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Provolone vs American Cheese: 6 Differences You Need to Know

It’s the age-old question: when it comes to cheese, is it better to go with Provolone or American? 

Both kinds of cheese have their merits, but which is the best?

In the cheese world, there are two distinct types: hard and soft.

Within those categories, there are several variations, but two of the most common are Provolone and American cheese.

Provolone and American cheese are certainly synonymous in your mind if you’re like the majority of people.

Though they may seem similar, these cheeses have some key differences that set them apart.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between Provolone and American cheese, so you can decide which is best for your next cheese board.

Let’s get started!

Provolone vs. American cheese
The main differences between Provolone and American cheese are the taste, texture, age, process, nutrition, and price. Provolone has a sharper, nuttier flavor, while American cheese is milder and softer and melts more quickly. Provolone doesn’t contain added colorings or preservatives, while American cheese does.

What is Provolone?

Provolone is an Italian cheese that is made from cow’s milk.

Provolone is traditionally made in Italy, but it is now also made in other countries, such as the United States. 

The Italian term meaning “big” is where the word “provolone” derives from.

A huge, spherical cheese with a usual weight of 15 pounds is provolone.

It is usually white or yellow.

Provolone cheese is produced in two forms – provolone piccante, which has a sharp, spicy flavor, and provolone dolce, which is softer and milder. 

This cheese can be aged anywhere from two to twelve months; the longer it is aged, the sharper its flavor will become. 

One of the most notable things about provolone cheese is its pear-shaped form. 

This shape is created by tying a cord around the cheese while it is still in its liquid form, allowing it to hang as it dries and hardens into shape.

Provolone cheese can be eaten on its own or shredded and added to dishes like salads, pizzas, pasta, and more.

What is American Cheese?

American cheese is also made from cow’s milk, but it originated in the United States instead of Italy.

It is processed cheese made from a blend of natural cheeses, including cheddar, Colby, and Swiss, which means that it has been treated with chemicals and other additives to give it a longer shelf life.

American cheese has a mild, bland flavor and a perfectly smooth texture.

It melts very quickly, making it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches and other dishes where you want the cheese to achieve a gooey consistency. 

American cheese can be found in both block form and sliceable form.

It has a mild flavor that some people describe as “tasteless,” making it a good option for kids’ sandwiches and other simple dishes. 

Now that we know a little about each type of cheese let’s compare them. 

What are the differences between Provolone and American cheese?

These cheeses have unique pros and cons, but how do they compare? 

Let’s take a closer look:

1. The Taste

When it comes to taste, Provolone wins hands down. 

Provolone has a much more complex flavor than American cheese, thanks to its nutty undertone.

American cheese, on the other hand, tastes quite bland in comparison.

If you’re looking for cheese with some flavor to it, Provolone is the way to go. 

2. The Texture

Provolone and American cheese have a smooth texture, but Provolone is slightly less firm than American cheese. 

This makes Provolone easier to slice thin for sandwiches, while American cheese holds up better when melted.

So if you’re looking for a cheese that will melt nicelyAmerican cheese is your best bet.

However, if you’re looking for a cheese that you can slice into thin strips, Provolone is the better choice

3. The Age

Provolone is a cheese that is aged for longer than American cheese.

Provolone is a type of cheese that can be aged for at least two months, and it’s often aged longer than one year. 

The longer you age this delicious treat, the sharper its flavor becomes!

This gives provolone cheese, which is less frequent in American cheese, a stronger taste.

American cheese can be aged from 2 to 3 months.

Compared to American cheese, Provolone has a more intense flavor that many people enjoy.

4. The Process

American cheese is more processed than Provolone and often has additives such as artificial flavors and colorings.

Provolone cheese, on the other hand, is made using traditional methods, does not contain any additional chemicals, artificial flavors, or colorings, and is typically less processed than American cheese.

5. The Nutrition Differences

It’s interesting to note that Provolone offers more than just rich flavor; it also has some health benefits. 

For example, it’s higher in Zinc and Vitamin B2.

At the same time, American Cheese contains Calcium, Phosphorus, and Selenium, all three essential nutrients for individuals looking to maintain their optimal wellness!

Also, one of the main benefits of American cheese is that it is an excellent source of sodium. 

American cheese contains 35% more sodium than provolone cheese, making it an ideal choice for those looking to increase their daily intake of this vital mineral. 

American cheese is also a good source of protein and calcium, making it a well-rounded addition to any diet.

American cheese is a cheese notorious for being high in saturated fat. 

100 grams of American cheese can contain as much as 18.057 grams of saturated fat

By comparison, provolone cheese contains just 17.078 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams. 

This makes it a much healthier choice for those looking to reduce their saturated fat intake.

6. The Price

There isn’t much of a pricing distinction between the two varieties of cheese.

Both are relatively inexpensive, although Provolone may be slightly more expensive than American cheese, depending on where you purchase it. 

Provolone vs American cheese: Are they the same?

Provolone is an Italian cheese that is made from cow’s milk. 

It is a hard cheese with a sharp, nutty flavor

On the other hand, American cheese is processed cheese made from a blend of cow’s milk and milk solids.

It has a milder flavor than Provolone and is softer and more spreadable. 

Like Provolone, American cheese can be added to different recipes or eaten independently. 

One big difference between these two kinds of cheese is that American cheese contains added colorings and preservatives, while Provolone does not

American cheese also melts more quickly than Provolone due to its lower fat content (which also makes it lower in calories).

So if you’re looking for a strong, tangy flavorProvolone is the way to go.

However, American cheese is better if you prefer milder-tasting cheese that melts easily.

Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference.

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Passionate chef, in love with everything related to food and cooking it to perfection!
Michael Cook
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