If you’re anything like me, you get serious cravings for some melty, savory, tantalizing cheese every once in a while. But have you ever found yourself staring blankly at the cheese section of the grocery store, unsure of what magical fromage to bring home?
Well, let me enlighten you on one variety that deserves a top spot in your cheese rotation – provolone. This Italian stunner might not be as famous as mozzarella or parmesan, but it packs a serious flavor punch that’ll have your tastebuds doing a happy dance.
The question is, exactly what does provolone cheese taste like? Is it mild and creamy or intensely sharp? Does it melt like a dream or maintain its structural integrity? What dishes does it pair best with?
No need to imagine any longer, cheese connoisseurs. This article will be your guide through the delightfully complex world of provolone’s taste and texture. From its buttery beginnings to its intense aged form, you’ll learn all the savory details that will make you fall in love with this versatile cheese.
So loosen that belt a notch and get ready to have your cheesy questions answered. The adventure into provolone’s unique flavors starts now!
What is Provolone Cheese?
Provolone is a type of Italian cheese that has been around for centuries. It originated in the Casilli region of southern Italy, deriving its name from the Italian word “provolare” which means “to roll” or “spherical shape.”
Provolone is a stretched-curd, pulled-curd or pasta filata style cheese made from cow’s milk. It belongs to the same family as mozzarella, but has a distinct taste and texture all its own. The cheesemaking process involves stretching and kneading the heated curd into a smooth, elastic texture before shaping it into cylindrical or spherical forms.
Traditionally, provolone was crafted in pear or sausage shapes and left to age from 2-12 months or longer. As it ages, the flavor intensifies and develops a sharper, more pronounced taste compared to its mild, buttery youth. The rind also becomes a darker golden hue.
While southern Italy is considered the birthplace, provolone production later spread to northern regions like Lombardy as well. These days, it’s produced globally, allowing cheese lovers around the world to enjoy its tangy, versatile flavor in various dishes and preparations.
How it’s made?
Provolone is a semi-soft cheese made through an interesting aging and stretching process. Here are the key steps in how provolone is traditionally made:
Curdling the milk – Fresh cow’s milk is heated and calf rennet or vegetable rennet is added to cause curdling and coagulation.
Separating the curds – After coagulating, the solid curds are separated from the liquid whey. The curds are cut into smaller pieces.
Cooking the curds – The curds are cooked in hot whey or water to raise their temperature and prepare them for stretching.
Stretching and kneading – This is the crucial “pasta filata” step that gives provolone its unique stringy, stretchy texture. The heated curds are stretched and kneaded vigorously until a smooth, elastic mass forms.
Shaping and brining – The plastic curd mass is shaped into ProVolone’s iconic pear, sausage or cone shapes. It’s then immersed in a salt brine or salted dry for several weeks to allow the rind to form.
Aging – The brined provolone is moved to aging rooms or caves with specific temperature and humidity levels. It’s aged from 2 weeks for dolce (mild) up to a year or longer for a sharper, more pronounced flavor.
During the extended aging period, helpful bacteria and molds contribute distinctive flavors while enzymes break down proteins to create provolone’s signature tangy, savory taste.
Types/varieties
While provolone originated as a single style of cheese, over time different varieties have emerged based on aging time, production method, and shape. Here are some of the main types of provolone you may come across:
Provolone Dolce (Mild/Young Provolone)
- Aged for only a few weeks to a couple months
- Has a soft, buttery, milky flavor without much tang or sharpness
- Melts very easily, making it ideal for dishes like pizza, panini, etc.
Provolone Piccante (Sharp/Aged Provolone)
- Aged for 6-12 months or longer
- Develops a darker rind and more intense, sharper, spicier flavor
- Firm, crumbly texture suited for grating or eating in chunks
Smoked Provolone
- Smoked over hardwood for a distinctive smoky aroma and taste
- Made by cold-smoking already aged provolone
- Adds great smoky depth to dishes like chilis, soups, etc.
Provolone Mandarone
- A large pear or melon-shaped aged provolone
- Can weigh up to 15-20 lbs when fully aged
- Interior paste becomes firmer and drier as it ages
Additionally, provolone can be made from cow’s milk (most common), buffalo milk, or a blend of cow and goat/sheep milk for different flavor profiles. Sizes range from large wheels to smaller cone or baguette shapes.
What Does Provolone Cheese Taste Like?
Rich and Salty Flavor Profile
Provolone has a distinctively rich, savory flavor that ranges from mild and buttery when young to intensely salty and almost meaty when properly aged. Its taste can truly be described as umami-bomb.
The flavor of provolone largely comes from the stretching and kneading process used to make it. This “pasta filata” method allows the cheese to absorb and concentrate the savory, slightly nutty flavors of the milk proteins.
When young (aged under 2 months), provolone dolce has a clean, delicate milk taste with just a hint of tangy, salty notes. As it continues aging, the saltiness becomes more pronounced through the brining and aging process.
Aged provolone piccante (aged 6+ months) takes on an extremely savory, almost meaty or bacon-like savoriness from the protein breakdown over time. There are also woody, smoky undertones from the natural aging environment.
The overall flavor can be described as:
- Salty and savory, yet not overpowering
- Slightly nutty and sweet
- Hints of fruitiness or tanginess
- Savory “umami” richness, especially in aged varieties
This complex, well-rounded flavor is why provolone is so versatile – it can stand alone as a snacking cheese but also complements many cooked dishes without overwhelming them. Its rich savoriness just makes you crave more.
Difference Between Young And Aged Provolone
The aging process transforms provolone cheese from a mild, approachable fresh cheese into a profoundly savory and complex aged delicacy. The differences between young (dolce) and aged (piccante) provolone are quite pronounced:
Young Provolone (Dolce)
• Texture – Smooth, semi-soft, pliant and very malleable
• Flavor – Milky, buttery and mild with just a hint of salt and tanginess
• Color – Pale ivory or yellowish-white
• Aroma – Faint dairy aroma, not very pungent
• Uses – Ideal for melting into dishes like pizza, pasta bakes, grilled sandwiches
Aged Provolone (Piccante)
• Texture – Firm, compact and crumbly, can become slightly grainy
• Flavor – Robustly savory, salty, almost meaty or nutty umami notes
• Color – Deepens to a rich golden hue, darker reddish-brown rind
• Aroma – Pungent, complex aroma with hints of fruitiness and nuttiness
• Uses – Eaten on its own, grated over dishes to add punchy flavor, melted into dips
As provolone ages over 6-12+ months, its texture becomes drier and more crumbly while its flavor intensifies tremendously. The sweet, mild milkiness develops into a bold, salty, savory taste through enzymatic and microbial processes.
Young dolce is prized for its silky melted texture, while aged piccante brings an impressive depth of flavor to the table. Many consider the 8-12 month aged provolone to strike the perfect balance between texture and taste.
So depending on your recipe or taste preferences, you can opt for a mild, melty dolce or a robustly flavorful piccante aged provolone. The beauty is in the contrasting profiles they offer.
Effect of Milk Type (Cow, Sheep, etc.)
While most provolone is made from cow’s milk, it can also be produced using the milk of other mammals like sheep, goats or buffalo. The type of milk used impacts the taste, texture and nutritional profile of the finished cheese.
Cow’s Milk Provolone
- Most common and widely available
- Buttery, milky flavor when young that develops into a nutty, savory tang when aged
- Firm yet pliable texture
- Higher in moisture and fat than other milks
Sheep’s Milk Provolone
- Richer, more full-bodied and densely creamy flavor
- Tangier, more pungent and “sheepy” notes
- Higher in fat and protein than cow’s milk
- Firmer, less elastic texture due to higher solids
Goat’s Milk Provolone
- Distinctly tart, musky, “goaty” flavor profile
- Can have a gritty, crumbly texture
- Lower in fat and calories than cow’s or sheep’s milk
- Bright, tangy flavor even when young
Buffalo Milk Provolone
- Richer with more dense, buttery notes
- Higher fat and protein contributes to smooth, creamy mouthfeel
- Often has a slightly sweet finish
- Prized for its indulgent flavor and texture
In addition to taste variations, the milk type also affects the cheese’s nutritional breakdown of fats, proteins and vitamins/minerals. Sheep and buffalo milk cheeses are typically higher in beneficial nutrients.
Many cheesemakers play with blending different milk types to create unique, nuanced flavors in their signature provolone styles. But the classic remains the simple cow’s milk version that lets provolone’s authentic savory magic shine through.
Appearance and texture
Provolone has a distinct appearance that evolves as it ages from a smooth, butter-like young cheese into a firm, burnished aged beauty. Its texture transforms as well:
Young Provolone (Dolce)
Appearance:
- Pale yellow or cream-colored interior
- Thin, inedible rind
- Smooth, waxy surface
- Often sold in pear or sausage shapes
Texture:
- Semi-soft body
- Supple and very pliable
- Smooth, velvety mouthfeel
- Excellent melting properties, becomes stringy
Aged Provolone (Piccante)
Appearance:
- Deep golden hue throughout
- Darker reddish-brown inedible rind
- Firm, slightly bumpy exterior
- More irregular shapes due to aging process
Texture:
- Compact, dense and firm
- Smooth but crumbly paste
- Can become slightly grainy or crystalline
- Drier body, doesn’t melt as smoothly
As provolone ages over 6-12+ months, the heat, humidity and microbes cause the internal proteins to break down. This gives aged provolone its telltale crumbly, more crumbly texture and richly savory, almost granular feel on the tongue.
The rind also transforms from a pale, waxy coating to a hardened, inedible casing colored by the aging process. Longer aging concentrates the provolone’s golden hues into a deeper burnished appearance.
While young dolce has an appealing, malleable softness, the aged piccante develops intriguing crunchy, crumbly and savory textural nuances that enhance its already robust flavor.
What Cheese is Similar to Provolone?
Cheeses with similar textures (e.g. Swiss, Parmesan)
While provolone has a distinctive flavor profile all its own, there are several other cheeses that share some similarities in terms of texture and meltability. Here are some good comparable cheeses:
Swiss
Like provolone, Swiss cheese has a semi-soft, slightly elastic texture when young that firms up as it ages. It can develop a nutty, slightly sweet flavor reminiscent of aged provolone. The holes or “eyes” in Swiss give it a similar chewy mouthfeel.
Parmesan
While much drier and crumblier, Parmesan cheese does share provolone’s capability to develop a powerfully sharp, salty, umami-rich flavor when aged extensively. Both make excellent grating cheeses over pastas and other dishes.
Gouda
Aged Gouda can have a surprisingly similar texture and melt to an aged provolone. It features a dense, slightly crumbly paste that can range from mild to robustly flavorful depending on age.
Monterey Jack
When young, Monterey Jack has a smooth, semi-soft texture akin to provolone dolce. It makes a good melting substitute for milder provolone applications like quesadillas or nachos.
Kashkaval
This Russian yellow cheese actually has origins tracing back to an Italian traveling monastery’s recipe similar to provolone. It has a slight tanginess and melts beautifully.
So while not identical, cheeses like Swiss, Parmesan and Gouda can provide a comparable rich, savory, meltable experience when provolone is not available.
Comparison to cheddar cheese
Provolone and cheddar are both popular, widely-used cheeses but they differ quite a bit in texture, flavor and melting properties. Here’s how they compare:
Texture
- Provolone: Semi-soft, smooth and elastic texture that becomes more crumbly as it ages
- Cheddar: Firmer, drier body with a rougher, more crumbly texture
Flavor
- Provolone: Mild and buttery when young, developing a tangy, savory, slightly smoky taste as it ages
- Cheddar: Typically has a sharp, acidic bite, with aged cheddars taking on a nuttier, earthy flavor profile
Meltability
- Provolone: Known for its excellent melting abilities, becoming stringy and gooey
- Cheddar: Lower moisture content means it doesn’t melt as smoothly, can become oily or grainy
Color
- Provolone: Pale yellow to deep golden hues depending on age
- Cheddar: Ranges from pale white to deep orange, colored by annatto
Uses
- Provolone: Ideal for dishes where melted cheese is key like pizza, pasta bakes, sandwiches
- Cheddar: More versatile for cooking, snacking, grating over dishes like soups or salads
While both are relatively aged cheeses, the provolone production process of stretching the curds creates its distinctive meltable, stringy texture. Cheddar has a more firm, crumbly consistency overall.
So in dishes where you want an oozy, drippy cheese factor, provolone is usually favored. But cheddar’s sharper flavors make it a great choice for adding a potent cheesy punch.
Is Provolone a Healthy Cheese?
Nutritional Value
Provolone provides a good nutritional bang for your buck when eaten in moderation. An ounce (28g) of provolone contains:
- 98 calories
- 7g protein
- 7g fat (4.5g saturated fat)
- 350mg calcium (35% DV)
- 175mg phosphorus (15% DV)
- 15% DV riboflavin
It’s a rich source of calcium, protein and phosphorus – nutrients that support bone health, muscle growth and energy production. The higher fat content provides a dose of satiating fats as well.
Lack of Lactose/Casein
One of the benefits of provolone is that it’s relatively low in lactose compared to other cheeses. The stretching and aging process reduces lactose levels to only trace amounts. This makes provolone more easily digestible for those with lactose intolerance.
Additionally, provolone is naturally low in casein, the milk protein that can cause allergic reactions. So provolone may be better tolerated than other cheeses for those with milk protein sensitivities.
Role in Weight Management
While cheese is often perceived as diet-unfriendly, some studies suggest provolone and other aged cheeses may actually aid weight management when consumed in reasonable portions:
The high protein, calcium and fats in provolone promote feelings of fullness and satiety after eating it.
The aging process may slightly reduce the overall calories and inflammatory properties.
Cheese has been linked to lower metabolic rates compared to other dairy sources.
So in moderation, provolone can be part of a balanced diet and may even help regulate appetite. But portion control is still key, as it remains a calorie-dense food.
Ultimately, provolone provides some valuable nutrients while being relatively low-lactose – making it a quality cheese option for those able to enjoy it responsibly.
Is Provolone a Good Melting Cheese?
Melting Properties
Provolone is renowned for its excellent melting abilities, especially when young (dolce). The key is its stretchy, elastic texture that allows it to become delightfully stringy and gooey when heated.
During the cheesemaking process, the curds are kneaded and stretched (the “pasta filata” method), aligning the proteins in such a way that they become malleable and incredible melters. As provolone ages, it retains this coveted meltability while also developing more intense flavors.
Young provolone essentially turns into a rich, creamy sauce when melted, stretching into long strands rather than separating into oily pools like some other cheeses. This gooey stretchiness is what makes it so coveted on pizzas and in baked pasta dishes.
Uses in Cooked Dishes
Provolone’s meltability lends itself to a wide range of hot recipes and applications:
- Pizza toppings – creates that signature pull with each slice
- Baked pasta dishes like ziti, lasagna, stuffed shells
- Panini, grilled cheese sandwiches
- Italian-style omelets and frittatas
- Beer cheese dips and queso
- Stuffing for meat roulades and chicken breasts
- Topping for French onion soup
The young dolce version is prized for strictly melting purposes, while aged piccante can be used both for its flavor when melted and for grating over dishes like soups or salads.
Complementing Other Flavors
When melted, provolone has an unassuming creaminess that allows other ingredients to shine through. Its rich yet mild tanginess pairs beautifully with:
- Tomato sauces and pesto
- Cured Italian meats like prosciutto, soppressata
- Roasted vegetables like peppers, eggplant, zucchini
- Crusty breads and olive oil for dipping
- Bold wine reductions and marinades
Aged provolone brings more assertive savory, umami notes to the table, able to stand up to hearty stews, roasted meats, or earthy mushroom dishes.
So while certainly flavorful on its own, provolone’s meltability and balanced profile make it an incredibly versatile cooking cheese that can complement a wide variety of bold or delicate flavors.
How to Cook and Use Provolone
Serving Suggestions
Provolone is an incredibly versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways beyond just cooking. Here are some tasty serving suggestions:
Snacks/Appetizers
- Cubed or sliced on charcuterie boards with cured meats, olives, nuts, fresh/dried fruit
- Melted into a warm cheesy dip served with breadsticks or crusty bread
- Wrapped around grissini breadsticks or fresh grapes for easy snacking
- Stuffed into stemmed cherry peppers or mushroom caps
Sandwiches/Panini
- Layered into Italian grilled sandwiches like muffulettas or panini
- Melted over open-faced Italian sausage, meatball or veggie sandwiches
- Added to breakfast sandwiches along with eggs, meats, spinach
- Sliced onto deli sandwiches like Italian subs or Reubens
Salads/Sides
- Cubed and tossed into green salads, Italian pasta salads or marinated vegetable salads
- Melted into creamy polenta or risotto for added richness
- Garnish for soups like minestrone, pasta e fagioli or Italian wedding soup
- Wrapped around roasted asparagus spears or breadstick “wraps”
Desserts
- Drizzled with honey or balsamic glaze over fresh fruit
- Baked into cookie doughs or scone batters for a savory kick
The buttery, savory-yet-mild flavor of provolone makes it extremely snackable and perfect for adding pops of flavor to appetizers, sandwiches, salads and even desserts. Get creative with this melty, delicious cheese!
Popular Dishes It’s Used In
Provolone is a beloved cheese in Italian-American cuisine, featuring prominently in many classic and popular dishes:
Pizza
Shredded provolone is an iconic pizza topping, melting into that signature stretchy, gooey layer of cheese we all crave. It’s commonly used on all types of pizza from classic Margherita to loaded meat lover’s pies.
Baked Pasta Dishes
Provolone’s superior melting ability makes it perfect for layering into cheesy baked pasta casseroles like lasagna, baked ziti, stuffed shells, and pasta al forno. The melted cheese binds everything together.
Chicken/Veal Parmigiana
Thin slices of provolone get melted over breaded, fried chicken or veal cutlets smothered in tomato sauce for this iconic Italian-American dish.
Philly Cheesesteaks
Thinly sliced provolone is a signature cheese for this beloved sandwich, melting over the steak, peppers, and onions inside a hoagie roll.
Italian Beef Sandwiches
The rich, savory flavor of melted provolone complements the slow-cooked, intensely seasoned Italian-style beef in this Chicago favorite sandwich.
Stromboli & Calzones
Provolone is a natural choice for baking into the dough of these stuffed Italian turnover snacks along with cured meats, vegetables, and other fillings.
Panini & Grilled Sandwiches
The gooey melted texture makes provolone perfect for adding to all types of pressed, grilled sandwiches from Italian panini to breakfast sandwiches.
Whether melting it over an entree or baking it into the dough, provolone’s combination of rich flavor and superior melting ability makes it a staple cheese for all kinds of iconic Italian-inspired dishes.
Tips for Cooking with Provolone
Provolone is a dream to cook with thanks to its fantastic melting abilities. Here are some tips to make the most of this cheese in your kitchen:
Slicing/Grating
- Slice or grate the cheese straight from the refrigerator before cooking for most even melting
- Use the young dolce variety for ultimate gooey melting; aged piccante holds its shape better
Melting
- Cook over low heat and stir frequently to prevent separating and overcooking
- For dishes like baked pasta, add provolone towards the end to avoid overbaking
- Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end to create a crispy, browned cheese topping
Sauces/Dips
- Melt grated or cubed provolone slowly into sauces like alfredo or cheese dips
- Use low heat and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth
- Add a splash of milk or cream to help incorporate the cheese fully
Complementing Flavors
- Pair simply with quality ingredients like cured meats, tomatoes, pesto to let provolone shine
- The mild flavor allows robust seasonings, wines, and vinegars to come through
Stuffing/Wrapping
- Hollow out vegetables, chicken, beef roulades and stuff the center with provolone
- Wrap provolone around cured meats, grilled veggies or breadsticks for easy appetizers
Storage
- Keep provolone tightly wrapped to retain its moisture and prevent drying out
- Freeze slices or wedges between wax paper for longer storage
With a little care and technique, you can make the most of provolone’s rich flavor and incredible melting texture in all your favorite recipes! Don’t be afraid to get creative with this versatile cheese.
FAQs
What’s the difference between provolone dolce and provolone piccante?
Dolce is the young, mild provolone aged for just 2-3 months. Piccante refers to an aged provolone that has been cured for 6 months or longer. Dolce has a soft, buttery texture and delicate milky flavor, while piccante develops a firm, crumbly texture and intensely savory, almost meaty flavor as it ages.
Can you eat the rind on provolone?
No, the rind on provolone is inedible. The young dolce variety has a very thin, waxy rind that is meant to be removed before eating. As provolone ages into piccante, it develops a thick, hardened inedible rind colored by the aging process.
How should provolone be stored?
Keep provolone tightly wrapped in wax paper, parchment or plastic wrap in the refrigerator. This prevents it from drying out or absorbing unwanted flavors. For longer storage, you can freeze wedges or slices with wax paper between them.
Let me know if you have any other questions! Provolone’s flavor and versatility make it a tasty staple worth understanding.
Conclusion
Provolone is a true flavor chameleon, with its taste evolving from mild and milky when young to intensely savory and almost meaty as it ages. The fresh dolce variety has a buttery, subtly tangy flavor that makes it incredibly melty and versatile. As it transitions to the aged piccante form over 6-12 months, provolone develops complex umami notes of nuttiness, fruitiness, and a punchiness akin to aged Parmesan. This intense savory depth is what makes well-aged provolone such an addictive treat.
Whether melted to perfection on a pizza or folded into a bubbling baked pasta, provolone shines in cooked dishes where its superior melting abilities create that signature stretchy “cheese pull.” But it’s just as delicious enjoyed at room temperature on charcuterie boards or in sandwiches where its flavor can take center stage. From snacks to entrees to desserts, this versatile Italian cheese has found a place in a surprising array of classic and modern dishes across cuisines.
If you’ve never ventured beyond the ubiquitous aged provolone in the deli case, I highly encourage expanding your horizons with this uniquely transformative cheese. Seek out both the buttery dolce and the boldly aged piccante varieties to experience the full spectrum of provolone’s deliciousness. Let its flavor evolution inspire you to incorporate it into old favorite dishes and new culinary adventures.
Whether melty or aged, mild or intensely savory, provolone’s hard-to-replicate taste and texture make it a must-try for any cheese lover looking to elevate their cooking and snacking game. With its incredible versatility, this humble Italian cheese just might become your new kitchen superstar.
