Frederic Melton
Melting provolone cheese is a simple process that can be done in a variety of ways at home. Provolone cheese is a good melting cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as cheesesteaks, sandwiches, and appetizers. To melt provolone cheese, you can use a skillet, an oven, or a microwave. One method is to place the cheese in a hot skillet and reduce the heat to medium, cooking until the bottom part of the cheese melts and starts to crisp and bubble. Then, transfer the skillet to the oven and broil until the cheese is fully melted and golden. Another method is to make a basic white sauce with butter, flour, and milk, and then add shredded provolone cheese to melt. This can be used as a cheese sauce for dishes such as cheesesteaks or served as an appetizer with bread.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Provolone |
| Cheese state | Shredded |
| Cooking method | Stovetop, oven, or microwave |
| Cooking temperature | Medium heat |
| Additional ingredients | Butter, flour, milk, salt, pepper, garlic |
| Serving suggestions | Bread, steak sandwiches, cheesesteaks, vegetables |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze |
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What You'll Learn
Melting provolone cheese in an oven
To melt provolone cheese in an oven, you'll need:
- Provolone cheese, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces.
- An oven-proof dish or skillet, preferably cast iron.
- Toppings of your choice (optional): Popular options include diced tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, sautéed onions, or herbs like thyme, basil, and oregano.
- Bread or breadsticks for serving.
- Preheat your oven to a temperature between 250°C-480°F (broil setting).
- Prepare your chosen toppings by combining them in a small bowl and setting them aside.
- Lightly grease a small cast-iron skillet or oven-safe dish with vegetable oil or canola oil. The skillet should be slightly larger than your slice of cheese.
- Place the skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
- Once the skillet is hot, place the provolone cheese slice into it and reduce the heat to medium.
- Cook the cheese until the bottom part melts, starts to crisp, and forms bubbles around the edges.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and broil until the cheese is fully melted and golden. Keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and top the melted cheese with your chosen toppings.
- Serve immediately with toasted bread or breadsticks. Enjoy the warm, gooey, provolone cheese before it starts to cool and stiffen.
Remember, provolone cheese can be finicky, so it's crucial to monitor it closely while it's in the oven. Additionally, if you're making a provolone cheese sauce, you can thicken it with flour or cornstarch or thin it by adding milk or cream.
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Melting provolone cheese in a microwave
If you are making a cheese sauce, you will need to make a basic white sauce first. To do this, melt some butter in a saucepan and add flour, stirring to combine. Then, add milk a little at a time, stirring continuously, to create a thick sauce. Bring this mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat and add your shredded provolone, stirring until the cheese has melted and combined with the sauce. You can also add a small amount of processed cheese, like smoked gouda, to help the sauce melt smoothly. This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you are looking to melt provolone cheese to use as a topping or dip, you can use a microwave-safe terracotta provolone dish, which is designed specifically for melting provolone cheese evenly and quickly. Place the provolone cheese balls into the individual cavities of the dish and heat in the microwave for 2 minutes at medium heat. You can also use a microwave-safe plate and arrange shredded provolone in an even layer, microwaving in short bursts until melted.
Remember to exercise caution when handling melted cheese, as it can be very hot. Enjoy your melted provolone!
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Making a provolone cheese sauce
A provolone cheese sauce can be used for cheesesteaks or as a topping for toasted bread. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make it:
Ingredients
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Provolone cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
You can also add vegetables such as green bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
Method
- Start by making a basic white sauce in a saucepan. Melt some butter in a pan and add flour to create a roux.
- Add milk a little at a time, stirring continuously to avoid lumps and keep the sauce thick.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat.
- Add the shredded provolone cheese all at once and stir until it is fully melted and well combined. You can also add other cheeses like smoked Gouda or cream cheese for a smoother sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips
- The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, do so slowly over low heat and stir occasionally to avoid separation.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little milk or cream to thin it out.
- To thicken the sauce, whisk in a small amount of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water (a slurry), then let it simmer.
Enjoy your homemade provolone cheese sauce!
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Making a basic white sauce with provolone
To make a basic white sauce with provolone, start by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about a minute or two until the mixture turns a light brown. This is your roux. Slowly whisk in milk and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and add in the shredded provolone cheese. Whisk together until the cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
The technique is to make the roux first, then add the milk a little at a time so it stays thick, and then bring it to a boil. Remove it from the heat and add the cheese, stirring constantly until it is all incorporated. You can also add a small amount of processed cheese to make it smoother. If your sauce becomes too thick, you can supplement it with a little milk.
This basic white sauce with provolone can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, do it slowly over low heat and stir occasionally to avoid separation. Freezing the sauce is also an option, but it may alter the texture upon reheating due to the milk and cheese fats. If you do choose to freeze it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly while whisking to bring it back together.
To thicken the sauce, you can whisk in a small amount of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water (a slurry) and let it simmer until thickened. To thin the sauce, simply add more milk or cream a little at a time, stirring until you reach the desired consistency.
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Reheating and storing provolone cheese sauce
Provolone cheese sauce can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. This is a convenient option, especially when preparing meals for a large group. The sauce can be refrigerated or frozen, depending on how long you plan to store it.
Refrigerating Provolone Cheese Sauce
Provolone cheese sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. It is important to note that the sauce's quality and shelf life depend on factors such as the type of cheese used, the ingredients in the sauce, and the storage conditions. Before storing, ensure the sauce has cooled down to avoid condensation and the growth of bacteria.
Reheating Refrigerated Provolone Cheese Sauce
When reheating refrigerated provolone cheese sauce, it is crucial to do so slowly over low heat to prevent the sauce from curdling or separating. You can use a stovetop, oven, or microwave for reheating. If the sauce has thickened during storage, add a small amount of milk or cream to achieve the desired consistency. Stir frequently to ensure even heat distribution and a smooth texture.
Freezing Provolone Cheese Sauce
If you plan to store the provolone cheese sauce for an extended period, freezing is recommended. First, allow the sauce to cool completely, then portion it into smaller batches and transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Proper freezer storage will help maintain the sauce's quality and taste. The sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Frozen Provolone Cheese Sauce
To reheat frozen provolone cheese sauce, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth. After thawing, gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop or in the oven, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen it if it has thickened. Reheat at a low temperature (around 300°F) to prevent scorching or separating. Stir frequently to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.
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Frequently asked questions
Place a 1-inch thick slice of provolone in a small oven-proof dish. Rub the inside with a peeled clove of garlic. Put the dish in a hot oven (200 degrees Celsius) to melt. You can also melt the cheese in a microwave oven.
Place a slice of provolone cheese into a 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.
Make a basic white sauce with butter, flour, and milk. Add the cheese and melt to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
