Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese vs Provolone Cheese

Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese is a soft, creamy buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese?

Mozzarella di Bufala Campana is a fresh, soft pasta filata cheese made from the milk of the Italian Mediterranean buffalo, produced in Campania and a few nearby areas under PDO rules. By production value it is Italy's fourth PDO product.

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 Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese and Provolone Cheese?

• Milk type: Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese (Water buffalo's), Provolone Cheese (cow's milk)
• Texture: Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese (Soft, creamy), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
• Aging: Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese (Eaten fresh), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
• Taste: Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese (Rich, tangy), Provolone Cheese (tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?

Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese reads as rich, tangy, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese offers rich, contrasted with Provolone Cheese's pleasant. Aging plays into this as well. Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese at eaten fresh develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.

Can You Substitute Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese can stand in for Provolone Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese reads as rich, tangy while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, creamy cheese, go with Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese suits recipes that want rich, tangy notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese is made from buffalo milk; Provolone Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese is typically aged eaten fresh, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.

Is Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?

Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese reads as rich, tangy, while Provolone Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese leans rich, and Provolone Cheese is closer to pleasant.

What is Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese made of?

Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese is made from buffalo milk (raw), using traditional rennet. It's typically aged eaten fresh. It originates in Italy.

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, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese is soft, creamy, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.