Provolone Cheese

Pairings and Complementary Flavors:

Cocktails: Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, Martini, Sangria
~ A bourbon Old Fashioned with caramel notes complements the buttery flavors of provolone.
~ The warmth of a whiskey Manhattan also pairs nicely with this cheese.
~ The acidity and sweetness of a Whiskey Sour cut through the richness of the cheese, while a classic gin or vodka Martini, with a twist of lemon, refreshes between bites.
~ A fruity Sangria will complement the mild taste of the provolone without overpowering it.

Wine: Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chianti
~ A light and crisp Pinot Grigio complements the mild, creamy texture of the provolone without overwhelming it.
~ A lightly oaked Chardonnay matches well with the buttery notes of the cheese, while a dry Riesling provides a nice contrast with its bright acidity.
~ Pinot Noir pairs nicely by balancing the cheese’s creaminess and the wine’s fruitiness without overwhelming it.
~ A lighter-bodied Chianti is also a delightful pairing.

Beer: IPA, Amber Ale, Pilsner, Wheat Beer, Saison
~ The hoppy bitterness of an IPA contrasts nicely, while the malt-forward flavor of an Amber Ale provides a caramel-like sweetness that pairs well with provolone.
~ A crisp and clean Pilsner complements the creamy and mild provolone flavor without overpowering it.
~ Wheat Beer enhances the cheese’s sweetness, while the complex flavors and moderate tartness of Saison complement its tangy aspects.

Accompaniments: bread, fruits, preserves, honey, olives, pickles, mustard, nuts, meats, dark chocolate
~ Crusty Italian bread or olive oil crackers provide a neutral base that does not vie for attention against the cheese.
~ Fresh apples, pears, or grapes add a sweet and juicy contrast to the cheese, while dried fruits offer a chewy texture and concentrated sweetness. Fig jam, apricot preserves, or honey add a sweet and tangy element.
~ Briny olives and pickles cut through the cheese’s richness, while grainy mustard offers a tangy bite.
~ Almonds, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds offer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs well.
~ Salami, prosciutto, and other cured meats contribute a saltiness that meshes nicely with the sweet buttery taste of cheese.
~ Dark chocolate is also a fun and unexpected pairing.

Suggested uses:

Adds melt, saltiness, and extra flavor to sandwiches, Panini, pasta, macaroni and cheese, burgers, or pizza.

Enjoy it grated over salads or egg dishes.

Try it on a roast pork sandwich with horseradish sauce or a turkey sandwich with honey mustard and cranberry sauce.

Make a hot grilled cheese sandwich with melted provolone and mozzarella and drizzled with honey.