Havarti Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Havarti Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Havarti Cheese is a smooth cow-milk cheese from Denmark, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Havarti Cheese?
Havarti is a semisoft Danish cow's milk cheese, mild and buttery with very small irregular eyes running through a rindless, cream to yellow paste. It slices, grills, and melts, and the EU reserved the name for Denmark in 2019.
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 Havarti Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Origin: Havarti Cheese (Denmark), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
- Texture: Havarti Cheese (Smooth), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Aging: Havarti Cheese (about 3 months), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
- Taste: Havarti Cheese (Mild, buttery), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Havarti Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Denmark | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Denmark | Campania, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Smooth | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Rindless | — |
| Aging | About 3 months | At least 4 months for piccante |
| Taste | Mild, buttery | Tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese: wines, foods, breads and more.
| Havarti Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Pairs well with | Kolsch, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Apples, Asian Pear, Asparagus, Belgian Blonde, California Viogniers, Champagne, Crackers, Dirty Martini, Green Apple and more | Pastrami, Salami, Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey |
Taste Comparison: Does Havarti Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Havarti Cheese reads as mild, buttery, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Havarti Cheese offers buttery, contrasted with Provolone Cheese's pleasant. Aging plays into this as well. Havarti Cheese at about 3 months develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.
Can You Substitute Havarti Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
In most recipes, Havarti Cheese and Provolone Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect smooth bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Havarti Cheese reads as mild, buttery while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Havarti Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a smooth cheese, go with Havarti Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Havarti Cheese suits recipes that want mild, buttery notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Havarti Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Havarti Cheese originates in Denmark, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Havarti Cheese is typically aged about 3 months, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.
Is Havarti Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Havarti Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Havarti Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Havarti Cheese reads as mild, buttery, while Provolone Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Havarti Cheese leans buttery, and Provolone Cheese is closer to pleasant.
What is Havarti Cheese made of?
Havarti Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged about 3 months. It originates in Denmark.
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, Havarti Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Havarti Cheese is smooth, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.