Leicester Cheese vs Provel Cheese

Leicester Cheese is a firm, dry, crumbly cow-milk cheese from United Kingdom, while Provel Cheese is soft, processed and made from cow milk, originating in United States.

What Is Leicester Cheese?

Red Leicester is a crumbly cow's milk cheese from Leicestershire, England, close to Cheddar and coloured orange with annatto. Young wheels taste very mild and slightly sweet; after about six months the cheese picks up a tang.

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 Leicester Cheese and Provel Cheese?

• Origin: Leicester Cheese (United Kingdom), Provel Cheese (United States)
• Texture: Leicester Cheese (firm, dry, crumbly), Provel Cheese (soft, processed)
• Rind: Leicester Cheese (reddish-orange with a powdery mould), Provel Cheese (plastic)
• Taste: Leicester Cheese (slightly sweet, mellow, nutty), Provel Cheese (buttery)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Leicester Cheese Taste Like Provel Cheese?

Leicester Cheese reads as slightly sweet, mellow, nutty, while Provel Cheese brings buttery character. More specifically, Leicester Cheese shows very mild when young, tangier after six months, while Provel Cheese leans toward buttery, smoky; a blend of cheddar, swiss and provolone with liquid smoke.

Can You Substitute Leicester Cheese for Provel Cheese?

In most recipes, Leicester Cheese and Provel Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect firm, dry, crumbly bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, processed. Flavor-wise, Leicester Cheese reads as slightly sweet, mellow, nutty while Provel Cheese brings buttery notes.

Which Is Better, Leicester Cheese or Provel Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm, dry, crumbly cheese, go with Leicester Cheese. For a soft, processed profile, Provel Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Leicester Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sweet, mellow, nutty notes, while Provel Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Leicester Cheese the same as Provel Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Leicester Cheese originates in United Kingdom, while Provel Cheese comes from United States.

Is Leicester Cheese similar to Provel Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Leicester Cheese for Provel Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Leicester Cheese taste like Provel Cheese?

Leicester Cheese reads as slightly sweet, mellow, nutty, while Provel Cheese is buttery.

What is Leicester Cheese made of?

Leicester Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 6 to 12 months. It originates in United Kingdom.

What is Provel Cheese made of?

Provel Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in United States.

Which should I choose, Leicester Cheese or Provel Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Leicester Cheese is firm, dry, crumbly, while Provel Cheese is soft, processed.