Asiago Cheese vs Provolone Valpadana Cheese
Asiago Cheese is a cheese from Italy, while Provolone Valpadana Cheese is compact, may have slight and rare holes and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Asiago Cheese?
This Italian cheese from the Veneto and Trentino regions comes in two varieties: fresh (Asiago Pressato) and aged (Asiago d'allevo). Fresh Asiago is soft and creamy with a sweet, mild flavor, while the aged version is harder, crumbly, and has a sharper, more pronounced taste. Asiago is versatile in the kitchen, used in everything from sandwiches to pasta dishes.
What Is Provolone Valpadana Cheese?
Provolone Valpadana is a PDO-certified cheese from the Valpadana region in northern Italy. Like other provolones, it is made from cow's milk and uses a stretching and kneading process to achieve its firm texture. Available in both mild and sharp varieties, Provolone Valpadana is distinguished by its rich flavor and versatility in culinary applications.
What's the Difference Between Asiago Cheese and Provolone Valpadana Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Asiago Cheese | Provolone Valpadana Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Province Of Trento |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized or thermized |
| Texture | — | Compact, may have slight and rare holes |
| Rind | — | Smooth, thin, light yellow, golden, or sometimes yellow-brown (smoked version allows for paraffin use) |
| Aging | — | Two to three months for Dolce, minimum of three months to more than a year for Piccante |
| Taste | — | Delicate for sweet cheeses, pronounced with longer maturation for sharp cheeses |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Asiago Cheese and Provolone Valpadana Cheese
Asiago Cheese
Provolone Valpadana Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Asiago Cheese Taste Like Provolone Valpadana Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Asiago Cheese for Provolone Valpadana Cheese?
Asiago Cheese can stand in for Provolone Valpadana Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Asiago Cheese or Provolone Valpadana Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asiago Cheese the same as Provolone Valpadana Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Asiago Cheese similar to Provolone Valpadana Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Asiago Cheese for Provolone Valpadana Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Asiago Cheese taste like Provolone Valpadana Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Asiago Cheese made of?
Asiago Cheese is made from milk. It originates in Italy.
What is Provolone Valpadana Cheese made of?
Provolone Valpadana Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized or thermized), using calf rennet for dolce, kid or lamb rennet for picca rennet. It's typically aged two to three months for dolce, minimum of three months to more than a year for piccante. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Asiago Cheese or Provolone Valpadana Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.
See full profiles: Asiago Cheese and Provolone Valpadana Cheese.