Frederic Melton
Provolone is a versatile Italian cheese with a buttery texture and a mild flavour. It is made by stretching and kneading cheese curds until the cheese acquires a soft, elastic, and stringy texture. This process of making cheese is called Pasta Filata or spun paste. Provolone can be used in a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, casseroles, grilled cheese, baked pasta dishes, pizzas, and salads. It can also be used as a substitute for mozzarella on pizza or added as a flavorful addition. Provolone pairs well with dry rosé wine, fruity red wine, or a pale ale.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Firm, semi-hard, semi-soft |
| Texture | Buttery, soft, elastic, stringy |
| Taste | Mild, salty, creamy, sharp |
| Variants | Dolce, Piccante, Valpadana, del Monaco |
| Curing time | 2-3 months, 6-12 months |
| Food pairings | Salads, sandwiches, casseroles, grilled dishes, pasta, pizza, chicken, beef, ham, salami, bacon, eggs, vegetables, bread, wine, beer |
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What You'll Learn
Pizza
Provolone cheese is a versatile Italian cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including pizza. It is a semi-hard, pulled or stretched curd cheese with two main varieties: Dolce and Piccante. Dolce is aged for two to three months and has a mild, creamy flavour similar to mozzarella. Piccante is aged for six to twelve months and has a stronger flavour.
When using provolone cheese on pizza, it can be used as a substitute for mozzarella or as an additional cheese. For example, one recipe for a Pepperoni, Pepper, and Provolone Pizza uses shredded mozzarella, dry-cured pepperoni, roasted red peppers, and provolone cheese. The pizza sauce is spread evenly over the pizza crust, followed by basil pesto. Slices of provolone are then placed on top, followed by the pepperoni, shredded mozzarella, and roasted red peppers. This pizza is baked for about 6-7 minutes until the toppings and crust are heated through and the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
Another recipe for a Provolone, Roma Tomato, and Fresh Basil Pizza uses pre-sliced mild provolone, pre-made pizza dough, Roma tomatoes, and fresh basil. The oven is preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, and the dough is rolled out and coated with olive oil. Grated parmesan cheese is sprinkled on the dough, followed by sliced provolone, tomatoes, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The fresh basil is sprinkled on top, and the pizza is baked for 12-18 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
Some people prefer to mix provolone with mozzarella when using it on pizza, as provolone has a strong flavour that can be balanced by the milder mozzarella. This blend can provide a good combination of taste and the desired "cheese pull" effect.
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Salads
Provolone cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of salads. Its mild, buttery flavour and excellent melting properties make it a great addition to many dishes.
One simple yet tasty option is a Crispy Provolone Salad. This salad is quick and easy to make and works perfectly as a crunchy side salad to accompany a rich main dish. It is especially good with fish or meat. The distinctive taste of provolone, combined with a special dressing, makes this salad a winner.
You can also add provolone to a classic pasta salad. Provolone works well with pepperoni, tomatoes, salami, green peppers, olives, and pimentos. This is a light and tasty option for a picnic or dinner.
For a more indulgent option, try a pasta bake with provolone. This cheese pairs well with cream-based sauces, and you can add other ingredients such as bacon, ham, salami, peas, corn, garlic, spinach, and mozzarella.
Finally, for a more substantial salad, you can make roll-ups with provolone. Combine canned tuna, mashed avocado, mayonnaise, and grated carrot, then dollop the mixture onto large slices of provolone and roll them up. This can be served with a chimichurri sauce made from parsley, olive oil, oregano, garlic, and vinegar.
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Sandwiches
Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese with a soft, elastic, and stringy texture. It is one of the three most popular Italian cheeses worldwide, along with mozzarella and parmesan. Provolone is a great cheese to use in sandwiches, especially grilled cheese sandwiches.
A popular sandwich recipe that uses provolone is a grilled cheese sandwich with peppers and onions. To make this sandwich, you can shred or slice the provolone and combine it with other cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan, black pepper, parsley, and oregano. You can then spread this cheese mixture on slices of bread, along with sautéed peppers and onions. Grill the sandwich until the bread is crispy and golden brown, and the cheese is melted.
Another option for a provolone sandwich is to pair it with prosciutto and melon. This sandwich combines sweet and savoury flavours, with the sweetness of the melon balancing the salty prosciutto and provolone. To make this sandwich, layer slices of provolone, prosciutto, and cantaloupe on buttered bread, and grill until the sandwich is golden and the cheese is melted.
Provolone can also be used in meatball sandwiches, where it is melted on top of meatballs loaded into hoagie buns. For a simple beef sandwich, provolone can be paired with a nice cut of beef, like sirloin, on Hawaiian dinner rolls. Provolone can also be used in sandwiches with interesting combinations of ingredients like jalapenos, roasted garlic, cream cheese, and bacon.
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Chicken
Provolone cheese is a popular choice for adding flavour and texture to chicken dishes. It can be used in a variety of ways, from baked chicken breasts to sandwiches and casseroles. Here are some ideas for using provolone cheese with chicken:
Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken
This is a simple, healthy, and juicy baked chicken breast recipe that can be prepared in a few easy steps. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and place the chicken inside. Mix salt, pepper, garlic, and Italian seasoning, and sprinkle a small amount over the chicken breasts. Top each breast with sliced provolone cheese. In a separate bowl, blend the remaining seasonings with mayonnaise, sour cream, and parmesan, and spread this mixture over the provolone. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Provolone Chicken Bake
This is an easy weeknight casserole that combines chicken, cheese, and other ingredients for a creamy and tender dish. You can layer the chicken with provolone cheese, soup, stuffing, and melted butter, and serve it over noodles or rice.
Provolone cheese can also be used to create delicious chicken sandwiches. For example, you can make a chicken and roasted pepper panini or a Philly cheesesteak slider with chicken, asparagus, provolone, and prosciutto.
Leftovers and Sides
Leftover provolone chicken can be stored in the fridge and added to salads or used in creative ways, such as whipping up a chicken salad with boiled eggs and dill pickles. Properly cooked chicken is crucial for food safety, so ensure your chicken is fully cooked using a meat thermometer. As a side dish, you can serve provolone chicken with buttered noodles, white rice, or steamed broccoli.
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Pasta
Provolone cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of pasta dishes. Here are some ideas for using provolone cheese in pasta:
This classic Neapolitan dish originates from Naples, Campania, in southern Italy. It was created around 1952 and calls for simple ingredients: pasta, zucchini, and provolone cheese. To make this dish, cook your favourite pasta according to the package instructions. In a separate pan, sauté zucchini in olive oil with garlic cloves. Add the cooked pasta to the zucchini and garlic mixture and stir well. Finally, add grated provolone cheese and mix until melted and creamy. Serve immediately.
Provolone Pasta Bake
For a heartier option, you can create a provolone pasta bake. Start by preparing your favourite pasta according to the package instructions. In a separate pan, make a béchamel sauce and add grated or sliced provolone cheese to it, stirring until melted. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and mix well. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with additional provolone slices and halved cherry tomatoes. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-45 minutes, or until the top is browned and bubbly. This dish is versatile and can be customised by adding vegetables, chicken, or pepperoni.
Zucchini Provolone Pasta
Another option for a summer night is zucchini provolone pasta. This dish combines lightly fried zucchini with melted provolone cheese for a creamy and flavourful sauce. To prepare, slice zucchini into small, even pieces and fry lightly in olive oil. Cook your preferred tubular pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, according to the package instructions. In a separate pan, create a béchamel sauce and add grated provolone cheese, stirring until melted. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and fried zucchini, stirring well. Serve immediately.
For a hearty and cheesy option, try combining pasta with potatoes and smoky provolone cheese. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring it has a creamy consistency. Add grated Parmesan cheese, basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Finally, sprinkle in grated smoky provolone cheese, stir, and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
Provolone cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many quick meals. Here are some ideas:
- Sandwiches or sliders
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Pizza
- Salads
- Casseroles
- Savory pies
- Chicken
- Pasta bakes
Provolone cheese pairs well with dry rosé wine, fruity red wine, or white wine like Chardonnay. If you prefer beer, a pale ale is a good choice. On a cheeseboard, provolone can be served with spicy, salty condiments like olives, roasted red peppers, chargrilled artichokes, and spicy chili jams or chutneys.
Provolone cheese can be used in many unique recipes such as stuffed pork chops, chicken provolone, and no-cook roll-ups with tuna salad and large slices of provolone.
