Mozzarella Cheese vs Provel Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese is a soft, creamy cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Provel Cheese is soft, processed and made from cow milk, originating in United States.
What Is Mozzarella Cheese?
Mozzarella is a semi-soft, non-aged cheese from southern Italy, made by stretching and kneading the curd. Cow's milk versions are called fior di latte, buffalo milk versions mozzarella di bufala, and it tops most pizza.
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 Mozzarella Cheese and Provel Cheese?
- Origin: Mozzarella Cheese (Italy), Provel Cheese (United States)
- Milk type: Mozzarella Cheese (cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk), Provel Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Mozzarella Cheese (Soft, creamy), Provel Cheese (soft, processed)
- Rind: Mozzarella Cheese (None), Provel Cheese (plastic)
- Taste: Mozzarella Cheese (Mild, milky), Provel Cheese (buttery)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Mozzarella Cheese | Provel Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | United States |
| Specific Origin | Southern Italy | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Soft, processed |
| Rind | None | Plastic |
| Aging | Eaten fresh | — |
| Taste | Mild, milky | Buttery |
Taste Comparison: Does Mozzarella Cheese Taste Like Provel Cheese?
Mozzarella Cheese reads as mild, milky, while Provel Cheese brings buttery character. On the nose, Mozzarella Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Provel Cheese's smokey. More specifically, Mozzarella Cheese shows made globally; often used in pizza and italian dishes; cow's milk versions are most common., while Provel Cheese leans toward buttery, smoky; a blend of cheddar, swiss and provolone with liquid smoke.
Can You Substitute Mozzarella Cheese for Provel Cheese?
Mozzarella Cheese can stand in for Provel 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 soft, processed. Flavor-wise, Mozzarella Cheese reads as mild, milky while Provel Cheese brings buttery notes.
Which Is Better, Mozzarella Cheese or Provel 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 Cheese. For a soft, processed profile, Provel Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Mozzarella Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky notes, while Provel Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mozzarella Cheese the same as Provel Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Mozzarella Cheese originates in Italy, while Provel Cheese comes from United States. Mozzarella Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk; Provel Cheese uses cow.
Is Mozzarella Cheese similar to Provel Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Mozzarella Cheese for Provel Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Mozzarella Cheese taste like Provel Cheese?
Mozzarella Cheese reads as mild, milky, while Provel Cheese is buttery. Aromas also diverge. Mozzarella Cheese leans mild, and Provel Cheese is closer to smokey.
What is Mozzarella Cheese made of?
Mozzarella Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk (pasteurized), using calf's or microbial rennet. It's typically aged eaten fresh. It originates in Italy.
What is Provel Cheese made of?
Provel Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in United States.
Which should I choose, Mozzarella Cheese or Provel Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mozzarella Cheese is soft, creamy, while Provel Cheese is soft, processed.