Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese is a pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product' cow-milk cheese, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese?
Noord-Hollandse Gouda is a type of Gouda cheese that originates from the Netherlands. It is specifically produced in the province of North Holland. This cheese is recognized as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product, ensuring its unique qualities and traditional production methods are preserved. Noord-Hollandse Gouda is made from cow's milk and is known for its aromatic and pleasant taste, which can range from mild to sharp depending on its age. The cheese has a flattened cylindrical or block shape and is less salty than other Gouda varieties. It is naturally ripened for a minimum of four weeks to over 18 months. The cheese's rind is smooth, closed, and yellow, treated only with uncolored or yellow-colored products.
What Is Provolone Cheese?
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.
What's the Difference Between Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Texture: Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product'), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Taste: Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | North Holland | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product' | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Closed, smooth, yellow, no visible mold growth | — |
| Aging | Minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months | — |
| Taste | Aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp | Tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Pastrami, Salami |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese and Provolone Cheese
Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese reads as aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character.
Can You Substitute Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
In most recipes, Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese and Provolone Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product' bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese reads as aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product' cheese, go with Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese suits recipes that want aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese reads as aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp, while Provolone Cheese is tangy.
What is Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese made of?
Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using calf or microbial rennet, no genetically modified organisms used rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months.
What is Provolone Cheese made of?
Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese is pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product', while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.
See full profiles: Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese and Provolone Cheese.