Provolone cheese is soft and stretchy. It has a mild taste. It melts. It is great for sandwiches and pizza. It is loved in Italian cuisine. But sometimes you do not have it. You need a substitution for provolone cheese. This is easy. There are some good alternatives.
You can use other types of cheese. You can mix the flavors. You can search for the texture to fit. It is simple. The goal is easy. Something similar in flavor. Something that melts.
Let us examine the best substitutes. You can purchase most of these at any grocery store. You may already have some on hand in your kitchen.
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What Makes Provolone Cheese Special?
Provolone is cheese made from cow’s milk. It is Italian. It is semi-hard. It is aged. The taste depends on age. Young provolone is not pungent. Aged provolone is stronger.
The cheese melts well. It stretches. It is creamy to the touch. For that reason, it is a good choice for hot food. It is used in grilled cheese. It is used in baked pasta. It is used in meat sandwiches.
If you need a provolone cheese substitute, you need something similar. You need the same texture. You want the same taste. You want one that melts.
Best Provolone Cheese Substitute
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella is mild. It is soft. It melts. It is not hard to find. It is an excellent substitute.
Use mozzarella in hot dishes. Use it in sandwiches. Use it on pizza. It won’t overpower other flavors.
Use low-moisture mozzarella. It’s firmer. It melts better. Fresh mozzarella is softer. It has more water.
Fontina Cheese
Fontina is soft. It has a creamy taste. It has a bit of a nutty taste. It melts well. It’s a great choice for pasta. It’s great in grilled sandwiches.
It tastes better than provolone. It is not too powerful, though. It is easy to grate. It has a smooth melt.
Gouda Cheese
Gouda is smooth. It melts well. The taste is mildly sweet. It is great in hot recipes. It is okay in mac and cheese.
Younger gouda is better. It is softer. It is milder. Aged gouda is harder. It is bittersweet.
Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack is American. It is soft and mild. It melts nicely. It fits in tacos. It fits in hot wraps.
It is not like provolone. But it is similar in texture. It mixes with other cheeses.
Havarti Cheese
Havarti is rich. It is creamy. It is buttery and soft. It melts nicely. It fits in hot sandwiches. It also fits in baked foods.
It has small holes. It has a smooth texture. It is not strongly tasting.
Edam Cheese
Edam is semi-hard. It has a light taste. It is saltily subtle. It holds its shape. It does not stretch like mozzarella. But it melts softly still.
It is great in snacks. It is great in sandwiches. It slices smartly.
Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese has a nutty taste. Swiss cheese is porous. Swiss cheese is hard. Swiss cheese melts.
It is not difficult. It is not sweet. It gives a balanced flavor. It is good with toasted bread. It is good with baked macaroni.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar is harder. It gets crumbly when aged. But mild cheddar is okay. It melts. It gives flavor.
Use it in burgers. Use it in mac and cheese. Combine it with mozzarella for balance.
Asiago Cheese
Asiago is firm. It is aged. It tastes strong. It does not stretch. But it melts when heated. Use it grated.
It is excellent when used for adding depth. It is good in baked pasta. It is utilized in sauces.
Vegan Cheese
Plant-based is vegan cheese. No milk in it. Made out of soy or nuts. Some can be melted. Others don’t melt. Be cautious.
Vegan cheese if you need dairy-free. Choose one with “melts” on it. Try cashew cheese. Try coconut-based cheese.
How to Choose the Right Substitute
- Think about what you are making. That will decide it.
- If you’re making pizza, use mozzarella. It melts. It stays soft.
- If you want a taste, use fontina. Use gouda. Use cheddar. These are stronger in flavor.
- If you want firm slices, use edam or Swiss. These cut nicely. These are mild.
- If you’re a vegan, use nut cheese. Read the label. Some melt nicely. Some don’t.
- If you want something in the middle, use havarti or Monterey Jack. These mix well. They stay smooth.
What Works Best in Some Dishes?
Sandwiches
Use mozzarella. Use Swiss. Use havarti. These are soft. They melt. They aren’t overwhelming.
Pizza
Use mozzarella. Use gouda for flavor. Use asiago for a crunchy topping. Use vegan cheese for dairy pizza.
Baked Pasta
Use fontina. Use cheddar. Use gouda. Mix together for flavor. Use a little bit of asiago on top.
Cold Sandwiches
Use edam. Use Swiss. Use mild cheddar. These slice well. They hold shape.
Snacks or Platters
Use havarti. Use gouda. Use edam. Add fruit. Add crackers. These cheeses are good cold.
Healthier Alternatives
Some cheeses are lower in fat. Some have less salt. These are diets-friendly.
Try part-skim mozzarella. It has less fat. Try light Swiss. Try low-fat cheddar.
Vegan cheese has no cholesterol. It gets along well with plant diets. Select one that isn’t extremely oily. Check the nutrition labels.
Flavor Comparison Table
| Cheese | Flavor | Texture | Melts Well |
| Mozzarella | Mild | Soft | Yes |
| Fontina | Nutty | Creamy | Yes |
| Gouda | Slightly sweet | Semi-soft | Yes |
| Monterey Jack | Mild | Soft | Yes |
| Havarti | Buttery | Soft | Yes |
| Edam | Salty | Semi-hard | Medium |
| Swiss | Nutty | Firm | Yes |
| Cheddar | Sharp | Crumbly | Medium |
| Asiago | Strong | Hard | Grated use |
| Vegan Cheese | Varies | Varies | Some do |
Storage Tips for Cheese Substitutes
- Keep cheese in the refrigerator. Wrap it tightly. Use plastic or wax paper. This makes it stay fresh.
- Use within a week of opening. Others last longer. Check the package.
- Freeze only if necessary. Some cheeses become watery. Mozzarella freezes nicely. Cheddar can be frozen too.
- Vegan cheese may spoil more quickly. Use it quickly. Store in an airtight bag.
Blending Cheeses for Best Taste
- You may blend cheese. This guarantees flavor and melt are blended together well.
- Mix mozzarella with cheddar. Mix gouda with fontina. Mix mild and sharp cheese.
- Try two types in one preparation. This adds depth. It adds texture. It adds variety.
Oh, for sure! You can totally play around with cheese combos depending on what you’re cooking up. Going for an Italian vibe? Try mixing mozzarella with parmesan or asiago—seriously it’ll kick the flavor up a notch. And if Tex-Mex is on the menu, Monterey Jack with a touch of cheddar is basically a classic. Honestly just have fun and experiment with regional cheeses. You’ll probably find some new favorites and you still get to keep that delicious provolone flavor in the mix.
FAQs About Substitute for Provolone Cheese
What is the best provolone cheese alternative?
The best one is mozzarella. It melts. It tastes mild.
Can I use cheddar as a substitute for provolone?
Yes, you can use mild cheddar. It is slightly stronger but works well in cooked dishes.
Is provolone like Swiss cheese?
They have the same texture. But the provolone is softer. The Swiss is nutty in taste.
What type of cheese can I use if I like the mild flavor?
Use mozzarella. Use Monterey Jack. Use havarti. They are soft and lightweight.
Can I use vegan cheese as a provolone substitute?
Yes, if it can melt. Use meltable vegan cheese. Avoid the dry ones.
How to Choose the Right Provolone Cheese Substitute
If you run out of provolone, don’t panic. Replace with a variety of cheeses. The taste can be replaced. The melt can be replaced. All recipes have an equivalent replacement.
As a close approximation, use mozzarella. For a sweet taste use gouda. For added taste use fontina. In case of need use vegan cheese substitute. Experiment with different ones. Combine two or three.
Your recipe will show you the ideal substitute for provolone cheese. Think about the dish. Think about the flavor. You will discover your match made in heaven.
