American Cheese vs Provel Cheese
American Cheese is a semi-soft, processed cow-milk cheese from United States, while Provel Cheese is soft, processed and made from cow milk, originating in United States.
What Is American Cheese?
American cheese is a processed cheese made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses with sodium citrate added so it pasteurizes without separating. It is mild, salty, and medium-firm, and it melts at a low temperature, which is why it lands on burgers and in grilled cheese.
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 American Cheese and Provel Cheese?
- Texture: American Cheese (semi-soft, processed), Provel Cheese (soft, processed)
- Rind: American Cheese (rindless), Provel Cheese (plastic)
- Taste: American Cheese (mild, salty), Provel Cheese (buttery)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| American Cheese | Provel Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | United States |
| Specific Origin | The U.S. | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pastuerized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-soft, processed | Soft, processed |
| Rind | Rindless | Plastic |
| Taste | Mild, salty | Buttery |
Taste Comparison: Does American Cheese Taste Like Provel Cheese?
American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Provel Cheese brings buttery character. On the nose, American Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Provel Cheese's smokey. More specifically, American Cheese shows neutral and mild, salty, pairs with a range of meats and other ingredients, while Provel Cheese leans toward buttery, smoky; a blend of cheddar, swiss and provolone with liquid smoke.
Can You Substitute American Cheese for Provel Cheese?
In most recipes, American Cheese and Provel Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-soft, processed bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, processed. Flavor-wise, American Cheese reads as mild, salty while Provel Cheese brings buttery notes.
Which Is Better, American Cheese or Provel Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, processed cheese, go with American Cheese. For a soft, processed profile, Provel Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, American Cheese suits recipes that want mild, salty notes, while Provel Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Cheese the same as Provel Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is American Cheese similar to Provel Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute American Cheese for Provel Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does American Cheese taste like Provel Cheese?
American Cheese reads as mild, salty, while Provel Cheese is buttery. Aromas also diverge. American Cheese leans mild, and Provel Cheese is closer to smokey.
What is American Cheese made of?
American Cheese is made from cow milk (pastuerized). 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, American Cheese or Provel Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. American Cheese is semi-soft, processed, while Provel Cheese is soft, processed.