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Mascarpone Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Mascarpone Cheese
Provolone Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Mascarpone Cheese and Provolone Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Mascarpone Cheese and Provolone Cheese?"
- "Is Mascarpone Cheese and Provolone Cheese the same?"
- "How does Mascarpone Cheese compare to Provolone Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Mascarpone Cheese compare to Provolone Cheese?"
- "Is Mascarpone Cheese or Provolone Cheese better?"
Mascarpone Cheese Overview
Mascarpone is a creamy, soft Italian cheese made from cream, coagulated by the addition of citric acid or acetic acid. It has a very rich, buttery texture and a slightly sweet taste. Mascarpone is a key ingredient in desserts like tiramisu and can also be used in dips, spreads, and sauces.
Provolone Cheese Overview
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.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Mascarpone Cheese comes from Italy. Provolone Cheese originated from Italy.
Milk Type and Treatment
Mascarpone Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated. Provolone Cheese is made with cow milk.
Composition and Texture
Mascarpone Cheese has a fat content of 60 to 75 percent. Mascarpone's texture can be described as "soft, spreadable". Provolone's texture can be described as "semi-hard, artisan".
Taste and Aroma
Mascarpone Cheese has a buttery to slightly tangy taste. Mascarpone's aroma can be described as "fresh". Provolone Cheese has a tangy taste. Provolone's aroma can be described as "pleasant".
Appearance and Aging
Mascarpone Cheese's appearance is colored white . Provolone Cheese has a color of pale yellow .
Rind and Rennet Type
Mascarpone Cheese's rind is described as rindless .
Ranking
Mascarpone is ranked #38 out of 996 types based on community views. Provolone is ranked #4 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Mascarpone | Provolone | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Asti Spumante, Fruit Compote, Kiwi, Mangoes, Prosecco, Raspberry, Strawberries | Pastrami, Salami |
| Other Good Pairings | No additional pairings listed. | Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Mascarpone and Provolone pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Mascarpone Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Lombardy | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Heated | Not Specified |
| Fat Content | 60 to 75 percent | Not Specified |
| Rind | Rindless | Not Specified |
| Texture | Soft, spreadable | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Taste | Buttery to slightly tangy | Tangy |
| Aroma | Fresh | Pleasant |
| Colors | White | Pale yellow |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft, spreadable cheese, go for Mascarpone. But if you enjoy a semi-hard, artisan consistency, Provolone might be the better pick. Mascarpone has a buttery to slightly tangy taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Provolone offers a tangy profile, ideal for different meals.
