Pasta Filata Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Pasta Filata Cheese is a cheese, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Pasta Filata Cheese?
Pasta Filata is a family of cheeses originating from Italy, characterized by a unique stretching and kneading process. The most well-known cheese in this category is mozzarella, but it also includes provolone, caciocavallo, and scamorza. These cheeses are typically mild in flavor, with a smooth and elastic texture that makes them perfect for melting. Pasta Filata cheeses are commonly used in cooking, especially in pizzas and lasagnas, due to their excellent melting properties. The flavor profile is generally milky and slightly tangy, which can vary depending on the aging of the cheese. Fresh versions like mozzarella are soft and delicate, while aged varieties like provolone have a firmer texture and more pronounced taste. These cheeses are traditionally made from cow's milk, though variations using buffalo milk are also popular.
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 Pasta Filata Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pasta Filata Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Texture | — | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Taste | — | Tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Pasta Filata 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?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Pasta Filata Cheese and Provolone Cheese
Pasta Filata Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Pasta Filata Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Pasta Filata Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
Pasta Filata Cheese can stand in for Provolone Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Pasta Filata Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pasta Filata Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Pasta Filata Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Pasta Filata Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Pasta Filata Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Pasta Filata Cheese made of?
Pasta Filata Cheese is made from milk.
What is Provolone Cheese made of?
Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Pasta Filata Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.
See full profiles: Pasta Filata Cheese and Provolone Cheese.