Jarlsberg Cheese vs 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 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)
• Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
• 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

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. 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. 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?

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. 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 texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.