Top 10 Provolone Cheese Substitutes
Are you craving the delicious taste of provolone cheese but can’t seem to find it at your local grocery store? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide to the best provolone cheese substitutes. Whether you’re making a mouthwatering sandwich, a cheesy pasta dish, or a savory appetizer, these alternatives will ensure your culinary creations don’t miss a beat.
Understanding Provolone Cheese
Before we dive into the substitutes, let’s take a moment to understand what makes provolone cheese so special. Provolone is a semi-soft Italian cheese made from cow’s milk. It comes in two main varieties: dolce (sweet) and piccante (sharp). For this article, we’ll focus primarily on dolce provolone, which is more commonly used in everyday cooking.
Provolone’s Unique Characteristics:
Provolone boasts a distinct flavor profile and texture that sets it apart from other cheeses:
- Flavor: Mild and sweet with a milky aroma
- Texture: Smooth and slightly rubbery
- Color: Pale yellow
- Consistency: Semi-soft
- Aroma: Rich and buttery with nutty undertones
- Finish: Subtle peppery notes
Now that we’ve established what makes provolone unique, let’s explore the top 10 provolone cheese substitutes that can step in when you can’t get your hands on the real thing.
Top 10 Provolone Cheese Substitutes
1. Mozzarella
Mozzarella is perhaps the most accessible and versatile substitute for provolone. While it’s softer and milder in flavor, low-moisture mozzarella can be an excellent stand-in, especially in melted dishes.
Best for: Pizza, sandwiches, and casseroles Flavor profile: Milky, delicate, slightly sour Texture: Soft and moist (fresh) or semi-firm (low-moisture)
Pro tip: Opt for low-moisture mozzarella for a closer match to provolone’s texture and melting properties.
2. Fontina Cheese
Fontina cheese is another Italian delight that makes for an exceptional provolone substitute. Its semi-soft to hard texture and rich, nutty flavor closely mimic provolone’s characteristics.
Best for: Melting, grating, and cheese boards Flavor profile: Buttery, rich, and nutty Texture: Firm and smooth
Pro tip: Fontina is excellent for dishes that require good melting properties, such as fondue or grilled cheese sandwiches.
3. Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack is an American cheese that shares many similarities with provolone, making it a great substitute in various dishes.
Best for: Mexican-inspired dishes, sandwiches, and melted applications Flavor profile: Mild and slightly sweet Texture: Smooth and semi-soft
Pro tip: For added flavor, try using Pepper Jack, a spicy variant of Monterey Jack.
4. Cheddar
While cheddar cheese may seem like an unlikely substitute for provolone, its versatility and wide availability make it a practical choice in many situations.
Best for: Sandwiches, burgers, and gratins Flavor profile: Sharp and pungent (varies with age) Texture: Semi-soft to hard, depending on age
Pro tip: Opt for young cheddar for a closer match to provolone’s texture and milder flavor.
5. Parmesan
Parmesan cheese can be a suitable substitute for provolone, especially when you’re looking to add a punch of flavor to your dish.
Best for: Grating over pasta, salads, and soups Flavor profile: Nutty, fruity, and intense Texture: Hard and gritty
Pro tip: Mix Parmesan with a milder cheese to better mimic provolone’s flavor and texture profile.
6. Gouda
Gouda cheese is a Dutch cheese that shares many similarities with provolone, making it an excellent substitute in various recipes.
Best for: Sandwiches, cheese platters, and melted dishes Flavor profile: Sweet and aromatic, becoming more intense with age Texture: Smooth and semi-soft to hard
Pro tip: Choose young Gouda for a closer match to provolone’s texture and flavor.
7. Edam
Another Dutch cheese, Edam, offers a great alternative to provolone with its similar texture and mild flavor profile.
Best for: Cheese boards, sandwiches, and salads Flavor profile: Mildly sweet and salty with nutty undertones Texture: Elastic and supple
Pro tip: Edam’s low fat content makes it a healthier alternative to provolone.
8. Provola
Provola is a close relative of provolone, making it an excellent substitute when available.
Best for: Melting applications, such as pizza and pasta dishes Flavor profile: Savory and milder than provolone Texture: Soft and smooth
Pro tip: Smoked provola can add an interesting twist to dishes that typically use provolone.
9. Emmental
Emmental, a Swiss cheese, can serve as a good provolone substitute in many recipes.
Best for: Fondue, grilled sandwiches, and cheese boards Flavor profile: Sweet and aromatic Texture: Medium-hard with characteristic holes
Pro tip: Emmental’s excellent melting properties make it ideal for dishes like French onion soup.
10. Gruyère
Gruyère, another Swiss cheese, can stand in for provolone in various culinary applications.
Best for: Gratins, fondue, and cheese boards Flavor profile: Creamy and nutty when young, becoming more complex with age Texture: Firm and dense
Pro tip: Choose young Gruyère for a closer match to provolone’s flavor profile.
Other Provolone Cheese Alternatives
While the above list covers our top 10 provolone cheese substitutes, there are several other options worth considering:
Muenster Cheese
Muenster cheese offers a similar texture to provolone, though its flavor is milder.
Best for: Sandwiches and melted dishes Flavor profile: Mild and slightly sweet Texture: Soft and smooth
Pro tip: Combine Muenster with low-moisture mozzarella for a closer match to provolone’s flavor and texture.
Scamorza Cheese
Scamorza is an Italian cheese that shares many similarities with provolone.
Best for: Grilling and melting applications Flavor profile: Milky and creamy with a smoky-sweet taste Texture: Elastic and stringy
Pro tip: Try smoked scamorza for an extra layer of flavor in your dishes.
White American Cheese
White American cheese can serve as a readily available substitute for provolone in a pinch.
Best for: Sandwiches and burgers Flavor profile: Mild and creamy Texture: Smooth and meltable
Pro tip: While not as flavorful as provolone, White American cheese’s melting properties make it suitable for dishes where texture is key.
Asiago
Asiago cheese can be a good stand-in for provolone, especially in its younger form.
Best for: Grating over pasta, salads, and soups Flavor profile: Mild when young, becoming sharper with age Texture: Semi-soft when young, harder as it ages
Pro tip: Opt for young Asiago for a closer match to provolone’s texture and flavor.
Manchego Cheese
Manchego, a popular Spanish cheese, can serve as an interesting alternative to provolone.
Best for: Cheese boards and tapas Flavor profile: Mild and creamy when young, becoming more complex with age Texture: Semi-soft to hard, depending on age
Pro tip: Choose young Manchego for a closer approximation of provolone’s characteristics.
Conclusion: Provolone Cheese Substitutes
Finding the perfect provolone cheese substitute doesn’t have to be a challenge. With this comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped to make informed choices based on your specific culinary needs. Whether you’re looking for a cheese with similar melting properties, texture, or flavor profile, there’s a substitute on this list that will work for you.
Remember, the best substitute often depends on the specific dish you’re preparing. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses or even combine two or more to achieve the desired result. The world of cheese is vast and exciting, and exploring provolone cheese alternatives can lead you to discover new favorite flavors and textures.
So, the next time you’re craving a dish that calls for provolone but can’t find it at your local store, don’t despair. Reach for one of these provolone cheese substitutes and let your culinary creativity shine. Happy cooking!
