Mozzarella Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese is a soft, creamy cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Mozzarella Cheese?
Mozzarella is a semi-soft, non-aged cheese from southern Italy, made by stretching and kneading the curd. Cow's milk versions are called fior di latte, buffalo milk versions mozzarella di bufala, and it tops most pizza.
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 Mozzarella Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Milk type: Mozzarella Cheese (cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk), Provolone Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Mozzarella Cheese (Soft, creamy), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Aging: Mozzarella Cheese (Eaten fresh), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
- Taste: Mozzarella Cheese (Mild, milky), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Mozzarella Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Southern Italy | Campania, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | None | — |
| Aging | Eaten fresh | At least 4 months for piccante |
| Taste | Mild, milky | Tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese: wines, foods, breads and more.
| Mozzarella Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Pairs well with | Avocado, Chicken, Green Tea, Olives, Pesto, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Prosciutto, Sauvignon Blanc, Shrimp, Tomatoes, Tuna and more | Pastrami, Salami, Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey |
Taste Comparison: Does Mozzarella Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Mozzarella Cheese reads as mild, milky, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Mozzarella Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Provolone Cheese's pleasant. Aging plays into this as well. Mozzarella Cheese at eaten fresh develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.
Can You Substitute Mozzarella Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
Mozzarella Cheese can stand in for Provolone 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 semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Mozzarella Cheese reads as mild, milky while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Mozzarella Cheese or Provolone 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 semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Mozzarella Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mozzarella Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Mozzarella Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk; Provolone Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Mozzarella Cheese is typically aged eaten fresh, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.
Is Mozzarella Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Mozzarella Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Mozzarella Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Mozzarella Cheese reads as mild, milky, while Provolone Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Mozzarella Cheese leans mild, and Provolone Cheese is closer to pleasant.
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 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, Mozzarella Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mozzarella Cheese is soft, creamy, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.