Provolone Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)
Provolone Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened and made from cow milk, originating in Australia.
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 Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Washed Rind Cheese from Australia is made using cow's milk and is known for its smear-ripened texture, which can range from soft to hard or semi-hard. The flavor profile of this cheese is a mix of nutty, sharp, and sweet notes, making it appealing to a variety of palates. Its aroma is quite strong and earthy, which is typical of washed rind cheeses. The washed rind technique contributes to its distinctive smell and flavor, as it encourages the growth of specific bacteria on the surface. This cheese can be a great addition to a cheese board, enjoyed on its own, or paired with fruits and bread.
What's the Difference Between Provolone Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
- Origin: Provolone Cheese (Italy), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Australia)
- Texture: Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened)
- Taste: Provolone Cheese (tangy), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (nutty, sharp, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Provolone Cheese | Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Australia |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Texture | Semi-hard, artisan | Soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened |
| Rind | — | Washed |
| Taste | Tangy | Nutty, sharp, sweet |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Provolone Cheese | Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) | |
|---|---|---|
| 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?
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Where to buy Provolone Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)
Provolone Cheese
Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)
Taste Comparison: Does Provolone Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Provolone Cheese reads as tangy, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet character. On the nose, Provolone Cheese offers pleasant, contrasted with Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)'s earthy, strong.
Can You Substitute Provolone Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
In most recipes, Provolone Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) 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, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened. Flavor-wise, Provolone Cheese reads as tangy while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Provolone Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
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, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened profile, Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Provolone Cheese suits recipes that want tangy notes, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) fits dishes calling for nutty, sharp, sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Provolone Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Provolone Cheese originates in Italy, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) comes from Australia.
Is Provolone Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Provolone Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Provolone Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Provolone Cheese reads as tangy, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is nutty, sharp, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Provolone Cheese leans pleasant, and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is closer to earthy, strong.
What is Provolone Cheese made of?
Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
What is Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) made of?
Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is made from cow milk. It originates in Australia.
Which should I choose, Provolone Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened.
See full profiles: Provolone Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian).