Mimolette Cheese vs Provel Cheese
Mimolette Cheese is a smooth, creamy body cow-milk cheese from France, while Provel Cheese is soft, processed and made from cow milk, originating in United States.
What Is Mimolette Cheese?
Mimolette is a hard, bright orange cow's milk cheese made around Lille in northern France. It is sold at several ages, from young wheels that taste like Parmesan to extra-old ones with a hazelnut flavor and a grey, mite-worked rind.
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 Mimolette Cheese and Provel Cheese?
- Origin: Mimolette Cheese (France), Provel Cheese (United States)
- Texture: Mimolette Cheese (Smooth, creamy body), Provel Cheese (soft, processed)
- Rind: Mimolette Cheese (Natural), Provel Cheese (plastic)
- Taste: Mimolette Cheese (Sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel), Provel Cheese (buttery)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Mimolette Cheese | Provel Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | United States |
| Specific Origin | Flanders Area Of Pas-De-Calais | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Smooth, creamy body | Soft, processed |
| Rind | Natural | Plastic |
| Aging | 6 weeks to 24 months | — |
| Taste | Sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel | Buttery |
Taste Comparison: Does Mimolette Cheese Taste Like Provel Cheese?
Mimolette Cheese reads as sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel, while Provel Cheese brings buttery character. On the nose, Mimolette Cheese offers butterscotch, contrasted with Provel Cheese's smokey. More specifically, Mimolette Cheese shows mature: dense, waxy, hints of butterscotch; young: mild, while Provel Cheese leans toward buttery, smoky; a blend of cheddar, swiss and provolone with liquid smoke.
Can You Substitute Mimolette Cheese for Provel Cheese?
In most recipes, Mimolette Cheese and Provel Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect smooth, creamy body bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, processed. Flavor-wise, Mimolette Cheese reads as sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel while Provel Cheese brings buttery notes.
Which Is Better, Mimolette Cheese or Provel Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a smooth, creamy body cheese, go with Mimolette Cheese. For a soft, processed profile, Provel Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Mimolette Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel notes, while Provel Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mimolette Cheese the same as Provel Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Mimolette Cheese originates in France, while Provel Cheese comes from United States.
Is Mimolette Cheese similar to Provel Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Mimolette Cheese for Provel Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Mimolette Cheese taste like Provel Cheese?
Mimolette Cheese reads as sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel, while Provel Cheese is buttery. Aromas also diverge. Mimolette Cheese leans butterscotch, and Provel Cheese is closer to smokey.
What is Mimolette Cheese made of?
Mimolette Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 6 weeks to 24 months. It originates in France.
What is Provel Cheese made of?
Provel Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in United States.
Which should I choose, Mimolette Cheese or Provel Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mimolette Cheese is smooth, creamy body, while Provel Cheese is soft, processed.