, then select "Add to Home Screen" to get instant access.
Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Free Tools
Pecorino Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Pecorino Cheese
Provolone Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Pecorino Cheese and Provolone Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Pecorino Cheese and Provolone Cheese?"
- "Is Pecorino Cheese and Provolone Cheese the same?"
- "How does Pecorino Cheese compare to Provolone Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Pecorino Cheese compare to Provolone Cheese?"
- "Is Pecorino Cheese or Provolone Cheese better?"
Pecorino Cheese Overview
Pecorino is a term for Italian cheeses made from sheep's milk. The most well-known varieties include Pecorino Romano, Pecorino Toscano, and Pecorino Sardo, each named after their region of origin. These cheeses vary in texture from soft and buttery to hard and granular, and they range in flavor from mild to sharp and salty, often aged to develop deeper flavors.
Provolone Cheese Overview
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.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Pecorino Cheese comes from Italy. Provolone Cheese originated from Italy.
Milk Type and Treatment
Pecorino Cheese is made with sheep milk. Provolone Cheese is made with cow milk.
Composition and Texture
Pecorino's texture can be described as "hard". Provolone's texture can be described as "semi-hard, artisan".
Taste and Aroma
Provolone Cheese has a tangy taste. Provolone's aroma can be described as "pleasant".
Appearance and Aging
Provolone Cheese has a color of pale yellow .
Ranking
Pecorino is ranked #168 out of 996 types based on community views. Provolone is ranked #4 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Pecorino | Provolone | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | No pairings listed. | Pastrami, Salami |
| Other Good Pairings | No additional pairings listed. | Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Pecorino and Provolone pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Pecorino Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Texture | Hard | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Taste | Not Specified | Tangy |
| Aroma | Not Specified | Pleasant |
| Colors | Not Specified | Pale yellow |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a hard cheese, go for Pecorino. But if you enjoy a semi-hard, artisan consistency, Provolone might be the better pick.
