Provolone Cheese vs Scamorza Cheese

Q: Is Provolone Cheese the same as Scamorza Cheese?

No. Provolone Cheese and Scamorza Cheese are distinct cheeses. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Provolone Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Provolone Cheese for Scamorza Cheese, though the result will shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Q: Does Provolone Cheese taste like Scamorza Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Provolone Cheese or Scamorza Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Provolone Cheese

Scamorza Cheese

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

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 Scamorza Cheese?

Scamorza is a southern Italian pasta filata cheese, usually made from cow's milk. It is tied with string and hung to dry into a pear-like shape, sold unsmoked or smoked, and works as a substitute for mozzarella in most dishes.

What's the Difference Between Provolone Cheese and Scamorza Cheese?

Texture: Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan), Scamorza Cheese (semi-soft)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Provolone Cheese	Scamorza Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Italy
Specific Origin	Campania, Italy	Apulia And Calabria, Southern Italy
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow's milk
Texture	Semi-hard, artisan	Semi-soft
Rind	—	Natural
Aging	At least 4 months for piccante	—
Taste	Tangy	—

Taste Comparison: Does Provolone Cheese Taste Like Scamorza Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Provolone Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

In most recipes, Provolone Cheese and Scamorza 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 semi-soft.

Which Is Better, Provolone Cheese or Scamorza 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 semi-soft profile, Scamorza Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Provolone Cheese the same as Scamorza Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Provolone Cheese similar to Scamorza Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Provolone Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

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

Does Provolone Cheese taste like Scamorza Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

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 Scamorza Cheese made of?

Scamorza Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Provolone Cheese or Scamorza Cheese?

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