Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese vs Provel Cheese

Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is a hard, dry and grainy cow-milk cheese, while Provel Cheese is soft, processed and made from cow milk, originating in United States.

What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio is a long-aged Parmigiano Reggiano, the hard granular cow's milk cheese of Parma and Reggio Emilia. It is dry and grainy, with the sharp, salty, savory taste that makes it a grating cheese.

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 Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese and Provel Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (raw), Provel Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (hard, dry and grainy), Provel Cheese (soft, processed)
• Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (sharp, salty and savory), Provel Cheese (buttery)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese Taste Like Provel Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory, while Provel Cheese brings buttery character. More specifically, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese shows strong umami from a high glutamate content, while Provel Cheese leans toward buttery, smoky; a blend of cheddar, swiss and provolone with liquid smoke.

Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for Provel Cheese?

In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese and Provel Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard, dry and grainy bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, processed. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory while Provel Cheese brings buttery notes.

Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or Provel Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard, dry and grainy cheese, go with Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese. For a soft, processed profile, Provel Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, salty and savory notes, while Provel Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese the same as Provel Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese similar to Provel Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese for Provel Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese taste like Provel Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese reads as sharp, salty and savory, while Provel Cheese is buttery.

What is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese made of?

Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal (calf) rennet.

What is Provel Cheese made of?

Provel Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in United States.

Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese or Provel Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy, while Provel Cheese is soft, processed.