Provolone's Versatility: Dolce vs. Piccante
Understanding the two main types of provolone is key to knowing its best uses. The younger Provolone Dolce is aged for two to three months and has a mild, creamy, and buttery flavor, making it a perfect table cheese or everyday melter. The more mature Provolone Piccante is aged for four months or longer, developing a sharper, more intense, and peppery flavor. Smoked varieties also exist, adding another layer of earthy flavor.
The Best Applications for Mild Provolone (Dolce)
Provolone Dolce's smooth and creamy melt makes it a superstar in several dishes. Its mild profile won't overpower other ingredients, allowing it to blend seamlessly while adding a rich, buttery texture.
- Classic Sandwiches: This is where provolone truly shines. For the iconic Philly cheesesteak, the gooey, mild provolone melts perfectly into the steak and onions. It is also ideal for classic Italian-style hoagies, complementing cured meats like salami and prosciutto without competing with their flavors.
- Grilled Cheeses and Paninis: Elevate a simple grilled cheese by using mild provolone. It melts beautifully, creating a satisfyingly stretchy and creamy filling. For a panini, it works wonders with fillings like roasted red peppers, spinach, and grilled chicken.
- Pizza Toppings: While mozzarella often gets the spotlight, provolone can be used in conjunction with it or as a substitute to add a richer flavor profile to pizza. It melts smoothly and beautifully on both thick and thin crusts.
- Cheese and Charcuterie Boards: Sliced mild provolone is a great addition to an antipasto platter, pairing well with salty meats, olives, and roasted vegetables.
The Best Applications for Sharp Provolone (Piccante)
Provolone Piccante's robust flavor and firmer texture make it the better choice when you need the cheese to stand out. It's often aged longer, giving it a powerful flavor that can cut through and complement other strong tastes.
- Grating Over Dishes: Similar to parmesan, a well-aged provolone piccante is excellent for grating over hot pasta dishes, lasagna, or a frittata. Its flavor adds a sharp, savory bite that elevates the entire dish.
- Baked Pasta and Casseroles: In baked dishes like ziti or macaroni and cheese, sharp provolone provides a flavorful, bubbly top layer. It can be mixed in with other cheeses for a more complex flavor.
- Stuffed Dishes: The sharp flavor is a perfect counterpoint for rich ingredients in stuffed meats like braciole or baked items like stuffed zucchini.
A Comparison of Provolone Types
| Feature | Mild Provolone (Dolce) | Sharp Provolone (Piccante) |
|---|---|---|
| Aging Period | 2-3 months | 4 months to over a year |
| Flavor Profile | Mild, creamy, buttery, slightly sweet | Sharp, tangy, peppery, robust |
| Texture | Softer, smoother | Firmer, sometimes grainier with age |
| Best For Melting | Sandwiches, paninis, casseroles | Pizza, baked pasta, grating |
| Ideal Pairings | Salami, prosciutto, fresh vegetables | Rich sauces, cured meats, pasta dishes |
Expert Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Provolone's versatility extends beyond main dishes. It can be served in creative and unexpected ways, from appetizers to unique desserts.
Appetizers and Snacks:
- Argentine-Style Grilled Provolone: A thick slice of provolone is grilled until gooey and golden on both sides, often served as an appetizer with herbs.
- Provolone Roll-Ups: For a quick, no-cook snack, you can spread a mixture of tuna salad or other fillings onto slices of provolone and roll them up tightly.
Sweet Pairings:
- Jammy Toast: A surprising but delicious combination, mild provolone pairs well with jams that have a bit of zing, like raspberry or orange marmalade, on grilled toast.
- Baked Pears: For a more inventive dessert, stuff a cored pear half with shredded provolone and bake until soft, topping with honey and nuts.
Wine Pairings:
- Mild Provolone: Pairs well with light-bodied red wines like Barbera or Merlot, or a crisp white like Pinot Grigio.
- Sharp Provolone: Stands up to more robust red wines, such as a Chianti or Zinfandel.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Provolone for the Occasion
To summarize, the key to unlocking provolone's potential is matching the right type of cheese to your dish. For dishes where you want a creamy, gentle melt and a buttery flavor that complements other ingredients, go with Provolone Dolce. It’s the perfect choice for sandwiches, grilled cheese, and mild pasta bakes. Conversely, if your recipe calls for a cheese with a strong, sharp flavor that can be grated or holds its own against robust ingredients, Provolone Piccante is the clear winner. The beauty of provolone lies in its range, offering a suitable profile for nearly any application that calls for a delicious, melted, or grated cheese. Whether you're crafting a classic comfort food or an inventive new recipe, there's a provolone perfectly suited to the task.
How to Store Provolone Cheese
To keep your provolone fresh for longer, wrap it tightly in parchment or wax paper, followed by plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. A well-wrapped block can last for up to three weeks. To ensure you're getting the best quality, consider buying from a deli counter rather than pre-packaged slices. Some authentic Italian provolone cheeses even have a protected designation of origin (DOP), like Provolone Valpadana and Provolone del Monaco. You can learn more about DOP certifications and authentic Italian cheeses on the Consorzio Tutela Provolone Valpadana website.
