Cheese for Provel Cheese?

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

Does Fromage Frais Cheese taste like Provel Cheese?

Fromage Frais Cheese reads as milky, smooth, while Provel Cheese is buttery. Aromas also diverge. Fromage Frais Cheese leans mild, and Provel Cheese is closer to smokey.

What is Fromage Frais Cheese made of?

Fromage Frais Cheese is made from milk. It originates in France.

What is Provel Cheese made of?

Provel Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in United States.

Which should I choose, Fromage Frais Cheese or Provel Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Fromage Frais Cheese is fresh soft, while Provel Cheese is soft, processed.