Goat Cheese vs Provolone Cheese

Q: Is Goat Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?

No. Goat Cheese and Provolone Cheese are distinct cheeses. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Goat Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Goat Cheese for Provolone Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Goat Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Goat Cheese is a soft, semihard or hard goat-milk cheese, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Goat Cheese?

Goat cheese, also called chèvre, is cheese made from goat's milk. It is produced around the world in styles ranging from fresh and soft to aged and hard, and is known for the tart, goaty flavor that comes from the milk's medium-chain fatty acids.

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 Goat Cheese and Provolone Cheese?

Milk type: Goat Cheese (goat), Provolone Cheese (cow's milk)
Texture: Goat Cheese (soft, semihard or hard), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
Taste: Goat Cheese (tart, goaty), Provolone Cheese (tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Goat Cheese	Provolone Cheese
Country of Origin	—	Italy
Specific Origin	Worldwide	Campania, Italy
Milk Type	Goat	Cow's milk
Texture	Soft, semihard or hard	Semi-hard, artisan
Aging	—	At least 4 months for piccante
Taste	Tart, goaty	Tangy

Taste Comparison: Does Goat Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?

Goat Cheese reads as tart, goaty, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character.

Can You Substitute Goat Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

Goat Cheese can stand in for Provolone Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, semihard or hard bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Goat Cheese reads as tart, goaty while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Goat Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

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

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Goat Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Goat Cheese is made from goat milk; Provolone Cheese uses cow.

Is Goat Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Goat Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Goat Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?

Goat Cheese reads as tart, goaty, while Provolone Cheese is tangy.

What is Goat Cheese made of?

Goat Cheese is made from goat milk.

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, Goat Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Goat Cheese is soft, semihard or hard, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.