The Perfect Provolone: Cooking Time For Melty Deliciousness

Provolone is an Italian semi-hard cheese with a sharp and tangy flavour. It is made by stretching and kneading cheese curds until the cheese acquires a soft, elastic, and stringy texture. The cheese is typically aged for two to four months, with longer aging resulting in a sharper taste. Provolone is often used for melting and can be enjoyed as a table cheese, making it a versatile ingredient in various dishes. So, how long does it take to cook provolone cheese? The answer depends on the desired level of melting and the cooking method. For example, when making a provolone grilled cheese sandwich, the cheese is grilled until it is melted and can take a few minutes. In other dishes like baked pasta or pizza, provolone is baked in the oven along with other ingredients, so the cooking time will depend on the overall recipe.

Provolone grilled cheese

Ingredients:

• Provolone cheese (sliced or shredded)
• Bread (crusty, country-style, sourdough, French, Italian, or challah)
• Butter (unsalted, room temperature)
• Spices/herbs (optional): dried oregano, Italian parsley (fresh, chopped), black pepper, basil, rosemary, garlic powder, salt
• Other cheese (optional): shredded mozzarella, shredded/sliced Swiss or cheddar, shredded gruyere

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

If using shredded cheese, combine the provolone with the other shredded cheese(s) and spices/herbs in a small bowl. If using sliced cheese, simply get your slices ready. You'll need 2 slices of provolone per sandwich.

For the butter, add the desired spices/herbs and stir until blended.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

Slice your bread and place an even number of slices at your workstation. Brush one side of each slice of bread generously with the butter or butter mixture.

On the non-buttered side, place a generous amount of cheese. If using shredded cheese, about 3/4 cup per sandwich should be enough. If using sliced cheese, 2 slices of provolone and 1 slice of mozzarella (or other cheese) work well together.

You can also add a heaping tablespoon of shredded parmesan on top of the cheeses before topping with the remaining bread slice, buttered side up.

Step 3: Cook the Sandwiches

#### Air Fryer Method:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Coat the basket surface with cooking spray. Place the sandwiches in a single layer and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through.

#### Pan-Frying Method:

Melt a few tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. You can add the spices/herbs to the butter for extra flavour. Build your sandwiches in the skillet, starting with the bread slices.

Brush one side of each slice of bread with melted butter or spread butter or mayo on the outside of each slice before placing it in the skillet.

Layer each sandwich with about 3/4 cup of cheese or your desired amount of sliced cheese. Cover with the remaining bread slices, butter/mayo side up, and press down gently.

Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. If desired, sprinkle some shredded cheese into the skillet before flipping the sandwiches for an extra crispy, cheesy crust.

Tips:

• Sliced cheese is easier to work with, but shredded cheese can hold various mix-ins like herbs and diced green onions.
• Buy blocks of cheese and grate them yourself, as pre-packaged shredded cheese may not melt properly due to additives.
• Cover the pan while cooking to help melt the cheese faster and more evenly.
• If adding meats like bacon or pepperoni, place them in a single layer on a paper towel and microwave until the fat has rendered to reduce grease.

Now you're ready to enjoy the perfect provolone grilled cheese! Bon appétit!

Provolone pasta bake

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (24 oz) jar pasta sauce
• 1 (12 oz) package dried short chunky pasta (e.g. fusilli, penne, rigatoni, bowties)
• 1 (6 oz) package sliced provolone cheese
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Cook the pasta according to the package directions, minus 3 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
• Heat the olive oil to a medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook until they turn translucent. Add the garlic and spices and sauté for 2 minutes.
• Add the pasta sauce and stir. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 4 minutes.
• Add the pasta to the sauce and stir well.
• Grease an 8”x12”x2” baking pan. Pour in the pasta and sauce.
• Cover the pasta with the provolone slices and cherry tomato halves.
• Bake covered for 40-45 minutes. The top should be browned and the cheese completely melted.

Tips:

• For a more complex flavour, use sliced provolone instead of shredded cheddar.
• Use a short, stout pasta shape for this recipe.
• Smoked provolone will add even more depth to the dish.
• This recipe can be customised by adding extra vegetables, chicken, or pepperoni.

Provolone sliders

Ingredients:

• 1 package (3 ounces) julienned soft sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)
• 1 package (12 ounces) Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 1/2 cup prepared pesto
• 1/2 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef
• 6 slices of provolone cheese
• Poppy seeds
• Sesame seeds
• Dried minced garlic
• Dried minced onion
• Pretzel salt or kosher salt
• Crispy French-fried onions
• Spicy pickle rounds

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 350°. Place the tomatoes in a small bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them stand until hydrated, about 15 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
• Without separating the rolls, cut them in half horizontally. Arrange the bottom halves in a greased 13x9-inch baking dish.
• Spread the pesto over the cut sides of the top and bottom halves of the rolls.
• Layer the bottom halves with beef, cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, then replace the top halves of the rolls.
• Cover with foil and bake for 20-22 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the tops are golden brown.
• Stir together the melted butter, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt. Liberally brush this mixture over the tops of the rolls until they are entirely coated.

Tips:

• For added flavour, try using a combination of different types of provolone cheese, such as Provolone Dolce and Provolone Piccante.
• If you want to add some crunch to your sliders, consider toasting the bread before assembling the sandwiches.
• Get creative with your toppings! Try adding grilled onions, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh arugula for extra flavour and texture.

Provolone fritters

Provolone Zucchini Fritters

Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese with a soft, elastic, and stringy texture. It is produced by stretching and kneading cheese curds. It is similar to mozzarella but is brined and aged, giving it a bolder flavour. It is excellent when melted and is very versatile, pairing well with both sweet and savoury ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of grated provolone cheese
• 1 cup of shredded parmesan
• 3 cups of grated and strained zucchini
• Fresh chopped parsley
• Italian seasoning
• 2 large beaten eggs
• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour

Method:

• Combine the zucchini, cheese, parsley, Italian seasoning, and herbs with the beaten eggs.
• Add the flour to thicken the mixture to a pancake batter-like consistency.
• Fry the mixture in a pan until golden brown on both sides.

Provolone is a very versatile cheese and can be used in many recipes. It is excellent when melted and pairs well with sweet and savoury ingredients. It can be used in sandwiches, with pizza and pasta, or grilled.

Provolone in an oven

Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese with a soft, elastic, and stringy texture. It is made by stretching and kneading cheese curds and is usually produced in two types: Provolone Dolce, a young cheese aged for 2-3 months, and Provolone Piccante, an aged cheese that has been ripened for at least four months. Provolone is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from grilled cheese sandwiches to pasta bakes.

One popular way to cook provolone in an oven is to make Provoleta, an Argentine dish where the cheese is melted and served with toppings and toasted bread. Here is a step-by-step guide to making Provoleta in an oven:

Ingredients:

• Provolone cheese (about 8-10 ounces)
• Olive oil
• Dried oregano
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• Black pepper
• Bread or baguette for serving

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to a high temperature, ideally with a broiler function.
• Slice the provolone cheese into thick pieces, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
• Brush both sides of the cheese slices with olive oil to prevent sticking and add a golden color.
• Sprinkle dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if desired), and black pepper over the cheese slices.
• Make small slits in the cheese and insert the thinly sliced garlic into these slits to infuse the cheese with garlic flavor.
• Place the seasoned cheese slices in a small, sturdy pan, preferably a cast-iron skillet.
• Put the pan in the oven and broil for a couple of minutes until the cheese is fully melted and golden.
• Serve immediately with toasted bread. Provoleta is best enjoyed while it's still warm and gooey, so encourage your guests to dip the bread into the melted cheese.

You can also add various toppings to your Provoleta, such as chimichurri, a traditional Argentinian sauce made with parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Other topping options include diced tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, or sautéed onions.

Another option for cooking provolone in an oven is to make a provolone pasta bake. Simply combine cooked pasta with provolone cheese, spices, herbs, and pasta sauce, and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be used in many dishes, and experimenting with different recipes is a fun way to discover new flavors. Whether you're making Provoleta, a pasta bake, or another creative dish, cooking provolone in an oven can result in delicious, gooey cheese that will impress your guests.

Frequently asked questions