Geitost Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Geitost Cheese is a semi-hard, whey cow and goat-milk cheese from Norway, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Geitost Cheese?
Geitost is the Norwegian brown whey cheese made with goat's milk in the mix. Boiling milk, cream and whey caramelizes the milk sugars, which gives it a deep brown color and a sweet, caramel taste with a tang behind it.
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 Geitost Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Origin: Geitost Cheese (Norway), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Geitost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk), Provolone Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Geitost Cheese (semi-hard, whey), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Aging: Geitost Cheese (not aged), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
- Taste: Geitost Cheese (burnt caramel, sweet), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Geitost Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Norway | Campania, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's and goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Texture | Semi-hard, whey | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | Not aged | At least 4 months for piccante |
| Taste | Burnt caramel, sweet | Tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Geitost Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Geitost Cheese reads as burnt caramel, sweet, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Geitost Cheese offers caramel, contrasted with Provolone Cheese's pleasant. Aging plays into this as well. Geitost Cheese at not aged develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.
Can You Substitute Geitost Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
Geitost Cheese can stand in for Provolone Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard, whey bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Geitost Cheese reads as burnt caramel, sweet while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Geitost Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, whey cheese, go with Geitost Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Geitost Cheese suits recipes that want burnt caramel, sweet notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Geitost Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Geitost Cheese originates in Norway, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Geitost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk; Provolone Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Geitost Cheese is typically aged not aged, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.
Is Geitost Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Geitost Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Geitost Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Geitost Cheese reads as burnt caramel, sweet, while Provolone Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Geitost Cheese leans caramel, and Provolone Cheese is closer to pleasant.
What is Geitost Cheese made of?
Geitost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk. It's typically aged not aged. It originates in Norway.
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, Geitost Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Geitost Cheese is semi-hard, whey, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.