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 cow's milk Gouda from North Holland and one of three Dutch Goudas with EU protected status. It is made only in the Netherlands, from milk of Dutch cows, and ranges from mild and elastic at four weeks to hard and sharp past a year.

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 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)
• Aging: Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
• Taste: Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp), Provolone Cheese (tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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. Aging plays into this as well. Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.

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. Aging also differs: Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese is typically aged minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.

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's typically aged at least 4 months for piccante. 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.