Pimento Cheese vs Provel Cheese
Pimento Cheese is a spreadable cheese from United States, while Provel Cheese is soft, processed and made from cow milk, originating in United States.
What Is Pimento Cheese?
Pimento cheese is a spread of grated cheddar, mayonnaise and chopped pimentos worked into a chunky paste. It started in the Northern United States in the early 1900s and is now tied to Southern cooking, served on crackers, in sandwiches and at the Masters Tournament.
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 Pimento Cheese and Provel Cheese?
- Milk type: Pimento Cheese (Cheddar, farmers’ style), Provel Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Pimento Cheese (Spreadable), Provel Cheese (soft, processed)
- Taste: Pimento Cheese (Sweet, rounded chili), Provel Cheese (buttery)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pimento Cheese | Provel Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | United States |
| Specific Origin | Northern United States, Now Associated With The Southern United States | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Milk Type | Cheddar, farmers’ style | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Spreadable | Soft, processed |
| Rind | — | Plastic |
| Taste | Sweet, rounded chili | Buttery |
Taste Comparison: Does Pimento Cheese Taste Like Provel Cheese?
Pimento Cheese reads as sweet, rounded chili, while Provel Cheese brings buttery character. On the nose, Pimento Cheese offers sweet, rounded chili, contrasted with Provel Cheese's smokey. More specifically, Pimento Cheese shows pimento peppers, mayonnaise, sometimes spicy additions, while Provel Cheese leans toward buttery, smoky; a blend of cheddar, swiss and provolone with liquid smoke.
Can You Substitute Pimento Cheese for Provel Cheese?
Pimento Cheese can stand in for Provel Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect spreadable bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, processed. Flavor-wise, Pimento Cheese reads as sweet, rounded chili while Provel Cheese brings buttery notes.
Which Is Better, Pimento Cheese or Provel Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a spreadable cheese, go with Pimento Cheese. For a soft, processed profile, Provel Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Pimento Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, rounded chili notes, while Provel Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pimento Cheese the same as Provel Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Pimento Cheese similar to Provel Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Pimento Cheese for Provel Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Pimento Cheese taste like Provel Cheese?
Pimento Cheese reads as sweet, rounded chili, while Provel Cheese is buttery. Aromas also diverge. Pimento Cheese leans sweet, rounded chili, and Provel Cheese is closer to smokey.
What is Pimento Cheese made of?
Pimento Cheese is made from milk. It originates in United States.
What is Provel Cheese made of?
Provel Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in United States.
Which should I choose, Pimento Cheese or Provel Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pimento Cheese is spreadable, while Provel Cheese is soft, processed.