Smoked Provolone Cheese

Pairings and Complementary Flavors:

Cocktails: Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, Bourbon, Bloody Mary
~ An Old Fashioned complements the smokiness of the cheese with its wood barrel-infused flavors.
~ A rye Whiskey Manhattan enhances the smoky notes in the cheese.
~ A Whiskey Sour, with its citrus notes, provides a bright contrast to the creamy texture of the cheese.
~ A simple Bourbon on the rocks allows the Smoked Provolone to shine while the bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes provide a pleasant backdrop.
~ The savory and spicy profile of a Bloody Mary stands up to the bold flavors of Smoked Provolone.

Wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Merlot
~ A zesty Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the cheese, while a lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the smoky notes with its buttery undertones.
~ A lighter-bodied Pinot Noir, with subtle smokiness and fruit notes, will not overpower the cheese, while a bolder Zinfandel, with hints of smoke and spice, can pair nicely.
~ With its soft tannins and fruity notes, Merlot provides a nice contrast to the smoky-flavored cheese.

Beer: IPA, Amber Ale, Porter, Stout, Wheat Beer
~ The bitter hops profile of an IPA cuts through the richness of the cheese.
~ The caramel malt flavors in Amber Ale bring out the subtle sweetness of the provolone.
~ A Porter, with notes of chocolate or coffee, enhances the creamy texture and taste of the cheese, while a rich Stout can stand up to the bold flavors.
~ Wheat Beer offers a refreshing counterpoint to smoked cheese with its light and slightly fruity or spicy notes.

Accompaniments: bread, fruits, olives, nuts, roasted vegetables, preserves, honey, charcuterie, dark chocolate
~ Crusty bread or baguette provides a neutral base that does not compete with the Smoked Provolone’s flavors.
~ Fresh apples, pears, or grapes counterbalance the smoky and savory cheese with a sweet and juicy contrast.
~ Briny olives and pickles cut through the cheese’s richness, while almonds, walnuts, or pecans offer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs well.
~ The natural sweetness and smokiness of roasted peppers or roasted zucchini complement the Smoked Provolone.
~ Fig jam or apricot preserves provide a sweet and tangy element, while a drizzle of honey or maple syrup balances the smoky taste with sweetness. Dark chocolate can be a fun and unexpected pairing as well.
~ Salami, prosciutto, and other cured meats complement the smoky notes of the cheese.

Suggested uses:

Pair it with fruits, nuts, crackers, and meats to enjoy on a cheeseboard.

Imparts a smoky flavor and adds depth to sandwiches, Paninis, pasta, macaroni and cheese, salads, burgers, pizza, egg dishes, stuffed mushrooms, and more.