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Mozzarella Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese
Provolone Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Mozzarella Cheese and Provolone Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Mozzarella Cheese and Provolone Cheese?"
- "Is Mozzarella Cheese and Provolone Cheese the same?"
- "How does Mozzarella Cheese compare to Provolone Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Mozzarella Cheese compare to Provolone Cheese?"
- "Is Mozzarella Cheese or Provolone Cheese better?"
Mozzarella Cheese Overview
Mozzarella is a soft, white cheese originally from Southern Italy. Traditionally made from water buffalo milk (mozzarella di bufala), it's also commonly produced from cow's milk (fior di latte). Mozzarella is famous for its mild, milky flavor and stretchy texture, making it ideal for pizzas and caprese salads.
Provolone Cheese Overview
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.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Mozzarella Cheese comes from Italy. Provolone Cheese originated from Italy.
Milk Type and Treatment
Mozzarella Cheese is made with cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk that is typically pasteurized. Provolone Cheese is made with cow milk.
Composition and Texture
Mozzarella Cheese has a fat content of varies and a moisture content of high. Mozzarella's texture can be described as "soft, creamy". Provolone's texture can be described as "semi-hard, artisan".
Taste and Aroma
Mozzarella Cheese has a mild, milky taste. Mozzarella's aroma can be described as "mild". Provolone Cheese has a tangy taste. Provolone's aroma can be described as "pleasant".
Appearance and Aging
Mozzarella Cheese's appearance is colored white , is available in balls, blocks, shredded and is aged eaten fresh . Provolone Cheese has a color of pale yellow .
Rind and Rennet Type
Mozzarella Cheese's rind is described as none and uses calf's or microbial rennet.
Ranking
Mozzarella is ranked #43 out of 996 types based on community views. Provolone is ranked #4 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Mozzarella | Provolone | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Avocado, Chicken, Green Tea, Olives, Pesto, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Prosciutto, Sauvignon Blanc, Shrimp, Tomatoes, Tuna | Pastrami, Salami |
| Other Good Pairings | Albariño, Asparagus, Asti Spumante, Bresaola, Clam Chowder, Cod, Ham, Kolsch, Macaroni and Cheese, Pastrami, Prosecco, Pulled Pork, Roasted Vegetables, Salami, Sangiovese, Seaweed, Turkey | Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Mozzarella and Provolone pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Mozzarella Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Not Specified |
| Fat Content | Varies | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | High | Not Specified |
| Rind | None | Not Specified |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Taste | Mild, milky | Tangy |
| Aroma | Mild | Pleasant |
| Colors | White | Pale yellow |
| Forms | Balls, blocks, shredded | Not Specified |
| Age | Eaten fresh | Not Specified |
| Rennet Type | Calf's or microbial rennet | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft, creamy cheese, go for Mozzarella. But if you enjoy a semi-hard, artisan consistency, Provolone might be the better pick. Mozzarella has a mild, milky taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Provolone offers a tangy profile, ideal for different meals.
