Jarlsberg Cheese vs Provolone del Monaco Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese is compact with eyes and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
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 Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Provolone del Monaco is an Italian cheese made from the milk of the Agerolese cow in the hills behind Naples. It is named for the heavy cloaks its makers wore when they landed at the port of Naples, and it has held PDO status since 2010.
What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
- Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Italy)
- Milk treatment: Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Compact with eyes)
- Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Thin and smooth pale-yellow)
- Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (At least 6 months)
- Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jarlsberg Cheese | Provolone del Monaco Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway | Municipalities In The Metropolitan City Of Naples |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Semihard | Compact with eyes |
| Rind | Plastic-covered | Thin and smooth pale-yellow |
| Aging | Three months to twelve months | At least 6 months |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty | Sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste |
Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese brings sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste character. On the nose, Jarlsberg Cheese offers mild, buttery, contrasted with Provolone del Monaco Cheese's sweet and buttery. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than Provolone del Monaco Cheese at at least 6 months.
Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
In most recipes, Jarlsberg Cheese and Provolone del Monaco 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 compact with eyes. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while Provolone del Monaco Cheese brings sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste notes.
Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Provolone del Monaco 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 compact with eyes profile, Provolone del Monaco Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, 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 Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, Provolone del Monaco Cheese at least 6 months.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese is sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste. Aromas also diverge. Jarlsberg Cheese leans mild, buttery, and Provolone del Monaco Cheese is closer to sweet and buttery.
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 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, Jarlsberg Cheese or Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese is compact with eyes.