Mozzarella Cheese vs Provolone del Monaco Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese is a soft, creamy cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese is compact with eyes and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Mozzarella Cheese?
Mozzarella is a soft, white cheese originally from Southern Italy. Traditionally made from water buffalo milk (mozzarella di bufala), it's also commonly produced from cow's milk (fior di latte). Mozzarella is famous for its mild, milky flavor and stretchy texture, making it ideal for pizzas and caprese salads.
What Is Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Provolone del Monaco is a semi-hard cheese from the Sorrentine Peninsula of Italy, made from the milk of local Agerolese cows. Aged for a minimum of six months, it develops a strong, sharp flavor with earthy and nutty undertones. Its name, meaning "Monk's Provolone," refers to the cloak-like cover traditionally used during the aging process.
What's the Difference Between Mozzarella Cheese and Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
- Milk type: Mozzarella Cheese (cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Mozzarella Cheese (Pasteurized), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Mozzarella Cheese (Soft, creamy), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Compact with eyes)
- Rind: Mozzarella Cheese (None), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Thin and smooth pale-yellow)
- Aging: Mozzarella Cheese (Eaten fresh), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (At least 6 months)
- Taste: Mozzarella Cheese (Mild, milky), Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Mozzarella Cheese | Provolone del Monaco Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Municipalities In The Metropolitan City Of Naples |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Compact with eyes |
| Rind | None | Thin and smooth pale-yellow |
| Aging | Eaten fresh | At least 6 months |
| Taste | Mild, milky | Sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Mozzarella Cheese | Provolone del Monaco Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Avocado, Chicken, Green Tea, Olives, Pesto, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Prosciutto, Sauvignon Blanc, Shrimp, Tomatoes, Tuna | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Albariño, Asparagus, Asti Spumante, Bresaola, Clam Chowder, Cod, Ham, Kolsch, Macaroni and Cheese, Pastrami, Prosecco, Pulled Pork, Roasted Vegetables, Salami, Sangiovese, Seaweed, Turkey | — |
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Where to buy Mozzarella Cheese and Provolone del Monaco Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese
Provolone del Monaco Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Mozzarella Cheese Taste Like Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Mozzarella Cheese reads as mild, milky, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese brings sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste character. On the nose, Mozzarella Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Provolone del Monaco Cheese's sweet and buttery. Aging plays into this as well. Mozzarella Cheese at eaten fresh develops a different profile than Provolone del Monaco Cheese at at least 6 months.
Can You Substitute Mozzarella Cheese for Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Mozzarella Cheese can stand in for Provolone del Monaco Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for compact with eyes. Flavor-wise, Mozzarella Cheese reads as mild, milky while Provolone del Monaco Cheese brings sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste notes.
Which Is Better, Mozzarella Cheese or Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, creamy cheese, go with Mozzarella Cheese. For a compact with eyes profile, Provolone del Monaco Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Mozzarella Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky notes, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mozzarella Cheese the same as Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Mozzarella Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk; Provolone del Monaco Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Mozzarella Cheese is typically aged eaten fresh, Provolone del Monaco Cheese at least 6 months.
Is Mozzarella Cheese similar to Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Mozzarella Cheese for Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Mozzarella Cheese taste like Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Mozzarella Cheese reads as mild, milky, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese is sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste. Aromas also diverge. Mozzarella Cheese leans mild, and Provolone del Monaco Cheese is closer to sweet and buttery.
What is Mozzarella Cheese made of?
Mozzarella Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk (pasteurized), using calf's or microbial rennet. It's typically aged eaten fresh. It originates in Italy.
What is Provolone del Monaco Cheese made of?
Provolone del Monaco Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using kid rennet paste or calf liquid rennet or a combination of both rennet. It's typically aged at least 6 months. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Mozzarella Cheese or Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mozzarella Cheese is soft, creamy, while Provolone del Monaco Cheese is compact with eyes.
See full profiles: Mozzarella Cheese and Provolone del Monaco Cheese.