Provolone Cheese 101: Nutrition, Benefits, How To Use, Buy, Store | Provolone Cheese: A Complete Guide

What is Provolone Cheese

Provolone cheese is a type of Italian cheese that’s known for its smooth texture and mild taste, though sometimes it can have a slightly tangy or sharp flavor, depending on how long it’s aged. It’s made from cow’s milk and comes in different shapes, like big, round, or even sausage-like forms. Provolone usually has a pale yellow color, and it’s often used in sandwiches or melted over dishes like pizza or lasagna. What’s interesting is that the aging process can change how it tastes—if it’s younger, it’ll be milder, but if it’s aged longer, you get a stronger flavor. It’s also known for being a “pulled-curd” cheese, which just means it’s stretched and kneaded during the making process to give it that nice texture.

Other Names of Provolone Cheese

Here are a few other names or variations of provolone cheese:

1. Provolone Dolce – This is a milder version of provolone, usually aged for just a few months. It has a sweeter, creamier taste and is perfect for when you want something light.
2. Provolone Piccante – This type is aged longer, sometimes over a year, so it has a sharper, stronger flavor. If you like bold-tasting cheese, this one’s for you.
3. Provola – This is a smaller, more compact version of provolone. It’s often smoked, which gives it a unique, rich flavor that stands out.
4. Scamorza – While not exactly the same, scamorza is a close relative to provolone. It’s also a stretched-curd cheese and often comes in smoked or unsmoked forms.

These are just a few names, but they all belong to the same family of cheeses with their own twist.

Nutritional Value of Provolone Cheese

Here’s a basic nutritional overview of Provolone cheese per 1-ounce (28g) serving:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~100
Protein	~7-8 grams
Fat	~8 grams
Saturated Fat	~5 grams
Cholesterol	~20-25 mg
Carbohydrates	~0 grams
Sugar	~0 grams
Calcium	~20-25% DV
Sodium	~200-250 mg
Vitamin A	~6-8% DV
Vitamin D	~0-2% DV

Benefits of Provolone Cheese

Here are some benefits of eating provolone cheese:

1. Good Source of Protein – Provolone cheese gives you a nice dose of protein, which is important for building muscles and keeping your body strong. It’s an easy way to get more protein into your meals, especially if you’re not a big meat eater.
2. Rich in Calcium – Like most cheeses, provolone is packed with calcium, which is key for keeping your bones and teeth healthy. If you’re worried about getting enough calcium, adding provolone to your diet can help.
3. Provides Vitamins – Provolone contains important vitamins like vitamin A and B12. These help with things like eye health, boosting your immune system, and giving you energy throughout the day.
4. Source of Healthy Fats – While it does have fats, provolone includes good fats that can help support brain function and keep your skin healthy. It’s all about moderation!
5. Can Aid in Weight Management – Since provolone is pretty satisfying, it can help keep you full longer, which might stop you from snacking on less healthy things. Just be mindful of portion sizes.

It’s a tasty way to add some nutrition to your meals while enjoying the flavors.

Varieties of Provolone Cheese

Here are some of the main varieties of provolone cheese:

1. Provolone Dolce – This is the mild and sweet version of provolone. It’s aged for a shorter time, usually about 2 to 3 months. The taste is soft, creamy, and not too intense, so it’s great for people who don’t like strong flavors.
2. Provolone Piccante – This type is aged longer, around 4 months or more. Because of the aging, it has a sharper, more tangy flavor that stands out. If you prefer cheeses with a bit more punch, this one will hit the spot.
3. Smoked Provolone – Some provolone cheeses are smoked during the process, giving them a rich, smoky flavor. The smoke adds a whole new layer to the taste and makes it especially good in sandwiches or melted on a burger.
4. Provolone Valpadana – This is a special version of provolone that’s protected by law in Italy. It can be either dolce or piccante, but it’s always made in the Valpadana region, following traditional methods.

These varieties all have their own unique characteristics, but they’re all part of the provolone family! Each one has a slightly different flavor to offer, depending on how you like your cheese.

What Does Provolone Cheese Taste Like

Provolone cheese has a mild but slightly tangy flavor that can change depending on how long it’s been aged. If it’s a younger provolone, the taste is pretty smooth and creamy, with a gentle hint of sweetness. But when it’s aged longer, the flavor gets sharper and a bit more robust, almost giving you a bit of a bite. It’s not overwhelming, but you can definitely notice the difference as it matures. The texture is soft and easy to melt, which makes it great for sandwiches or on top of hot dishes like pizza. It’s kinda versatile, you can use it in different ways, and it’ll still taste good.

How is Provolone Cheese Made

Making provolone cheese is quite an interesting process! Here’s a detailed look at how it’s done:

1. Milk Selection: The process starts with fresh cow’s milk, which is usually whole milk. The quality of the milk is super important because it affects the flavor and texture of the cheese. Some cheese makers might even use a mix of milk from different cows to get the best taste.
2. Pasteurization: The milk is heated to a specific temperature to kill any harmful bacteria. This step ensures that the cheese is safe to eat and helps control the flavor during the cheese-making process.
3. Adding Cultures: Once the milk cools down, special bacteria cultures are added. These cultures help to acidify the milk, giving provolone its unique flavor. This step is crucial because the bacteria will begin to ferment the milk, creating lactic acid.
4. Rennet Addition: After the cultures have done their job, rennet is added to the milk. Rennet is an enzyme that helps coagulate the milk, turning it from liquid into a solid. This creates curds, which are the building blocks of cheese.
5. Cutting the Curds: Once the milk has coagulated, the curds are cut into small pieces. The size of the curds affects the texture of the final cheese. Smaller curds result in a firmer cheese, while larger curds create a softer texture.
6. Cooking the Curds: The cut curds are gently heated and stirred. This step helps expel more whey (the liquid part of the milk) and firm up the curds. The temperature and cooking time can vary depending on whether the cheese will be provolone dolce (milder) or provolone piccante (sharper).
7. Whey Drainage: Once the curds are cooked, the whey is drained off. This leaves behind the solid curds, which will be molded into the shape of provolone cheese.
8. Kneading and Stretching: This is one of the coolest parts! The curds are then kneaded and stretched in hot water. This process is called pasta filata, which means “spun paste” in Italian. Stretching the curds gives provolone its smooth and elastic texture.
9. Molding: After kneading, the cheese is formed into its signature shape, which can be round or oval. The molded cheese is then placed into molds to help it hold its shape while it cools.
10. Salting: Once molded, the cheese is salted. Salt adds flavor and helps with preservation. Some cheese makers sprinkle salt directly onto the cheese, while others soak the cheese in a brine solution.
11. Aging: The final step is aging the cheese. Provolone is typically aged in a controlled environment for anywhere from a couple of months to over a year. The aging process allows the flavors to develop fully. Provolone dolce is aged for a shorter time and has a milder taste, while provolone piccante is aged longer, resulting in a sharper flavor.

Each of these steps plays a vital role in creating the delicious provolone cheese we love. It’s fascinating to see how simple ingredients turn into such a versatile and tasty cheese.

How To Use Provolone Cheese

Here are some great ways to use provolone cheese:

1. Melt It on Sandwiches – Provolone is perfect for melting, so it’s a go-to for hot sandwiches like grilled cheese or Philly cheesesteaks. The way it melts so smoothly adds a nice texture and taste to any sandwich.
2. Add It to Pizza – You can use provolone as a topping for pizza, either on its own or mixed with other cheeses. It brings a creamy, mild flavor that balances well with stronger toppings like pepperoni or veggies.
3. Use It in Pasta Dishes – You can shred or slice provolone into pasta dishes, especially baked ones like lasagna or ziti. It melts really well, creating that stretchy, gooey layer that makes baked pasta extra delicious.
4. Make Cheese Platters – If you’re putting together a cheese board, provolone is a nice choice because of its mild flavor. You can pair it with crackers, fruits, or cured meats like salami for a simple yet tasty appetizer.
5. Melt It Over Burgers – Provolone is great for topping burgers. It melts quickly and adds a creamy, slightly tangy taste that goes really well with beef, chicken, or veggie patties.
6. Stuff It in Chicken or Meat – You can stuff slices of provolone into chicken breasts or pork chops before baking or grilling. The cheese melts inside, adding flavor and keeping the meat juicy.

Each way brings out a different side of provolone, and it’s so versatile that you can get creative with how you use it.

Substitute for Provolone Cheese

If you need a substitute for provolone cheese, here are some great options you can try:

1. Mozzarella – This cheese is probably the closest in texture and flavor to provolone. It’s mild and creamy, making it perfect for melting. Whether you’re using it on pizza or in a sandwich, mozzarella can work really well.
2. Fontina – Fontina has a rich, nutty flavor and melts beautifully, just like provolone. It’s a bit stronger in taste, but it can add a nice depth to dishes like pasta or risotto.
3. Gouda – This cheese has a slightly sweet and buttery flavor, especially when it’s young. It melts well and can be used in sandwiches or melted over vegetables for a tasty twist.
4. Cheddar – While cheddar has a sharper taste than provolone, it can still be a good substitute. It adds a nice kick to dishes and melts nicely, making it great for things like mac and cheese or burgers.
5. Swiss Cheese – Swiss cheese has a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a smooth texture. It’s a good alternative for sandwiches or melted dishes, plus those little holes in it can be fun!
6. Havarti – This cheese is creamy and mild with a buttery flavor. It melts well, too, making it great for sandwiches or cheese boards, so it can be a nice stand-in for provolone.

These substitutes can bring their own unique flavors while still giving you that creamy texture you love in provolone.

Where to Buy Provolone Cheese

If you’re looking to buy provolone cheese, here are some good places to check out:

1. Grocery Stores – Most grocery stores have a dairy section where you can find provolone cheese. Look in the cheese aisle, and you might see both sliced and block versions. Stores like Walmart, Kroger, or Safeway usually carry it.
2. Specialty Cheese Shops – If you have a local cheese shop or gourmet food store, they often have a great selection of provolone. The staff there can help you pick out different varieties, and you might even find some unique aged options.
3. Italian Markets – Since provolone is an Italian cheese, checking out an Italian grocery store or market is a smart idea. They often have a variety of authentic cheeses, and you can find high-quality provolone that might not be available in regular stores.
4. Farmers’ Markets – Sometimes, local cheesemakers sell their products at farmers’ markets. This is a fantastic way to support local businesses and try fresh, handmade provolone cheese.
5. Online Retailers – If you can’t find provolone nearby, you can always shop online! Websites like Amazon or specialty food sites often have provolone available for delivery. Just make sure to check reviews for quality.
6. Warehouse Clubs – Stores like Costco or Sam’s Club sometimes carry provolone cheese in larger quantities. If you use a lot of cheese, this can be a good way to save money.

These options give you a range of places to find provolone cheese, whether you want to grab some quickly at the grocery store or explore unique varieties at a specialty shop.

How To Store Provolone Cheese

Storing provolone cheese properly is important to keep it fresh and tasty. Here are some tips to help you out:

1. Wrap It Right:
   • Plastic Wrap or Wax Paper: For a block of provolone, it’s essential to wrap it tightly. Plastic wrap is a good option because it clings well, sealing out air. Wax paper is also great as it allows the cheese to breathe slightly without drying out too quickly.
   • Avoid Plastic Bags: While it might seem convenient, regular plastic bags can trap moisture, which can lead to sweating. This moisture can create a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
2. Use Parchment Paper:
   • Layering Slices: If you’ve got sliced provolone, take a piece of parchment paper and place a slice on it. Then, lay another piece of parchment on top before adding another slice. Repeat this process until all slices are layered. This prevents the slices from sticking together, making it easier to grab just what you need without damaging the cheese.
3. Keep It in the Fridge:
   • Temperature Matters: The refrigerator is the best place to store provolone. Keeping it at the right temperature (around 35 to 40°F) helps slow down the growth of mold and bacteria. Make sure to place it in the cheese drawer if your fridge has one; these drawers are often designed to maintain the right humidity level.
4. Use an Airtight Container:
   • Choose the Right Size: If you prefer storing provolone in a container, pick one that’s just the right size. A container that’s too big will allow excess air to get in, while one that’s too small might crush the cheese. Make sure the cheese is wrapped or layered with parchment inside the container for added protection.
   • Seal It Well: Ensure the lid is tightly sealed. This will help to minimize exposure to air, which can cause the cheese to dry out and lose flavor.
5. Avoid Freezing:
   • Why Not Freeze?: Freezing can alter the texture of provolone, making it crumbly and less enjoyable. If you must freeze it, slice it first to make it easier to use later. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Use the frozen cheese within 2 to 3 months for the best quality.
   • Thawing: If you decide to thaw frozen provolone, do it slowly in the fridge rather than at room temperature. This helps maintain the texture as much as possible.
6. Check for Freshness:
   • Inspect Regularly: Before you use provolone, take a moment to check it. Look for any signs of mold that aren’t part of the cheese’s natural aging process. If you see any green or fuzzy spots, it’s safer to discard the cheese, especially if it’s been stored for a while.
   • Smell Test: Give it a sniff! If it smells sour or off, that’s a sign it’s no longer good. Fresh provolone should have a pleasant, mild aroma.
7. Keep Away from Strong Odors:
   • Odor Absorption: Cheese can absorb odors from other foods, so keep it away from strong-smelling items like garlic or certain meats. Storing it in an airtight container can help protect it from unwanted smells.

By following these detailed steps, you can keep your provolone cheese fresh and delicious for longer, ready to enhance your meals whenever you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Provolone Cheese