Pimento Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Pimento Cheese is a spreadable cheese from United States, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
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 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 Pimento Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Origin: Pimento Cheese (United States), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Pimento Cheese (Cheddar, farmers’ style), Provolone Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Pimento Cheese (Spreadable), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Taste: Pimento Cheese (Sweet, rounded chili), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pimento Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Northern United States, Now Associated With The Southern United States | Campania, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cheddar, farmers’ style | Cow's milk |
| Texture | Spreadable | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Aging | — | At least 4 months for piccante |
| Taste | Sweet, rounded chili | Tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Pimento Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Pimento Cheese reads as sweet, rounded chili, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Pimento Cheese offers sweet, rounded chili, contrasted with Provolone Cheese's pleasant.
Can You Substitute Pimento Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
Pimento Cheese can stand in for Provolone 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 semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Pimento Cheese reads as sweet, rounded chili while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Pimento Cheese or Provolone 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 semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Pimento Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, rounded chili notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pimento Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Pimento Cheese originates in United States, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy.
Is Pimento Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Pimento Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Pimento Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Pimento Cheese reads as sweet, rounded chili, while Provolone Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Pimento Cheese leans sweet, rounded chili, and Provolone Cheese is closer to pleasant.
What is Pimento Cheese made of?
Pimento Cheese is made from milk. It originates in United States.
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, Pimento Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pimento Cheese is spreadable, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.