Provolone

pasta-filata · cow milk · Italy · $$

Melts beautifully, with a semi-firm body.

Attribute scores

meltability 8/10

sharpness 5/10

creaminess 5/10

firmness 6/10

pungency 4/10

Best cheese wine pairing

Pair Provolone with a light Italian white like Pinot Grigio, or Prosecco for something sweeter — a mild, milky cheese (creaminess 5) wants a light pour that won't overwhelm it.

Substitutes for Provolone

Cheese	Why it works
Caciocavallo	a very close match across the board
Kasseri	similar overall, but less pungency
Gouda	similar overall, but less pungency
Tilsit cheese	similar overall, but less meltability
Emmental	similar overall, but less sharpness
Abondance	similar overall, but less meltability