Discover The Surprising Truth: Can You Use Provolone Cheese Instead Of Mozzarella?
What To Know
- Mozzarella cheese is a good choice for dishes where you want a cheese that will melt and gooey, such as pizza, lasagna, and baked dishes.
- If you are using provolone cheese instead of mozzarella, be sure to use a sharp or extra sharp cheese, grate it before using it, and use less of it than you would mozzarella.
- If you are looking for a cheese that is similar to provolone or mozzarella, but with a different flavor or texture, here are a few options.
Mozzarella and provolone are two of the most popular cheeses in the world. Both are made from cow’s milk and have a mild, milky flavor. However, there are some key differences between the two cheeses that make them better suited for different dishes.
Provolone vs. Mozzarella: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Characteristic | **Provolone** | **Mozzarella** |
| — | — | — |
| Texture | Firm and springy | Soft and gooey |
| Flavor | Mild and nutty | Mild and milky |
| Melting point | High | Low |
| Best uses | Sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes | Pizza, lasagna, baked dishes |
| Availability | Widely available | Widely available |
| Price | Moderate | Moderate |
When to Use Provolone Cheese
Provolone cheese is a good choice for dishes where you want a cheese that will hold its shape, such as sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes. It is also a good choice for dishes that are cooked at a high temperature, such as grilled cheese sandwiches and pizzas.
When to Use Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is a good choice for dishes where you want a cheese that will melt and gooey, such as pizza, lasagna, and baked dishes. It is also a good choice for dishes that are served cold, such as caprese salad and antipasto platters.
Can You Use Provolone Cheese Instead of Mozzarella?
In a pinch, you can use provolone cheese instead of mozzarella. However, there are some things to keep in mind.
- Provolone cheese is a harder cheese than mozzarella, so it will not melt as easily.
- Provolone cheese has a stronger flavor than mozzarella, so it may overpower the other flavors in your dish.
- Provolone cheese is more expensive than mozzarella.
Tips for Using Provolone Cheese Instead of Mozzarella
If you do decide to use provolone cheese instead of mozzarella, here are a few tips:
- Use a sharp or extra sharp provolone cheese. This will help to offset the milder flavor of the cheese.
- Grate the provolone cheese before using it. This will help it to melt more easily.
- Use less provolone cheese than you would mozzarella. This will help to prevent the cheese from overpowering the other flavors in your dish.
The Verdict: Can You Use Provolone Cheese Instead of Mozzarella?
Yes, you can use provolone cheese instead of mozzarella, but there are some things to keep in mind. Provolone cheese is a harder, stronger-flavored cheese that melts less easily than mozzarella. If you are using provolone cheese instead of mozzarella, be sure to use a sharp or extra sharp cheese, grate it before using it, and use less of it than you would mozzarella.
Alternatives to Provolone and Mozzarella Cheese
If you are looking for a cheese that is similar to provolone or mozzarella, but with a different flavor or texture, here are a few options:
- Asiago cheese: Asiago cheese is a hard, nutty cheese that is similar to provolone. It is a good choice for dishes that are cooked at a high temperature, such as grilled cheese sandwiches and pizzas.
- Fontina cheese: Fontina cheese is a soft, creamy cheese that is similar to mozzarella. It is a good choice for dishes that are served cold, such as caprese salad and antipasto platters.
- Gouda cheese: Gouda cheese is a semi-hard cheese that has a mild, buttery flavor. It is a good choice for dishes that are served cold or hot.
- Pepper Jack cheese: Pepper Jack cheese is a semi-hard cheese that has a spicy flavor. It is a good choice for dishes that need a little bit of a kick.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: What is the difference between provolone and mozzarella cheese?
A: Provolone cheese is a hard, springy cheese with a mild, nutty flavor. Mozzarella cheese is a soft, gooey cheese with a mild, milky flavor.
Q: Can I use provolone cheese instead of mozzarella in pizza?
A: Yes, you can use provolone cheese instead of mozzarella in pizza. However, provolone cheese is a harder cheese than mozzarella, so it will not melt as easily. You may need to grate the provolone cheese before using it and use less of it than you would mozzarella.
Q: What are some good substitutes for provolone and mozzarella cheese?
A: Some good substitutes for provolone and mozzarella cheese include Asiago cheese, Fontina cheese, Gouda cheese, and Pepper Jack cheese.