Parrano Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Parrano Cheese is a hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Parrano Cheese?
Parrano is a Dutch cow's milk cheese aged five months, mild and nutty with salty and sweet notes. It is technically a Gouda but sold as an Italian-style cheese, and it shreds, slices and melts easily.
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 Parrano Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Origin: Parrano Cheese (Netherlands), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
- Texture: Parrano Cheese (hard, artisan), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Aging: Parrano Cheese (5 months), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
- Taste: Parrano Cheese (mild, nutty), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parrano Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | Italy |
| Specific Origin | The Netherlands | Campania, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Hard, artisan | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Plastic | — |
| Aging | 5 months | At least 4 months for piccante |
| Taste | Mild, nutty | Tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Parrano Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Parrano Cheese reads as mild, nutty, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Parrano Cheese offers sweet, contrasted with Provolone Cheese's pleasant. Aging plays into this as well. Parrano Cheese at 5 months develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.
Can You Substitute Parrano Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
In most recipes, Parrano Cheese and Provolone Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Parrano Cheese reads as mild, nutty while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Parrano Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard, artisan cheese, go with Parrano Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parrano Cheese suits recipes that want mild, nutty notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parrano Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Parrano Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Parrano Cheese is typically aged 5 months, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.
Is Parrano Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Parrano Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Parrano Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Parrano Cheese reads as mild, nutty, while Provolone Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Parrano Cheese leans sweet, and Provolone Cheese is closer to pleasant.
What is Parrano Cheese made of?
Parrano Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 5 months. It originates in Netherlands.
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, Parrano Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parrano Cheese is hard, artisan, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.