The Perfect Cheese Pairings For Provolone

Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese made by stretching and kneading cheese curds until it acquires a soft, elastic, and stringy texture. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in cooking, grated over salads, or incorporated into desserts. It is also a good melting cheese, making it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. But what other cheeses go well with provolone?

Provolone and blue cheese crumbles

Provolone is a versatile Italian cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from grilled cheese sandwiches to pasta bakes. It is a semi-soft, semi-hard cheese with a mild, creamy flavour and a smooth, elastic texture. When considering what other cheeses pair well with provolone, a sharp or strong cheese is a good option to complement provolone's mild flavour.

Blue cheese crumbles are an excellent choice to pair with provolone. Blue cheese is a strong, sharp-tasting cheese with a distinct flavour and aroma. When crumbled, it adds a nice texture contrast to the smoothness of provolone. Together, the two cheeses create a delicious combination of flavours and textures that can elevate a variety of dishes.

One classic dish that showcases this pairing is a grilled cheese sandwich. The provolone provides a creamy, stretchy texture and a mild flavour, while the blue cheese crumbles add a sharp, tangy kick. For a simple sandwich, layer provolone slices and blue cheese crumbles between two slices of bread, butter the bread, and grill until golden brown.

Another option is to create a cheeseboard featuring provolone and blue cheese crumbles. Arrange the cheeses on a platter with spicy, salty condiments such as olives, roasted red peppers, chargrilled artichokes, and spicy chilli jams or chutneys. The contrast between the mild provolone and the bold, pungent blue cheese will offer a range of flavours for your palate to explore.

Additionally, you can incorporate the provolone and blue cheese crumbles into a variety of recipes. For example, try making a savoury pie or casserole, using the provolone as a melting cheese and sprinkling the blue cheese crumbles on top for added flavour and texture. You can also experiment with pasta bakes, salads, or even desserts, as provolone is a versatile cheese that pairs well with both sweet and savoury ingredients.

In conclusion, provolone and blue cheese crumbles make a wonderful combination, offering a delightful interplay of flavours and textures. Whether enjoyed in a grilled cheese sandwich, on a cheeseboard, or incorporated into various recipes, these two cheeses complement each other beautifully and can enhance a wide range of dishes.

Provolone and mozzarella

Provolone is generally produced in two types: Dolce, which is aged for two to three months, and has a semi-soft, mild, smooth, and creamy texture and flavour; and Piccante, which is aged for at least four months, or even up to six to twelve months, and has a semi-hard, smooth, buttery texture, with a more robust flavour.

Mozzarella is also typically made in two types: "fresh mozzarella" (mozzarella fresca), which is soft, moist, and is usually formed into balls; and low-moisture mozzarella, which has a more elastic texture, and is often shredded, melted, or sliced for use on pizzas and lasagne.

Mozzarella's mild flavour and soft texture make it a good pairing for provolone, especially the stronger-flavoured and harder-textured Piccante variety. The two cheeses can be used together in grilled cheese sandwiches, or in baked pasta dishes, such as a pasta bake. They can also be used together on pizzas, or in savoury pies.

Provolone and ham

Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese with a soft, elastic, and stringy texture. It is made by stretching and kneading cheese curds, and the cheese produced in this way is called Pasta Filata or "spun paste". Provolone is generally produced in two types: Dolce and Piccante. Dolce is a young cheese aged for only 2-3 months and has a smoother, silkier texture and a mild, creamy flavour. Piccante is aged for at least four months and has a semi-hard, smooth and buttery texture with a more robust flavour.

Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be used in many dishes. It is an excellent melting cheese, making it a great choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, baked pasta dishes, casseroles, and pizzas. When served as part of a cheeseboard, provolone is best paired with spicy, salty condiments such as olives, roasted red peppers, chargrilled artichokes, and spicy chilli jams or chutneys.

Now, let's talk about Provolone and ham. The sharpness and spiciness of Provolone Piccante pair fantastically with the smoky flavour of ham. This combination works exceptionally well in a grilled cheese sandwich, where the provolone can be melted to perfection, and the ham provides a savoury, smoky contrast. For a heartier meal, you can also incorporate Provolone and ham into a pasta bake, along with other ingredients such as vegetables and additional cheeses.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can try making Provolone and ham sliders. Simply combine sliced ham with Provolone on soft dinner rolls, such as Hawaiian rolls, for a delicious and easy-to-eat treat. Another option is to create a Provolone and ham panini, where fresh herbs like basil, cress, and arugula can be added to complement the rich, buttery flavour of the cheese.

In conclusion, Provolone and ham is a classic combination that can be used in a variety of dishes. The sharpness of Provolone Piccante balances the smokiness of the ham, creating a flavour profile that is both savoury and satisfying. Whether it's a simple grilled cheese sandwich or a more elaborate dish like a pasta bake or panini, Provolone and ham is a versatile duo that is sure to please.

Provolone and sharp cheddar

Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese made by stretching and kneading cheese curds to give it a soft, elastic, and stringy texture. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in cooking, grated over salads, or even incorporated into desserts. It is also a great cheese to use in grilled cheese sandwiches because of its excellent melting quality.

When paired with sharp cheddar, provolone can make for a delicious grilled cheese sandwich. Provolone is a relatively mild cheese, so it pairs well with something sharp or strong like sharp cheddar. The sharpness of the cheddar pairs fantastically with the smokiness of meats like ham.

For a provolone and sharp cheddar grilled cheese sandwich, you can use shredded provolone and cheddar cheeses, and add some sliced peppers and onions. Sauté the peppers and onions in a pan with some butter, and then scoop them onto a slice of bread covered with shredded provolone. Add the remaining cheese on top of the peppers and onions, and top with another slice of bread. Grill the sandwich until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

You can also experiment with adding other ingredients to this sandwich, such as different types of meats, tomatoes, grilled zucchini, or sautéed mushrooms.

Provolone and gouda

Provolone is a mild Italian cheese with a soft, elastic, and stringy texture. It is a pulled or stretched curd cheese with two varieties: Dolce, which is aged for two to three months, and Piccante, which is aged for at least four months and has a stronger flavour. Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be used in cooking, grated over salads, or even incorporated into desserts. It pairs well with spicy, salty condiments such as olives, roasted red peppers, and chargrilled artichokes.

Gouda, on the other hand, is a semi-hard to hard cheese made from cow's milk. It is one of the most popular cheeses in the world and is known for its sweet, nutty flavour and smooth, creamy texture. It is also a very versatile cheese and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and quiches.

When it comes to pairing Provolone and Gouda, the combination can work well together. As Provolone is a mild and versatile cheese, it can complement the sweet and nutty flavour of Gouda. They can be combined in grilled cheese sandwiches, adding a new depth of flavour to the classic dish. The smoothness of Gouda can also balance the stringy texture of Provolone, creating a more complex and interesting bite.

Additionally, both cheeses melt well, making them ideal for dishes such as casseroles, pasta bakes, and fondues. Their complementary flavours can enhance each other without overwhelming the dish. For those who want to experiment with different types of grilled cheese sandwiches, Provolone and Gouda can be a great duo to test out. The sweetness of Gouda can also help balance the saltiness of Provolone, creating a more rounded flavour profile.

In conclusion, Provolone and Gouda are both versatile cheeses that can be paired together to create unique and tasty dishes. Their contrasting flavours and textures can complement each other, adding a new layer of flavour to classic recipes. For cheese enthusiasts or those looking to spice up their meals, combining Provolone and Gouda is definitely worth exploring.

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