If you’re wondering, “What does provolone cheese taste like?” you likely have never had it. If that’s you, you’re in for a real treat. Provolone often tops subs, burgers, pizza, and everything in between. It’s a signature cheese here in America and is popular in other countries like Italy and Canada. So, how would you describe the taste of provolone cheese? Is it tasty? Stick around to find out.
Table of Contents
- What Is Provolone Cheese?
- What Does Provolone Cheese Taste Like?
- What Is Provolone Cheese Similar to?
- Does Provolone Cheese Taste Like Mozzarella?
- Why Might Provolone Cheese Even Taste Bad to Some People?
- What Does Provolone Cheese Smell Like?
- Provolone vs Cheddar Taste
- What Does Provolone Cheese Taste Like? Deliciousness, That’s What!
- FAQs
What Is Provolone Cheese?
Provolone cheese is a semi hard cheese. It is one of many Italian cheeses made from cow’s milk known for topping grilled provolone subs, pizzas, and the like. People enjoy this type of cheese served fresh and raw, but it can also be used for melting.
It is important to note that while provolone is simply “American deli provolone” here in the states, in Italy, things are a bit different. Instead of a singular provolone type, there are two categories in which provolone is determined.
One is provolone dolce which is smooth and creamy. The other, provolone piccante, is aged longer for sharper and is spicier.
What Does Provolone Cheese Taste Like?
There are quite a few ways to define the taste of provolone.
To begin, standard American deli provolone cheese can be described as having a mild, milky flavor. Still, provolone doesn’t have quite the mild flavor profile that mozzarella does. Instead, it can be described as having a buttery taste and buttery aroma that makes it delectable atop subs, pizzas, salads, and more.
Remember the provolone dolce and provolone piccante we mentioned earlier? Those have their own flavor profile as well.
The provolone dolce is like what we eat here in America in terms of taste. It’s known for its very mild flavor and sweet, buttery notes. Provolone piccante, on the other hand, is known for its sharpness, kick, “beefiness”, saltiness, and spiciness.
Another type of provolone cheese available in terms of Italian cheese is provolone del Monaco. This type of provolone is popular in Italy and is one of the most authentic Italian provolone cheeses you can buy. The taste of this one is often described as being pungent, buttery, and sour. Many describe the smell of this one as reminiscent of feet.
Sounds delish, right? Despite its stench, provolone del monaco remains one of the most flavorful provolone Italian cheeses out there. So, don’t let the smell get you too thrown off!
What Is Provolone Cheese Similar to?
If you’re looking to liken the taste of provolone cheese to other cheeses you might find on your cheese plate, know that provolone is pretty much a league of its own in terms of flavor. Still, there are a few cheeses with similar flavors that you could compare to provolone for the sake of reference.
So, what might those cheeses be?
What Cheese Is Similar to Provolone?
Though every cheese has its own distinct flavor, the following cheeses have a mild taste similar to that of provolone, and as such, could serve as good substitutions:
- Low moisture mozzarella
- Muenster cheese
- Gruyere cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Swiss cheese
- Mild cheddar cheese
- White American cheese
Provolone Cheese Substitute
When it comes to substituting provolone cheese, you’ll want to use a cheese that will yield a milky and mild flavor. We’ve already mentioned that mozzarella cheese can be a good substitute for provolone, but white American cheese is a good pick too.
You can consider cheeses like gruyere, muenster, and swiss as good substituting options for provolone as well! There are many substitutes for provolone out there but many have their own distinct flavor profiles. Try each of them out to see which you like the best!
Does Provolone Cheese Taste Like Mozzarella?
Yes, provolone cheese tastes similar to mozzarella, although we must note that mozzarella tends to have a taste that is more mild than provolone. Still, if you’re looking for a slightly strong flavor when topping pizza, then provolone (or even Monterey Jack) can be excellent alternatives to your standard mozzarella cheese.
Do Mozzarella and Provolone Taste the Same?
Remember that while mozzarella and provolone taste similar, they aren’t the exact same. Most Italian cheeses like these will have a mild flavor, but provolone cheese will have a flavor that’s only slightly stronger than mozzarella.
Why Might Provolone Cheese Even Taste Bad to Some People?
Everyone has their own taste buds and interpretation of what tastes “good” and “bad”. One might be thrown off by the aroma of the cheese or the saltiness of a good provolone piccante. Either way, if you find yourself not liking provolone, try cutting it into thin slices and using it for provolone cheese roll ups or a cold cut sandwich.
You may not have liked plain provolone, but eating it alongside something else might change your mind!
What Does Provolone Cheese Smell Like?
Typical provolone cheese will have a mild buttery smell to it. Some may say it smells similar to feet, but only if you get really close. If you notice that your provolone cheese smells similar to ammonia or sewage, it could be that the cheese has gone bad and should not be consumed.
Is Provolone Cheese Stinky?
It can be! Especially if you smell it up close. But unlike parmesan cheese or provolone del Monaco, regular deli provolone cheese probably won’t have an offensive smell at first whiff.
If you notice that your average deli provolone cheese has a particularly stinky aroma, you may wish to check its expiration date. It could be that your cheese has gone rancid, and you may need to throw it out.
Provolone vs Cheddar Taste
In terms of taste, cheddar cheese is going to win out in terms of lively flavor.
This doesn’t mean it tastes better, though! Depending on what you’re using the cheeses for, you may prefer the soft milky flavor of provolone over cheddar cheese.
Cheddar cheese is often described as having a bitter, intense, and pungent taste. The more ” sharp” the cheddar is, the stronger the taste will be. For this reason, we can attest that provolone cheese may be more similar in flavor to mild cheddar than it would be to sharp cheddar.
What Does Provolone Cheese Taste Like? Deliciousness, That’s What!
Provolone cheese has a mild and milky taste that many swoon over. However, despite being milky and mild, this cheese is a bit more pungent and flavorful than mozzarella cheese. Use provolone cheese for cheese wraps, subs, sandwiches, pizza, eggs, or pasta. You can even use it to top cheesesteaks, burgers, or sirloins! The options are endless.
So, go ahead, try provolone cheese the next time you get the opportunity. We’re sure it won’t disappoint! See you next time!
FAQs
Why does provolone cheese taste like vomit?
If provolone cheese tastes particularly sour, it might be expired. Try eating a fresher piece and see if that helps with the taste a bit.
What should provolone smell like?
Provolone should smell mold in most cases. There are, however, some types of authentic Italian provolone that will have a really strong stinky aroma.
Is provolone cheese healthy?
When eaten in moderation, provolone cheese can be consumed as a part of a healthy diet.
What does provolone cheese go with?
Grilled sandwiches, baked pasta, Philly cheesesteaks, and so much more!
How would you describe the taste of provolone cheese?
Provolone cheese tastes bitter, sweet, slightly nutty, and mild.
What kind of cheese does provolone taste like?
It tastes similar to mozzarella but has a bit more flavor.
