Pecorino Romano Cheese vs Provel Cheese

Pecorino Romano Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Provel Cheese is soft, processed and made from cow milk, originating in United States.

What Is Pecorino Romano Cheese?

Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty Italian cheese made only from sheep milk, most often grated over pasta. It began in the countryside around Rome and is now made almost entirely in Sardinia.

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 Pecorino Romano Cheese and Provel Cheese?

• Origin: Pecorino Romano Cheese (Italy), Provel Cheese (United States)
• Milk type: Pecorino Romano Cheese (sheep's milk), Provel Cheese (cow's milk)
• Texture: Pecorino Romano Cheese (Hard), Provel Cheese (soft, processed)
• Rind: Pecorino Romano Cheese (Pale yellow to brown or black), Provel Cheese (plastic)
• Taste: Pecorino Romano Cheese (Sharp, salty), Provel Cheese (buttery)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Pecorino Romano Cheese Taste Like Provel Cheese?

Pecorino Romano Cheese reads as sharp, salty, while Provel Cheese brings buttery character. On the nose, Pecorino Romano Cheese offers strong, contrasted with Provel Cheese's smokey. More specifically, Pecorino Romano Cheese shows bright, tangy notes balancing sheepy sweetness with salinity, crumbles nicely, while Provel Cheese leans toward buttery, smoky; a blend of cheddar, swiss and provolone with liquid smoke.

Can You Substitute Pecorino Romano Cheese for Provel Cheese?

Pecorino Romano Cheese can stand in for Provel Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, processed. Flavor-wise, Pecorino Romano Cheese reads as sharp, salty while Provel Cheese brings buttery notes.

Which Is Better, Pecorino Romano Cheese or Provel Cheese?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pecorino Romano Cheese the same as Provel Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Pecorino Romano Cheese originates in Italy, while Provel Cheese comes from United States. Pecorino Romano Cheese is made from sheep milk; Provel Cheese uses cow.

Is Pecorino Romano Cheese similar to Provel Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Pecorino Romano Cheese for Provel Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Pecorino Romano Cheese taste like Provel Cheese?

Pecorino Romano Cheese reads as sharp, salty, while Provel Cheese is buttery. Aromas also diverge. Pecorino Romano Cheese leans strong, and Provel Cheese is closer to smokey.

What is Pecorino Romano Cheese made of?

Pecorino Romano Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal (sheep) rennet. It's typically aged 5–8 months or longer. It originates in Italy.

What is Provel Cheese made of?

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

Which should I choose, Pecorino Romano Cheese or Provel Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pecorino Romano Cheese is hard, while Provel Cheese is soft, processed.