Mont d'Or Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Mont d'Or Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Mont d'Or Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Mont d'Or Cheese?
Mont d'Or, or Vacherin Mont d'Or, is a seasonal, soft cheese made from cow's milk in the Jura region of France. Available from September to May, it has a delicate, creamy texture and a rich, earthy flavor. Mont d'Or is traditionally eaten warmed in the box it comes in, making the interior deliciously runny.
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 Mont d'Or Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Origin: Mont d'Or Cheese (France), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
- Texture: Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Taste: Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Mont d'Or Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Jura Mountains, Doubs | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Soft | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Washed rind | — |
| Aging | 21 to 60 days | — |
| Taste | Resinous, mild to pungent | Tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Mont d'Or Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Pastrami, Salami |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey |
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Where to buy Mont d'Or Cheese and Provolone Cheese
Mont d'Or Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Mont d'Or Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character.
Can You Substitute Mont d'Or Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
In most recipes, Mont d'Or Cheese and Provolone Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Mont d'Or Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Mont d'Or Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Mont d'Or Cheese suits recipes that want resinous, mild to pungent notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mont d'Or Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Mont d'Or Cheese originates in France, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy.
Is Mont d'Or Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Mont d'Or Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Mont d'Or Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent, while Provolone Cheese is tangy.
What is Mont d'Or Cheese made of?
Mont d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 21 to 60 days. It originates in France.
What is Provolone Cheese made of?
Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Mont d'Or Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mont d'Or Cheese is soft, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.
See full profiles: Mont d'Or Cheese and Provolone Cheese.