Frederic Melton
Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches and pizzas to pasta and grilled cheese. Provolone has a strong flavour that becomes stronger with age, and it pairs well with meats such as ham and beef. It can also be used as a snack or appetizer and is commonly found in American recipes such as hamburgers and hot dogs. Provolone is a great melting cheese, and its unique taste can bring a gourmet touch to many recipes.
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What You'll Learn
Provolone cheese is used in sandwiches and panini
Provolone cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including sandwiches and paninis. Its excellent melting quality and robust flavour make it a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. The sharpness and spiciness of Provolone Piccante, a type of aged provolone, pair well with smoky ham in a grilled cheese sandwich. This variety of provolone has a semi-hard, smooth and buttery texture, with a robust flavour that balances nuttiness, savouriness, sharpness and pepperiness. It can also be used in combination with other cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella or cheddar, to add a gooey, stretchy texture to grilled cheese sandwiches.
Provolone is also a great choice for paninis, where its melting quality and flavour can enhance the overall taste. It can be paired with various ingredients, such as chicken, tomato, arugula, pesto sauce, or Italian meats and seasonings. The cheese's ability to melt and stretch makes it a desirable component in panini recipes, creating a satisfying texture and flavour combination.
In addition to grilled cheese sandwiches and paninis, provolone can be used in a variety of sandwich types. It can be added to beef sliders, where it complements the beef and soft bread, creating a flavourful and satisfying combination. Provolone is also a popular choice for Italian sandwiches, such as the classic Philly cheesesteak, where its mild flavour and melting quality are appreciated.
The versatility of provolone cheese extends beyond sandwiches and paninis. It can be used as a topping for pizzas, added to lasagnas, or included in Cuban sandwiches, showcasing its adaptability in various culinary applications. Provolone is also consumed as a snack or appetiser, served in slices or cubes, and can be enjoyed with a variety of wines, particularly rosé wines from southern France, such as Tavel rosé and Provence rosé.
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It can be used in pasta or au gratin dishes
Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. When it comes to pasta or au gratin dishes, aged provolone is your best bet. Its excellent melting quality and robust flavour make it a great choice for these dishes.
Aged provolone has a distinctively sharp and piquant taste, achieved through the use of lipase (an enzyme derived from goat milk). It is aged for a minimum of four months, resulting in a semi-hard but smooth and buttery texture. This variety of provolone is perfect for adding a gourmet touch to your pasta dishes. Grate it over your favourite pasta for a robust flavour that will elevate the dish.
Provolone Piccante, a subtype of provolone, pairs exceptionally well with grilled cheese sandwiches. Its sharpness and spiciness complement the smoky flavours of ham or other smoked meats. For a sweet and savoury combination, pair provolone with your favourite jam on a grilled cheese sandwich. The sharpness of the cheese is balanced by the sweetness of the jam, creating a delightful contrast of flavours.
In addition to pasta and sandwiches, aged provolone can be grated or sliced and used in au gratin dishes. Its melting quality makes it ideal for creating a gooey, cheesy topping. Whether you're making a classic potato gratin or experimenting with a new recipe, provolone will add a unique flavour to your dish.
When choosing provolone for your pasta or au gratin dishes, feel free to experiment with different varieties to find your preferred flavour. While Provolone Piccante offers a robust and spicy option, Provolone Dolce provides a sweeter and milder taste. With its versatility and distinct flavour, provolone is a great choice for adding a gourmet touch to your meals.
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It is a popular topping for pizza
Provolone cheese is a versatile Italian semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk. It is a popular topping for pizza due to its excellent melting quality and robust flavour. Its mild taste and melting properties make it a suitable substitute for mozzarella, enhancing the gooey texture of the pizza. It can be used in combination with other cheeses, such as mozzarella, to add a unique twist to the classic pizza.
Provolone cheese is available in different varieties, with Provolone Piccante being a popular choice for pizzas. It is an aged provolone with a minimum ripening period of four months, resulting in a semi-hard, smooth, and buttery texture. Its robust flavour balances nuttiness, savouriness, sharpness, and pepperiness, adding a distinct character to the pizza.
When used on pizza, provolone cheese elevates the dining experience. It pairs well with various toppings, enhancing the overall flavour profile. The sharpness and spiciness of Provolone Piccante, for instance, complement smoky flavours like grilled chicken or ham. The versatility of provolone allows experimentation with different toppings, catering to diverse taste preferences.
In addition to its culinary applications, provolone cheese offers nutritional benefits when used on pizza. It is a good source of protein and calcium, contributing to a well-rounded meal. The specific nutritional content may vary depending on the type of provolone and the amount used, but it generally provides essential nutrients to the dish.
Provolone cheese is a delightful addition to pizza, not only for its flavour and texture but also for its ability to complement and enhance the overall dining experience. Its popularity as a pizza topping is well-deserved, and it continues to be a favourite among pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Whether enjoyed at home or in restaurants, provolone cheese adds a special touch to this beloved dish.
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Provolone is a key ingredient in antipasto platters
Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to pizzas to grilled cheese. It is also a key ingredient in antipasto platters, where it adds a gourmet touch.
When creating an antipasto platter, the goal is to offer a variety of delicious nibbles for guests to enjoy. Cubes of provolone are an excellent addition to an antipasto platter, providing a unique and complementary flavour. The salty, smoky flavour of provolone pairs well with other antipasto staples such as pepperoni, salami, ham, and vegetables.
The type of provolone used in an antipasto platter can vary depending on personal preference. Provolone Piccante, an aged provolone with a sharp and robust flavour, can add a spicy kick to the platter. On the other hand, Provolone Dolce, a sweeter and milder variety, can provide a subtle contrast to the other flavours. Both types of provolone have their unique characteristics, and the choice depends on the desired taste profile of the platter.
In addition to its flavour, provolone's texture also makes it a key ingredient in antipasto platters. Semi-aged provolone can be sliced or cubed, adding a nice bite to the platter. Aged provolone can be grated over other ingredients, such as bruschetta or roasted vegetables, to add a cheesy crunch. The versatility of provolone allows for creativity in presentation and flavour combinations.
Provolone is an essential component of an antipasto platter, not only for its flavour and texture but also for its visual appeal. The cheese's distinctive shape, whether in pear, sausage, or cone form, adds interest and variety to the platter. The different shapes and sizes of provolone available make it a visually appealing and tasty addition to any antipasto spread.
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It can be eaten as a snack or appetiser
Provolone is a versatile Italian semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk. It is a popular ingredient in many recipes, but it can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack or appetiser.
When served as a snack, provolone can be sliced and paired with other ingredients such as meats, crackers, or bread. It can also be cubed and added to a charcuterie board or antipasto platter, accompanied by other cheeses, meats, and dips.
Provolone is also excellent when melted, making it a perfect choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It can be used in place of mozzarella on pizza or added to lasagna, grilled cheese sandwiches, or Cuban sandwiches. Its mild flavour and melting properties make it a versatile ingredient that can enhance various dishes.
In Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, and Uruguay, small discs of locally produced pulled-curd provolone are grilled until partially melted and served as a starter, often seasoned with herbs. This simple preparation highlights the unique flavour and texture of provolone, making it a delightful appetiser.
Whether enjoyed as a snack or appetiser, provolone cheese offers a delightful culinary experience, adding a touch of Italian flavour to any occasion.
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Frequently asked questions
Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in sandwiches, grilled cheese, pizzas, burgers, salads, pasta, and many other dishes.
Provolone cheese can be used in a variety of recipes such as grilled chicken sandwiches, beef sliders, grilled cheese sandwiches with ham, and Italian-inspired dishes like paninis, bruschetta, and pasta. It is also commonly used in American recipes like hamburgers, corned beef hash, and hot dogs.
There are two main types of provolone cheese: Provolone Piccante and Provolone Dolce. Piccante is aged for a minimum of four months and has a sharp, robust flavor. Dolce, on the other hand, has a very mild taste. The EU has granted PDO status to two subtypes: Provolone Valpadana and Provolone del Monaco, which can only be produced in specific regions of Italy.
The ideal season to enjoy provolone cheese is between June and October, right after the affinage is complete. It is recommended to pair provolone with rosé wines from southern France, such as Tavel rosé or Provence rosé.
