Monterey Jack Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Monterey Jack Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Monterey Jack Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from United States, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
Buy Monterey Jack Cheese
Buy Provolone Cheese
What Is Monterey Jack Cheese?
Monterey Jack is a white, semi-hard cow's milk cheese from Monterey, California, with a mild and slightly sweet flavor. It melts cleanly, which is why it shows up in quesadillas, burritos, grilled cheese, and cheeseburgers.
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 Monterey Jack Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Origin: Monterey Jack Cheese (United States), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
- Aging: Monterey Jack Cheese (Six weeks to ten months), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
- Taste: Monterey Jack Cheese (Mild to full-flavored), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Monterey Jack Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Monterey County, California | Campania, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Semi-hard | Semi-hard |
| Aging | Six weeks to ten months | At least 4 months for piccante |
| Taste | Mild to full-flavored | Tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese: wines, foods, breads and more.
| Monterey Jack Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Pairs well with | Macaroni and Cheese, Pulled Pork, Tacos, Clam Chowder, Pastrami | Pastrami, Primitivo, Salami, Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna and more |
Taste Comparison: Does Monterey Jack Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Monterey Jack Cheese reads as mild to full-flavored, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Monterey Jack Cheese offers aromatic, contrasted with Provolone Cheese's pleasant. Aging plays into this as well. Monterey Jack Cheese at six weeks to ten months develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.
Can You Substitute Monterey Jack Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
In most recipes, Monterey Jack Cheese and Provolone Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Monterey Jack Cheese reads as mild to full-flavored while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Monterey Jack Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Monterey Jack Cheese suits recipes that want mild to full-flavored notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monterey Jack Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Monterey Jack Cheese originates in United States, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Monterey Jack Cheese is typically aged six weeks to ten months, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.
Is Monterey Jack Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.
Can I substitute Monterey Jack Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.
Does Monterey Jack Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Monterey Jack Cheese reads as mild to full-flavored, while Provolone Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Monterey Jack Cheese leans aromatic, and Provolone Cheese is closer to pleasant.
What is Monterey Jack Cheese made of?
Monterey Jack Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged six weeks to ten months. It originates in United States.
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, Monterey Jack Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.