Provolone Cheese vs Scamorza Cheese
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 a well-known Italian cheese with a smooth, firm texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor that becomes sharper and more robust with age. Made from cow's milk, this stretched-curd cheese can be aged from a few months to a year or more. Provolone is excellent for slicing, grating, or melting.
What Is Scamorza Cheese?
Scamorza is an Italian cheese similar to mozzarella, known for its pear-like shape and smooth, elastic texture. Made from cow's milk, it is available in smoked (Scamorza Affumicata) and unsmoked varieties, both having a mild, milky flavor. Scamorza can be sliced and melted in sandwiches, grilled, or used as a pizza topping.
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 |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Texture | Semi-hard, artisan | Semi-soft |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Taste | Tangy | — |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Provolone Cheese | Scamorza Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Pastrami, Salami | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey | — |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Provolone Cheese and Scamorza Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Scamorza Cheese
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.
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 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.
See full profiles: Provolone Cheese and Scamorza Cheese.