Jarlsberg Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?
Jarlsberg is a famous Norwegian cheese, known for its distinctive sweet and nutty taste. It is a semi-soft cheese with large, round holes. Jarlsberg is versatile and can be sliced, grilled, or melted. It is often used in sandwiches, as a burger topping, or simply enjoyed on its own.
What Is Provolone Cheese?
Provolone is a well-known Italian cheese with a smooth, firm texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor that becomes sharper and more robust with age. Made from cow's milk, this stretched-curd cheese can be aged from a few months to a year or more. Provolone is excellent for slicing, grating, or melting.
What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
- Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jarlsberg Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | Italy |
| Specific Origin | No Specific Location | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Semihard | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Plastic-covered | — |
| Aging | Three months to twelve months | — |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty | Tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Jarlsberg Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Pastrami, Salami |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Jarlsberg Cheese and Provolone Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character.
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. Expect semihard bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. 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. If you want a semihard cheese, go with Jarlsberg Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
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.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Provolone Cheese is tangy.
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 originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.
See full profiles: Jarlsberg Cheese and Provolone Cheese.