The Perfect Pairings For Provolone Cheese

Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese that has become a staple of Italian cuisine since its emergence in the 19th century. It is made by stretching and kneading cheese curds until it acquires a soft, elastic, and stringy texture. Its versatility in the kitchen makes it a great pairing with many other foods. So, what goes well with provolone cheese?

Grilled cheese sandwiches

The Cheese

Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese, made by stretching and kneading cheese curds to form a soft, elastic, stringy texture. There are two types: Dolce, which is aged for 2-3 months and has a mild, creamy flavour; and Piccante, which is aged for 4-12 months and has a stronger, nuttier, sharper flavour. Either can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches, depending on your preference.

The Bread

When making a grilled cheese sandwich, the choice of bread is important. A soft, white bread is a common choice, but you could also try something like a challah, rye, or garlic Texas toast.

Fillings

A classic grilled cheese sandwich is made with just cheese and bread, but you can also add fillings such as meats, vegetables, or even fruit. If you want to add meat to your sandwich, try a classic like smoky ham, or experiment with something like sirloin or salami. For a vegetarian option, try pairing provolone with fresh herbs like basil, cress, and arugula, or add grilled zucchini or sautéed mushrooms for texture.

If you want to add some fruit, try something tart like apples or grapes, or even grill or roast some pears and add shredded provolone and a sweet balsamic glaze. For a simpler option, add some jam to your grilled cheese—provolone pairs well with most jams, especially raspberry, blackberry, and orange marmalade.

Cooking

To make your grilled cheese, spread your chosen fillings between two slices of bread, butter the outside of the sandwich, and grill for around 3 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Salads

A classic combination is an Italian chopped salad, which typically includes crisp romaine lettuce, radicchio, red onion, fresh tomatoes, pepperoncini peppers, and provolone cheese. You can also add celery for extra crunch and sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavour. The key to a successful Italian chopped salad is balancing textures and flavours, so feel free to experiment with other ingredients such as beans, cured meats, olives, and homemade vinaigrette.

For a heartier option, you can include protein-rich ingredients such as cannellini beans, chickpeas, or even cured meats like salami. The creaminess of the beans pairs well with the sharpness of the provolone, while the salty salami adds a savoury element. If you're looking for a lighter option, simply omit the meat and adjust the other ingredients to your taste.

Another option is to create a crispy provolone salad, which only takes a few minutes to prepare and is perfect as a side dish. This type of salad typically includes provolone cheese, lettuce, and cherry tomatoes, with a special dressing that makes it stand out. The provolone adds a crunchy texture and a unique flavour that pairs well with rich, meaty dishes or even fish.

If you're looking for a fruitier option, you can try an apple, bacon, and pecan salad with a creamy provolone dressing. The sweetness of the apples, the saltiness of the bacon, and the nuttiness of the pecans are perfectly complemented by the provolone dressing. This type of salad can be served as a first course or a main dish, depending on your preference.

Savoury pies

Provolone cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of savoury pies. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Italian Braciole

This dish is a stuffed flank steak, traditionally served with tomato sauce. To make the stuffing, simply combine breadcrumbs, shredded provolone, grated parmesan, crushed garlic, and chopped parsley. Pound the flank steak until thin, season with salt and pepper, spread the stuffing on one side, roll it up, and tie it with oven-safe cotton string. Brown the steak rolls in a skillet, cover with tomato sauce, and bake in the oven until fully cooked.

Provolone Pasta Bake

Create a quick and tasty pasta bake by combining leftover pasta with a cream-based sauce, bacon, ham, salami, vegetables, and generous amounts of provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.

Provolone Zucchini Fritters

For a unique twist, try making zucchini fritters with provolone cheese. Grate zucchini and combine it with grated provolone, shredded parmesan, fresh chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, eggs, and flour to form a thick batter. Fry the mixture until golden brown, and enjoy these crispy fritters as a savoury treat.

Savoury Pie Combinations

When it comes to savoury pies, you can experiment with various combinations of ingredients to complement the provolone cheese. Here are some suggestions:

• Sautéed peppers and onions: Try bell peppers of any colour, such as red, orange, or yellow, along with a standard yellow onion.
• Salty and spicy condiments: Olives, roasted red peppers, chargrilled artichokes, and spicy chilli jams or chutneys will enhance the flavour of the provolone.
• Meats: Include sliced ham, bacon, salami, or chicken in your pie for a heartier dish.
• Vegetables: Spinach, peas, corn, and grilled zucchini can add texture and flavour to your pie.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, cress, and arugula will provide a peppery taste that pairs well with the rich, buttery cheese.

Remember, the kitchen is a place for experimentation, so feel free to customise these recipes to your taste and get creative with your savoury pies!

Pizza

Provolone cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including pizza. Here are some tips and suggestions for using provolone cheese on pizza:

Types of Provolone Cheese

Provolone cheese comes in two main types: Provolone Dolce and Provolone Piccante. Dolce is a young cheese aged for only two to three months, resulting in a semi-soft, mild, and smooth texture with a creamy flavour. On the other hand, Piccante is aged for at least four months, developing a semi-hard, smooth, and buttery texture with a robust flavour that balances nuttiness, savouriness, sharpness, and pepperiness.

When choosing provolone cheese for pizza, consider the desired flavour intensity and how it will complement the other toppings. Dolce's mild and milky taste pairs well with both sweet and savoury ingredients, making it a versatile choice for various pizza combinations. Piccante, with its stronger flavour, stands up to other robust flavours and adds a delightful sharpness to the pie.

Provolone cheese is an excellent choice for pizza because of its melting quality and robust flavour. Here are some topping ideas to consider:

• Vegetarian options: Provolone pairs well with fresh herbs like basil, cress, and arugula. You can also add sliced tomatoes for extra freshness, grilled zucchini for texture, or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier flavour.
• Meat lovers' delight: For a meatier pizza, consider pairing provolone with classic pepperoni, Italian sausage, or even crumbled spicy chorizo. The sharpness of provolone can balance the spiciness of the meats.
• Gourmet creations: Create a unique pizza by combining provolone with ingredients like caramelised onions, roasted red peppers, artichokes, or even grilled pears. The sweetness of the toppings will contrast nicely with the savoury cheese.
• Seafood sensation: If you enjoy seafood, try a pizza topped with provolone and shrimp, scallops, or smoked salmon. The cheese's creamy texture and flavour will complement the seafood's delicate taste.
• Spicy delight: For those who enjoy a kick, add some spicy ingredients like jalapeños, pepperoni, or crushed red peppers. Provolone's mildness can help balance the heat.

Cooking Tips

When using provolone cheese on pizza, consider these tips for the best results:

• Pre-shred the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese for better melt and flavour.
• If using provolone as the primary cheese, grate or slice it thinly to ensure even melting and distribution.
• Balance the amount of provolone with other cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan to create a complex and flavourful cheese blend.
• Experiment with different crusts, such as a thick and chewy New York-style dough or a thin and crispy Roman-style base.
• Don't overload the pizza with too many toppings to allow the provolone's flavour to shine through.

In conclusion, provolone cheese is an excellent choice for pizza due to its versatility and melting quality. By choosing the right type of provolone and pairing it with complementary toppings, you can create delicious and unique pizzas that will impress your taste buds.

Chicken

For a more complex dish, you could try making a chicken panini or sandwich. Provolone cheese goes well with many sandwich ingredients, including fresh herbs like basil, cress, and arugula, as well as tomato slices, grilled zucchini, and sautéed mushrooms. You could also add some meat to the sandwich, such as ham, to complement the cheese.

If you're looking for a more creative option, you could try making a chicken and provolone fritter. Combine grated provolone, zucchini, fresh chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, eggs, and flour to form a batter, then fry until golden brown.

Provolone cheese is very versatile, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and find combinations that suit your taste!

Frequently asked questions