Jarlsberg Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
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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 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 Jarlsberg Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
- Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
- Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jarlsberg Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway | Campania, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Semi-hard | Semi-hard |
| Rind | Plastic-covered | — |
| Aging | Three months to twelve months | At least 4 months for piccante |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty | Tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Jarlsberg Cheese offers mild, buttery, contrasted with Provolone Cheese's pleasant. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.
Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
In most recipes, Jarlsberg Cheese and Provolone Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.
Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.
Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Provolone Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Jarlsberg Cheese leans mild, buttery, and Provolone Cheese is closer to pleasant.
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 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, Jarlsberg Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.