Provolone Cheese vs Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Provolone Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Sharp Cheddar Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in United States.
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 Sharp Cheddar Cheese?
Sharp Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk, commonly produced in the United States. It is known for its strong and tangy flavor with a sharpness that intensifies as it ages. The texture is firm yet slightly crumbly, making it ideal for slicing or grating. The cheese has a natural rind that develops during the aging process, adding to its character. Sharp Cheddar is often used in cooking, adding bold flavor to dishes like mac and cheese or grilled sandwiches. It pairs well with apples, nuts, and hearty breads, and is a favorite on cheese boards.
What's the Difference Between Provolone Cheese and Sharp Cheddar Cheese?
- Origin: Provolone Cheese (Italy), Sharp Cheddar Cheese (United States)
- Taste: Provolone Cheese (tangy), Sharp Cheddar Cheese (sharp, strong, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Provolone Cheese | Sharp Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | United States |
| Specific Origin | Campania, Italy | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-hard, artisan | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Aging | At least 4 months for piccante | — |
| Taste | Tangy | Sharp, strong, tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese: wines, foods, breads and more.
| Provolone Cheese | Sharp Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Pairs well with | Pastrami, Salami, Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey | Apples, Clam Chowder, Dijon Mustard, Green Apple, Grilled Cheese, IPA, Pastrami, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Tacos, Almonds, Bordeaux and more |
Taste Comparison: Does Provolone Cheese Taste Like Sharp Cheddar Cheese?
Provolone Cheese reads as tangy, while Sharp Cheddar Cheese brings sharp, strong, tangy character.
Can You Substitute Provolone Cheese for Sharp Cheddar Cheese?
In most recipes, Provolone Cheese and Sharp Cheddar Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Provolone Cheese reads as tangy while Sharp Cheddar Cheese brings sharp, strong, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Provolone Cheese or Sharp Cheddar Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Provolone Cheese suits recipes that want tangy notes, while Sharp Cheddar Cheese fits dishes calling for sharp, strong, tangy.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Provolone Cheese the same as Sharp Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Provolone Cheese originates in Italy, while Sharp Cheddar Cheese comes from United States.
Is Provolone Cheese similar to Sharp Cheddar Cheese?
Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.
Can I substitute Provolone Cheese for Sharp Cheddar Cheese?
Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.
Does Provolone Cheese taste like Sharp Cheddar Cheese?
Provolone Cheese reads as tangy, while Sharp Cheddar Cheese is sharp, strong, tangy.
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 Sharp Cheddar Cheese made of?
Sharp Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in United States.
Which should I choose, Provolone Cheese or Sharp Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.