Provolone Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Provolone Cheese and Taleggio Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Provolone Cheese and Taleggio Cheese?"
• "Is Provolone Cheese and Taleggio Cheese the same?"
• "How does Provolone Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Provolone Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese?"
• "Is Provolone Cheese or Taleggio Cheese better?"

Provolone Cheese Overview

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.

Taleggio Cheese Overview

Taleggio is a semi-soft, washed-rind cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. It has a strong aroma but a surprisingly mild, fruity, and slightly tangy flavor with a creamy texture that becomes more pronounced as the cheese ages. Taleggio is excellent for melting and is often used in risottos or on polenta.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Taleggio Cheese originated from Italy.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Provolone is not a protected cheese. Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Provolone Cheese is made with cow milk. Taleggio Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.

Composition and Texture

Provolone's texture can be described as "semi-hard, artisan". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".

Taste and Aroma

Provolone Cheese has a tangy taste. Provolone's aroma can be described as "pleasant". Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".

Appearance and Aging

Provolone Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow . Taleggio Cheese has a color of pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside , comes in square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight and has an aging period of at least 35 (up to 50) days .

Rind and Rennet Type

Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.

Ranking

Provolone is ranked #4 out of 996 types based on community views. Taleggio is ranked #42 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Provolone and Taleggio pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semi-hard, artisan cheese, go for Provolone. But if you enjoy a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center consistency, Taleggio might be the better pick. Provolone has a tangy taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Taleggio offers a sweet, delicate, slightly sour profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Provolone Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Taleggio Cheese to Other Cheeses