Can Provolone Cheese Be Substituted For Parmesan Cheese? The Epicurean’s Guide To Exquisite Substitution
What To Know
- Provolone cheese can be a good substitute for parmesan cheese in dishes where the parmesan cheese is used as a topping or filling.
- However, provolone cheese is not a good substitute for parmesan cheese in dishes where the parmesan cheese is used as a grated cheese.
- Provolone cheese has a milder, sweeter flavor than parmesan cheese, but it can still add a nice touch of flavor to a pasta dish.
Parmesan and provolone cheeses are two of the most popular Italian cheeses in the world. They both have a long history and are used in a variety of dishes. But can you substitute one for the other?
The Answer: Yes, But…
The answer is yes, you can substitute provolone cheese for parmesan cheese. However, there are some important differences between the two cheeses that you should keep in mind.
Key Differences Between Provolone and Parmesan
- Flavor: Parmesan cheese has a sharp, nutty flavor, while provolone cheese has a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Texture: Parmesan cheese is a hard, crumbly cheese, while provolone cheese is a semi-hard, springy cheese.
- Uses: Parmesan cheese is often used as a topping for pasta dishes, pizzas, and salads. Provolone cheese is often used as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, and calzones.
When to Substitute Provolone for Parmesan
Provolone cheese can be a good substitute for parmesan cheese in dishes where the parmesan cheese is used as a topping or filling. For example, you could use provolone cheese in a pasta dish, a pizza, or a calzone.
However, provolone cheese is not a good substitute for parmesan cheese in dishes where the parmesan cheese is used as a grated cheese. For example, you should not use provolone cheese in a Caesar salad or a pesto sauce.
Tips for Substituting Provolone for Parmesan
If you are substituting provolone cheese for parmesan cheese, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use a provolone cheese that is similar in flavor to the parmesan cheese you are replacing.
- Use a provolone cheese that is grated or shredded to the same consistency as the parmesan cheese you are replacing.
- Add the provolone cheese to the dish at the same time you would add the parmesan cheese.
Wrap-Up: Provolone vs. Parmesan
Provolone and parmesan cheeses are two different cheeses with different flavors, textures, and uses. However, they can be substituted for each other in some dishes. When substituting provolone for parmesan, keep in mind the differences between the two cheeses and adjust your recipe accordingly.
FAQ
Q: Can I substitute provolone cheese for parmesan cheese in a Caesar salad?
A: No, provolone cheese is not a good substitute for parmesan cheese in a Caesar salad. Parmesan cheese has a sharp, nutty flavor that is essential to the Caesar salad dressing. Provolone cheese has a milder, sweeter flavor that would not be as good in a Caesar salad.
Q: Can I substitute provolone cheese for parmesan cheese in a pesto sauce?
A: No, provolone cheese is not a good substitute for parmesan cheese in a pesto sauce. Parmesan cheese has a hard, crumbly texture that is essential to the pesto sauce. Provolone cheese has a semi-hard, springy texture that would not be as good in a pesto sauce.
Q: Can I substitute provolone cheese for parmesan cheese in a pasta dish?
A: Yes, provolone cheese can be a good substitute for parmesan cheese in a pasta dish. Provolone cheese has a milder, sweeter flavor than parmesan cheese, but it can still add a nice touch of flavor to a pasta dish.