Frederic Melton
Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It is a staple of Italian cuisine and is used in many American recipes. Provolone is generally produced in two types: Provolone Valpadana and Provolone del Monaco, both of which have received protected designation of origin from the EU. Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, lasagna, and burgers. It can also be eaten as a snack or appetizer and pairs well with sweet ingredients such as jam.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Semi-hard |
| Taste | Mild, milky, sharp, piquant, sweet, salty, smoky |
| Shape | Pear, sausage, cone, cylindrical, spherical |
| Size | 10 to 15 cm long, some versions up to 440 or 660 lbs |
| Type | Pasta filata ('stretched-curd'), smoked |
| Uses | Grilled cheese, pizza, lasagna, sandwiches, burgers, salads, appetizers, pasta, au gratin dishes, French recipes, Italian cuisine, American recipes |
| Pairs well with | Jams, cheddar, mozzarella, eggplant, tomato, arugula, pesto sauce, ham, turkey, salami, beef, bread, herbs, pear |
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What You'll Learn
Provolone in sandwiches and burgers
Provolone cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sandwiches and burgers. Its mild flavour and melting properties make it a popular choice for many sandwich and burger recipes.
One classic combination is provolone with beef. A grilled beef and provolone sandwich is a tasty option, where the beef is layered with roasted peppers and cheese, and served on toasted bread with a spread of pesto. For a heartier option, add some bacon, jalapenos, and roasted garlic to the sandwich.
Provolone is also a great choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It pairs well with sautéed peppers and onions, creating a simple yet delicious flavour combination. Shredded provolone holds the ingredients together better than sliced cheese, so it is recommended to shred a chunk of provolone from the deli counter rather than using pre-sliced cheese.
For a more sophisticated sandwich, try a grilled chicken sandwich with provolone, tomato, arugula, and pesto sauce. Provolone can also be used in a variety of panini recipes, such as a classic Italian combination of ham, salami, provolone, tomato, shredded lettuce, and Italian seasoning.
When it comes to burgers, provolone adds a delicious, gooey texture. It can be used in any burger recipe that calls for cheese, such as a classic American hamburger.
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Provolone on pizza
Provolone is a versatile Italian cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including pizza. It is a popular choice for pizza cheese due to its mild flavour, melting ability, and stringy texture. The slight firmness of provolone gives the pizza a unique texture, and its sharp taste pairs well with various toppings.
When using provolone on pizza, it can be the sole cheese or combined with other cheeses, such as mozzarella, for a creamy and stringy effect. Some popular provolone pizza recipes include the classic combination of provolone, Roma tomatoes, and fresh basil. The simplicity of this pizza allows the flavours of provolone to shine through. The tomatoes can be sliced or chopped, and the addition of sliced green olives is also recommended. Another option is to top the pizza with onions, which char and sweeten in the oven, creating a perfect match for the sharp provolone.
Provolone can also be used on homemade pizzas or as a topping on leftover pizza. Its sharpness and melting ability make it a delicious addition, enhancing the flavour and texture of the pizza. For those who prefer a mix of cheeses, provolone can be blended with mozzarella, Swiss cheese, or cheddar to create a unique flavour profile and gooey consistency.
In addition to its culinary uses, provolone can be enjoyed as a snack or appetiser. It can be sliced, cubed, or grated and added to salads or sandwiches. Provolone is a versatile cheese that enhances the flavour of many dishes, making it a popular choice for pizza lovers and home cooks alike.
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Provolone in salads
Provolone cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads. Its mild flavour and melting properties make it a popular choice for many culinary creations.
One option for a provolone-based salad is a simple mixed salad, where the cheese is cubed and added to a bed of lettuce and other vegetables. This type of salad can be served as a refreshing side dish to accompany richer meals. The provolone adds a creamy texture and a subtle savoury note to the crisp vegetables.
For a more substantial salad, provolone can be combined with ingredients like romaine, onion, peppers, prosciutto, and olives. The addition of meat and cheese makes this a heartier option, perfect as a standalone dish for lunch or a light dinner. The key to this salad is the lemon-based dressing, which provides a bright, acidic note that complements the other ingredients.
Another option is a warm weather salad featuring peppers and provolone. This salad showcases the interplay between the crisp, colourful peppers and the creamy, diced provolone. The addition of a zesty vinaigrette and aromatic spices like black pepper creates a refreshing and flavourful dish. This salad is perfect for summer meals and can be served with grilled Italian sausage for a more filling option.
Provolone cheese is a versatile ingredient that enhances the flavour and texture of salads. Its ability to melt and blend with other ingredients makes it a popular choice for creating unique and satisfying dishes. Whether used as a subtle accent or a more prominent component, provolone adds a delicious, savoury touch to salad creations.
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Provolone in pasta
Provolone cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta. Here are some ideas for using provolone cheese in pasta dishes:
Provolone Pasta Bake
For a quick and tasty weeknight meal, try a provolone pasta bake. This dish is simple to make and can be easily adapted to your taste. Start by cooking your favourite short, stout pasta shape, such as fusilli, penne, or rigatoni, until it is al dente. In a separate pan, sauté some onions and spices to add flavour to a jar of pasta sauce. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and stir well. Grease a baking pan and pour in the pasta mixture. Cover the pasta with slices of provolone cheese and cherry tomato halves. Bake the dish for 40-45 minutes, until the top is browned and the cheese is melted. This recipe creates a complex flavour profile and is an easy way to elevate a simple pasta dish.
Pasta al Provolone (Italian Lemon Pasta)
For a taste of Italy, try making Pasta al Provolone, or Italian Lemon Pasta. This dish combines the freshness of lemon with the creaminess of provolone cheese. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti until it is very al dente, undercooking it by 2-3 minutes. In a separate pan, combine olive oil, lemon juice, and zest, and season with black pepper. Turn off the heat and add the partially cooked spaghetti to the sauce, along with a ladle of the pasta water. Turn the heat back on to medium-high and allow the pasta to finish cooking. When the pasta is nearly done, stir in a generous grating of provolone cheese and serve immediately, topped with extra lemon zest. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the lemon flavour brightens the dish.
Baked Ziti
For a comforting baked pasta dish, try making baked ziti with provolone cheese. Prepare your ziti according to your preferred recipe, and top the baked dish with provolone and mozzarella cheese. This combination adds a complex flavour and a gooey, stretchy texture to the dish.
Pasta Patate e Provola (Neapolitan Pasta with Potatoes and Provola)
A heartwarming dish from Naples, this pasta combines potatoes and provolone cheese for a comforting meal. To elevate this dish, consider adding a parmigiana rind and some lardo, pancetta, or guanciale. This dish is especially enjoyable during the winter months.
Provolone cheese is a great way to add flavour and creaminess to pasta dishes. Its mild flavour and melting properties make it a versatile ingredient that can be adapted to various recipes.
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Provolone as a snack
Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It is produced by stretching and kneading cheese curds until the cheese acquires a soft, elastic, and stringy texture. This process is used to make other well-known cheeses such as mozzarella. Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be used in many dishes, but it can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack.
When served as a snack, provolone is often grilled or fried until partially melted. In Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, and Uruguay, small discs of provolone are grilled and seasoned with herbs. This simple preparation method can be easily replicated at home. The cheese can also be sliced and served with salt, pepper, and herbs. Provolone pairs well with most jams, so it can be a great addition to a cheese board with various jams and preserves. For a sweet and savoury snack, try making a grilled cheese sandwich with provolone and your favourite jam.
Provolone is typically made in two types: Provolone Dolce and Provolone Piccante. Dolce has a very mild and milky taste, while Piccante has a very sharp taste. The type of provolone you choose for your snack will depend on your personal preference and the other flavours you plan to include. If you want to highlight the provolone, Dolce may be a good choice as it will not overpower other flavours. However, if you want a sharper taste, Piccante will add a delightful tanginess to your snack.
Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you choose to grill it, slice it, or melt it, provolone makes a delicious snack.
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Frequently asked questions
Provolone cheese is commonly used in grilled cheese sandwiches, especially when paired with jam. It is also used in chicken sandwiches, beef sliders, and Italian-style sandwiches.
Yes, provolone cheese is a great option for pizza, either on its own or mixed with other cheeses like mozzarella.
Provolone cheese is very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes such as pasta, lasagna, nachos, burgers, and salads. It is also a key ingredient in traditional Italian dishes like bruschetta and panini.
Yes, provolone cheese can be eaten as a snack, appetizer, or dessert. It can be grilled, shredded, or cubed and paired with herbs, jams, or fruits like pears.
Provolone cheese is commonly used in American recipes such as Philly cheesesteaks, corned beef hash pie, and hot dogs. It can also be used in chicken provolone, stuffed pork chops, and Italian dishes like Chicken Parmesan and baked pasta with beans.
