Gouda Cheese vs Provolone del Monaco Cheese
Gouda Cheese is a cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese is compact with eyes and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Gouda Cheese?
Gouda is a famous Dutch cheese named after the city of Gouda in the Netherlands. It is typically made from cow's milk and aged to develop a rich, caramel-like sweetness with a smooth, firm texture. Young Gouda is mild and creamy, while aged Gouda becomes hard and crumbly with intense flavors.
What Is Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Provolone del Monaco is a semi-hard cheese from the Sorrentine Peninsula of Italy, made from the milk of local Agerolese cows. Aged for a minimum of six months, it develops a strong, sharp flavor with earthy and nutty undertones. Its name, meaning "Monk's Provolone," refers to the cloak-like cover traditionally used during the aging process.
What's the Difference Between Gouda Cheese and Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
- Origin: Gouda Cheese (Netherlands), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Gouda Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Gouda Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Raw)
- Rind: Gouda Cheese (Durable), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Thin and smooth pale-yellow)
- Taste: Gouda Cheese (Sweet to nutty), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Gouda Cheese | Provolone del Monaco Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Southern Holland | Municipalities In The Metropolitan City Of Naples |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | — | Compact with eyes |
| Rind | Durable | Thin and smooth pale-yellow |
| Aging | — | At least 6 months |
| Taste | Sweet to nutty | Sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste |
Taste Comparison: Does Gouda Cheese Taste Like Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese brings sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste character.
Can You Substitute Gouda Cheese for Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Gouda Cheese can stand in for Provolone del Monaco Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Flavor-wise, Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty while Provolone del Monaco Cheese brings sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste notes.
Which Is Better, Gouda Cheese or Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Gouda Cheese suits recipes that want sweet to nutty notes, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gouda Cheese the same as Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Gouda Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese comes from Italy. Gouda Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Provolone del Monaco Cheese uses cow.
Is Gouda Cheese similar to Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Gouda Cheese for Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Gouda Cheese taste like Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese is sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste.
What is Gouda Cheese made of?
Gouda Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in Netherlands.
What is Provolone del Monaco Cheese made of?
Provolone del Monaco Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using kid rennet paste or calf liquid rennet or a combination of both rennet. It's typically aged at least 6 months. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Gouda Cheese or Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.