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 is a seasonal soft cow's milk cheese from the Jura region of France and Switzerland, wrapped in a band of spruce that gives it its flavor. It sells from September 10 to May 10 and is usually warmed in its spruce box and eaten like fondue.
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 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)
- Aging: Mont d'Or Cheese (21 to 60 days), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
- 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 | Campania, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Soft | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Washed rind | — |
| Aging | 21 to 60 days | At least 4 months for piccante |
| Taste | Resinous, mild to pungent | Tangy |
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. Aging plays into this as well. Mont d'Or Cheese at 21 to 60 days develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.
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.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
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. Aging also differs: Mont d'Or Cheese is typically aged 21 to 60 days, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.
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's typically aged at least 4 months for piccante. 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.