Provolone Cheese
A classic semi-hard Italian cow’s milk cheese, Provolone is rich, ranging from mild to sharp, with a smooth texture and a salty-sweet finish. A beloved ingredient in Italian and Italian-American cuisines, it adds a delicious, savory flavor to a wide range of salads, sandwiches, antipasto platters, and countless other recipes. Shop online and discover our selection of the best cheese brands for sale!
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Provolone Cheese Slices
from United States
by Great Lakes Cheese
One of Americas' most beloved sandwich cheeses, this Provolone is mild, delicious and convenient!
3(1 review)
About Provolone Cheese
Provolone cheese is an Italian semi-hard to hard cheese known for its distinct taste and versatility. It hails from Southern Italy, particularly the regions of Basilicata and Calabria, but it's now produced throughout the country. There are two main types: Provolone Dolce (mild) and Provolone Piccante (sharp), with each offering a unique flavor profile. A smoked provolone version also exists, deliciously smoky and earthy.
With a smooth and velvety paste, this cheese comes in various shapes, but the most popular is the large log or the pear or bottle-shaped cheeses, complete with a topknot for hanging. Typically made from buffalo or cow’s milk, or sometimes a mixture of the two, this cheese is made in a very special way, requiring skilled cheese artisans to execute. The fresh curd is kneaded and stretched while still hot, then carefully woven and shaped until all the air bubbles are eliminated and a beautifully smooth and flawless texture is achieved.
- Texture: semi-hard to hard, with a smooth, pale-yellow rind and a pale, creamy interior. The texture varies depending on age, with Dolce being softer and Piccante firmer and crumblier.
- Flavor: Dolce is mild and creamy with a slight tang. Piccante, on the other hand, has a sharper, more intense flavor due to extended aging. Smoked provolone is earthy and smokey.
- Aging: Dolce is typically aged for 2 to 3 months, while Piccante can be aged for over a year.
How To Use Provolone
This cheese is incredibly versatile and is often used in sandwiches, panini, and on cheese platters. Provolone Piccante is ideal for grating and melting, making it suitable for pizzas, casseroles, and other dishes.
Smooth and mild yet full of character, it’s one of the most versatile cheeses available. A staple of sandwiches everywhere, its mild flavor profile makes it easily adaptable to a wide range of dishes – try it grated and sprinkled over salads and casseroles, incorporated into pastas, or swapped in for mozzarella on your next homemade pizza. If presenting on a cheeseboard, we like to pair Provolone with spicy or salty condiments. Think olives, spicy chili jams and chutneys, roasted red peppers, or grilled artichokes. An excellent addition to so many dishes and preparations, we love this sliceable, meltable Italian cheese!
Buying Provolone
At Gourmet Food Store, we take pride in offering a wide selection of cheese varieties. Our range includes both Provolone Dolce and Piccante, each carefully selected for its exceptional quality and flavor. The pricing of our Provolone cheese considers the unique characteristics and aging of each variety, ensuring an array of options and costs to suit your palate and budget.
Order provolone cheese online at Gourmet Food Store! We are committed to providing detailed product descriptions and customer reviews to assist you in making informed decisions. Plus, the convenience of online shopping allows you to explore our curated selection, guaranteeing a delightful and gourmet cheese experience in the comfort of your own home. Gourmet Food Store is your source for premium Italian cheeses.
Provolone Cheese Questions And Answers
Q:Does provolone cheese smell?
A:In general, while it does have a scent, it is not typically considered offensive or overly strong.
Q:What does provolone cheese taste like?
A:Dolce is mild and creamy with a slight tang. Piccante, has a sharper, more intense flavor, while smoked provolone is earthy and smokey.
Q:Is Provolone Cheese Healthy?
A:While it does offer some nutritional benefits like protein, calcium, and vitamins, it's important to note that it has high calories, high fat content and elevated sodium.
Q:Can you freeze provolone cheese?
A:Yes, you can freeze Provolone, but it's important to do so correctly to maintain its quality and texture. It’s not something we typically recommend as it will alter the texture and flavor of the product.