Provolone Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese

Provolone Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.

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 Washed Rind Cheese?

Washed-rind cheese, also called smear-ripened, is cured over and over with brine or mold-bearing agents as it ripens. That feeds Brevibacterium linens on the surface, which gives the cheese its pungent smell, firm rind and distinctive flavor.

What's the Difference Between Provolone Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese?

• Texture: Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan), Washed Rind Cheese (soft to hard)
• Taste: Provolone Cheese (tangy), Washed Rind Cheese (pungent, distinctive)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Provolone Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese?

Provolone Cheese reads as tangy, while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive character. On the nose, Provolone Cheese offers pleasant, contrasted with Washed Rind Cheese's pungent.

Can You Substitute Provolone Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

Provolone Cheese can stand in for Washed Rind Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft to hard. Flavor-wise, Provolone Cheese reads as tangy while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive notes.

Which Is Better, Provolone Cheese or Washed Rind 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 soft to hard profile, Washed Rind Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Provolone Cheese suits recipes that want tangy notes, while Washed Rind Cheese fits dishes calling for pungent, distinctive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Provolone Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Provolone Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Provolone Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

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

Does Provolone Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese?

Provolone Cheese reads as tangy, while Washed Rind Cheese is pungent, distinctive. Aromas also diverge. Provolone Cheese leans pleasant, and Washed Rind Cheese is closer to pungent.

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 Washed Rind Cheese made of?

Washed Rind Cheese is made from milk.

Which should I choose, Provolone Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese?

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