Provolone Cheese vs Saint Felicien Cheese

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Provolone Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.

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 Is Saint Felicien Cheese?

Saint-Félicien is a soft cow's milk cheese from the Rhône-Alpes region of France, with a creamy interior under a flower-style fleurie casing. Rounds average 180 grams (6.3 oz), and it is softer and creamier than its close relative Saint-Marcellin.

What's the Difference Between Provolone Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese?

  • Origin: Provolone Cheese (Italy), Saint Felicien Cheese (France)
  • Texture: Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan), Saint Felicien Cheese (soft, artisan)
  • Aging: Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante), Saint Felicien Cheese (4 to 6 weeks)
  • Taste: Provolone Cheese (tangy), Saint Felicien Cheese (creamy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Provolone Cheese Saint Felicien Cheese
Country of Origin Italy France
Specific Origin Campania, Italy Rhône-Alpes, France
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment — Pasteurized
Texture Semi-hard, artisan Soft, artisan
Rind — Flower-style (fleurie) casing
Aging At least 4 months for piccante 4 to 6 weeks
Taste Tangy Creamy

Taste Comparison: Does Provolone Cheese Taste Like Saint Felicien Cheese?

Provolone Cheese reads as tangy, while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy character. On the nose, Provolone Cheese offers pleasant, contrasted with Saint Felicien Cheese's nutty. Aging plays into this as well. Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante develops a different profile than Saint Felicien Cheese at 4 to 6 weeks.

Can You Substitute Provolone Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?

In most recipes, Provolone Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Provolone Cheese reads as tangy while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy notes.

Which Is Better, Provolone Cheese or Saint Felicien Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, artisan cheese, go with Provolone Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Saint Felicien Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Provolone Cheese suits recipes that want tangy notes, while Saint Felicien Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Provolone Cheese the same as Saint Felicien Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Provolone Cheese originates in Italy, while Saint Felicien Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Provolone Cheese is typically aged at least 4 months for piccante, Saint Felicien Cheese 4 to 6 weeks.

Is Provolone Cheese similar to Saint Felicien Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Provolone Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Provolone Cheese taste like Saint Felicien Cheese?

Provolone Cheese reads as tangy, while Saint Felicien Cheese is creamy. Aromas also diverge. Provolone Cheese leans pleasant, and Saint Felicien Cheese is closer to nutty.

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.

What is Saint Felicien Cheese made of?

Saint Felicien Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 4 to 6 weeks. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Provolone Cheese or Saint Felicien Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft, artisan.