Jarlsberg Cheese vs Provel Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Provel Cheese is soft, processed and made from cow milk, originating in United States.
What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?
Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss-type cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk and named after Jarlsberg Manor. It is known for its buttery, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and its medium to large holes.
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 Jarlsberg Cheese and Provel Cheese?
- Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Provel Cheese (United States)
- Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Provel Cheese (soft, processed)
- Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Provel Cheese (plastic)
- Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Provel Cheese (buttery)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jarlsberg Cheese | Provel Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | United States |
| Specific Origin | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semihard | Soft, processed |
| Rind | Plastic-covered | Plastic |
| Aging | Three months to twelve months | — |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty | Buttery |
Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Provel Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Provel Cheese brings buttery character. On the nose, Jarlsberg Cheese offers mild, buttery, contrasted with Provel Cheese's smokey. More specifically, Jarlsberg Cheese shows known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes., while Provel Cheese leans toward buttery, smoky; a blend of cheddar, swiss and provolone with liquid smoke.
Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Provel Cheese?
In most recipes, Jarlsberg Cheese and Provel Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semihard bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, processed. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while Provel Cheese brings buttery notes.
Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Provel Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semihard cheese, go with Jarlsberg Cheese. For a soft, processed profile, Provel Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while Provel Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Provel Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Provel Cheese comes from United States.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Provel Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Provel Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Provel Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Provel Cheese is buttery. Aromas also diverge. Jarlsberg Cheese leans mild, buttery, and Provel Cheese is closer to smokey.
What is Jarlsberg Cheese made of?
Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.
What is Provel Cheese made of?
Provel Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in United States.
Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Provel Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Provel Cheese is soft, processed.