Kamil Perry
Provolone cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be melted and served in a variety of ways. It can be used to make a simple cheese sauce, melted in a skillet and served as an appetizer with toppings and bread, or incorporated into dishes such as sandwiches, pasta, and vegetables. Melting provolone cheese can be done in a few different ways, including on a stovetop, in an oven, or in a microwave. The cheese can be shredded or cubed to facilitate melting and combined with other ingredients such as butter, flour, and milk to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
How to Melt Provolone Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Provolone |
| Cheese Texture | Shredded |
| Cheese Thickness | 1-inch |
| Cheese Diameter | 6-7 inches |
| Cheese Height | 4-5 inches |
| Cooking Method | Oven, Microwave, Stove-top, Saucepan |
| Cooking Temperature | 200C, Medium-High Heat, Medium-Low Heat |
| Toppings | Bread, Diced Tomatoes, Olives, Roasted Red Peppers, Sautéed Onions, Jamón, Sea Salt Flakes, Hot Honey, Chimichurri |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days |
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What You'll Learn
Melting provolone cheese in an oven
Start by preheating your oven to a temperature between 250°C and 480°F (approximately 350°F). You will want to use the bake and broil setting if your oven has that option. While the oven is heating up, prepare your cheese. Cut a 1-inch thick slice of provolone from a cylinder that is about 6-7 inches high and 4-5 inches in diameter. Place the cheese in an oven-proof shallow bowl or a small cast iron skillet, which is perfect for melting cheese. If using a skillet, choose one that is slightly larger than your slice of cheese and ensure it is oven-safe.
Before placing the cheese in the oven, you can add some seasonings to enhance the flavour. A pinch of dried thyme, basil, and oregano, along with some sea salt and black pepper, will complement the cheese nicely. You can also drizzle some balsamic glaze on the melted cheese after it is done cooking. Now, place the cheese in the preheated oven. The timing is crucial, so set a timer for 10 to 11 minutes. Keep an eye on the cheese, as leaving it in the oven for too long can result in a rock-hard cheese instead of a delicious melt.
Once the cheese is fully melted and golden, remove it from the oven. Serve immediately, as provolone cheese will stiffen as it cools. Enjoy your melted provolone cheese with toasted bread pieces or garlic flatbread. You can also add toppings like diced tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, or sautéed onions to take your melted provolone cheese to the next level!
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Melting provolone cheese in a skillet
Cook the cheese until the bottom begins to brown, then carefully flip it with a spatula. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until the second side is browned and the cheese is starting to melt and ooze. If you're using the oven method, transfer the skillet to the oven and broil until the cheese is fully melted and golden. You can also top the cheese with diced tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, or sautéed onions for added flavour.
Once the cheese is melted to your liking, remove it from the heat and serve immediately. Melted provolone cheese goes well with toasted bread or baguette slices, either plain or toasted. Be sure to eat it right away, as the cheese will stiffen as it cools.
If you're using a smaller skillet, such as the 6-inch GW STORE enameled cast iron skillet, the process is similar. Set the pan over medium-high heat and add the cheese when the pan is hot. Sprinkle with seasonings, if desired, and cook for about 2 minutes until the bottom begins to brown. Flip the cheese with a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the second side is browned and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately to keep the cheese from solidifying.
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Melting provolone cheese in a microwave
To melt provolone cheese in a microwave, you can use a Provolonera, a terracotta ceramic dish with 19 individual cavities designed for melting cheese. Its heat-resistant materials can withstand elevated temperatures in the microwave, and its semi-circular cavities are non-stick, making it easy to release and serve the melted cheese.
To use the Provolonera, simply place the pieces of cheese into the cavities and put it in the microwave for two minutes at medium heat. You can then serve the melted provolone directly on the Provolonera, with freshly cut bread to dip into the hot, creamy cheese.
If you are looking to melt provolone cheese in the microwave without a Provolonera, you can follow a similar process of shredding or cutting the cheese into pieces and placing them in a microwave-safe dish. It is recommended to use freshly shredded provolone cheese, as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture and prevent a fully smooth melt. You can also add other mild, melty cheeses such as mozzarella, fontina, or Monterey Jack to your provolone to improve its meltability.
Microwave the cheese in short bursts, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired level of meltiness. Be careful not to overheat the cheese, as it can burn easily.
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Making a provolone cheese sauce
Prepare the Provolone Cheese
Start by shredding the provolone cheese. Shredding the cheese will help it melt more easily and create a smoother sauce. If you are using aged provolone, be aware that it may be too dry for this method. In this case, you can add a little milk to adjust the consistency.
Create a Roux
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt some butter. Once melted, add an equal amount of flour and whisk it into the butter. Allow the flour to cook for a few minutes to get rid of the 'floury' taste. You can also double or triple the amount of butter and flour to create a thicker base for your sauce.
Add Milk or Cream
Slowly pour in some milk, stirring continuously to combine it with the butter and flour mixture. You can also use cream for a richer sauce. Adjust the amount of milk or cream to achieve your desired consistency. If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply add more liquid.
Season
Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also include other seasonings or herbs of your choice to enhance the flavour of the sauce. For a sharper flavour, you could mix in some Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese.
Incorporate the Provolone Cheese
Now it's time to add the shredded provolone cheese. Add it gradually, stirring constantly, until the cheese is fully melted and combined with the other ingredients. Make sure each addition of cheese is completely melted before adding more. This step requires patience to ensure a smooth sauce without clumps of cheese.
Adjust and Serve
If you find the sauce too thin, you can thicken it by whisking in a small amount of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water (a slurry). Let the sauce simmer until it reaches your desired thickness. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Your provolone cheese sauce is now ready to be served!
This sauce pairs well with a variety of dishes, including pasta, sandwiches, vegetables, or even as a dip for breadsticks or toasted bread. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
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Provoleta: melting provolone cheese with toppings
Provoleta is an Argentinian dish of melted provolone cheese served with toppings and toasted bread. The traditional Argentinian provoleta is made with a unique Argentinian type of provolone cheese, but Italian provolone is a good substitute.
To make Provoleta, start by preparing your toppings and setting them aside. You can top Provoleta with a variety of toppings, such as chimichurri, hot honey, diced tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, or sautéed onions. You can also try a combination of tiny cubes of jamón and tomato drizzled with a garlic and oil dressing.
Next, preheat your oven broiler with the oven rack 6-8 inches from the heat source. Wipe a small cast-iron skillet or a similar oven-safe skillet lightly with vegetable or canola oil. Place the skillet on a stove-top over medium-high heat and allow it to heat up. Place a 1-inch-thick slice of provolone into the skillet and reduce the heat to medium or slightly lower. Cook until the bottom part of the cheese melts out to the edges and starts to crisp and bubble. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil until the cheese is fully melted and golden.
Finally, top the melted cheese with your desired toppings and serve immediately with toasted bread. Enjoy the ooey-gooey melted cheese goodness with a crispy, cheesy crust!
Frequently asked questions
Place a 1-inch thick slice of provolone into a lightly oiled, oven-safe skillet. Put the skillet in an oven preheated to 200 degrees Celsius and cook until the cheese is melted and golden.
In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Add milk, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. Add the shredded provolone cheese bit by bit, stirring constantly until you have a smooth mixture.
Yes, you can make provolone cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally, to avoid separation.
