Provolone, a semi-soft cheese with a waxed rind and pale yellow color, is an Italian specialty that has become a staple in many cuisines. With roots in both Southern and Northern Italy, this versatile cheese is known for its stretchy texture and rich flavor profile. While provolone originated in the South, it’s primarily produced in the Po Valley region of Northern Italy today.
The aging process sets it apart from mozzarella, with a minimum of two months allowing complex flavors to develop – think sharp and nutty, sweet and buttery notes. This unique character has made provolone a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. In this collection, we’ll explore the many ways to use provolone in your kitchen. From classic Philly cheesesteaks to creamy casseroles, this cheese is a perfect match for comfort foods you know and love.
Get ready to elevate your cooking with Italian Ciabatta Sandwiches, Winter Vegetable Mash With Provolone that’s sure to impress, and even discover #45, a baked brunch dish that will become a new favorite.
Best Provolone Cheese Recipes
Melted Provolone Cheese Provoleta
For cheese enthusiasts, provoleta is a culinary delight that’s sure to tantalize the taste buds. When melted to perfection on the grill or in the oven, this creamy delight develops rich, roasted flavors that will leave you craving more.
The magic happens when Provolone cheese – the star of the show – is paired with sweet honey, spicy hot sauce, fresh parsley, and crispy bread slices. The harmonious blend of these ingredients creates a truly unforgettable snacking experience.
Italian Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with a unique Italian twist! The combination of crunchy toasted crust, gooey cheesy filling, and the salty sweetness of prosciutto perfectly complements the tangy tomato sauce. This fusion of flavors is sure to delight. The key ingredients that make this sandwich stand out are provolone, asiago, sourdough bread, crispy prosciutto, and a rich marinara sauce.
With these elements combined, you’ll experience a harmonious balance of sweet and savory notes that will leave you wanting more.
Stromboli
Indulge your cravings with this innovative recipe that combines the best of both worlds – a pizza sandwich! As the bread bakes, the cheeses melt in perfect harmony, creating an explosion of flavors within. To create this culinary masterpiece, you’ll need the following ingredients: pepperoni, salami, provolone, mozzarella, and a crusty pizza dough.
4-Cheese Garlic Grilled Cheese
Golden-brown perfection awaits in this mouthwatering grilled cheese. But what sets it apart from a mediocre melt? The key lies in the preparation – a crucial step often overlooked is to generously butter the bread before toasting. This ensures a picture-perfect crust that’s sure to impress. When paired with the creamy sweetness of Gouda and the sharp, aged flavor of provolone, this combination is nothing short of divine. And did you know the humble ingredients behind this masterpiece?
Provolone, bread, Gouda, garlic, and butter come together in a harmonious blend that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Provolone-Stuffed Pesto Meatball Skillet
As you take a bite of these savory meatballs, the bold flavors of the pesto meld seamlessly with the rich meat, creating a harmonious balance of tastes. The herby notes of the pesto add depth to each morsel, while the melted provolone cheese within provides creaminess and indulgence.
To achieve this delightful fusion, the meatballs are first seared in a skillet to develop a satisfying crust on the outside, while the provolone cheese inside is melted to perfection.
The resulting texture is both tender and crispy, a perfect complement to the rich flavors at play.
The ingredients that make these meatballs truly special include hamburger, pesto, provolone, parmesan, and marinara sauce – each one working together in perfect harmony to create a dish that’s sure to please even the most discerning palate.
French Onion Grilled Cheese
Transform your humble sandwich into an indulgent delight by incorporating the rich flavors of caramelized onions. The key to unlocking this gastronomic gem is slow-cooking the onions to amplify their natural sweetness and depth. By doing so, you’ll elevate a simple sandwich into a mouthwatering treat that will leave everyone wanting more.
To achieve this culinary magic, combine beef broth, sugar, and sliced onions in a pan, then let the mixture simmer for hours to bring out the best in these humble ingredients. This will allow the onions’ natural sweetness to meld with the savory flavors of provolone cheese and fresh bread.
Million Dollar Macaroni & Cheese Casserole
A show-stopping dish that’s sure to delight a crowd, this recipe features a crispy panko breadcrumb topping that adds a satisfying textural element. The unique spiral shape of the pasta allows it to coat perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce, making every bite a flavorful experience. To make this indulgent treat, you’ll need the following ingredients: cellentani pasta, cheddar, parmesan, provolone, and sour cream.
Grilled Provoleta Cheese
Transforming stale bread into a culinary masterpiece is easier than you think. Take thick-cut provolone, for instance. When grilled, it develops a rich, smoky flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. And the best part? It’s an excellent way to repurpose old bread, reducing food waste and saving you money in the process.
To create this savory delight, gather your ingredients: a crusty baguette, olive oil, provolone cheese, red pepper flakes for added spice, and a sprinkle of oregano to tie everything together.
Steak Sandwiches With Caramelized Onions & Provolone Cheese
For a satisfying game-day lunch, look no further than these mouth-watering steak sandwiches. The bold, beefy flavor of the striploin steak pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the Vidalia onions, making for a match made in heaven. With just four key ingredients – striploin steak, Vidalia onions, baguette, and provolone – this classic combination is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Breakfast Broccoli Bake
As the oven heat transforms the cheesy egg mixture, it imbues the dish with a depth of roasted flavor. This subtle yet significant nuance elevates the overall taste experience. Meanwhile, the tangy essence of feta perfectly harmonizes with the bright sweetness of broccoli, creating a delightful balance of flavors. The key ingredients that bring this culinary masterpiece together are broccoli, eggs, provolone, feta, and whole milk.
Philly Cheesesteak Dip
Indulge in the savory fusion of melted cheese and tender steak as you savor every bite of this mouthwatering dip. The harmonious blend of flavors is sure to leave you wanting more.
Pair this indulgent treat with crusty, softened bread for a match made in heaven. The creamy texture and rich taste are the perfect accompaniment to a satisfying snack or appetizer.
The ingredients list boasts an impressive combination of provolone cheese, tender rib eye steak, cream cheese, butter, and crunchy bell pepper, all working together to create a truly irresistible culinary experience.
French Dip Sliders
Indulge in the delightful combination of buttery soft Hawaiian rolls, tender roast beef, and melted provolone cheese. The real showstopper is the tangy, savory, and sweet flavor profile that emerges from the harmonious union of Worcestershire sauce and these slider ingredients. To recreate this delectable treat, simply gather Hawaiian rolls, provolone cheese, roast beef, Worcestershire sauce, and butter – a quintessential combination that’s sure to satisfy any craving.
Italian Breakfast Casserole
Kick-start your morning with a hearty and satisfying casserole that’s perfect for any day of the week. This recipe is designed to fuel your body for a productive day ahead, packed with essential ingredients to keep you going.
The combination includes eggs for protein, Italian sausage for added flavor and texture, ricotta for creaminess, provolone and mozzarella for melted goodness – everything you need to set yourself up for success.
Chicken Parmesan
A culinary marriage of epic proportions is forged when the rich flavors of cheese and marinara sauce come together in perfect harmony. The tangy sweetness of the tomato sauce provides a masterful counterbalance to the sharp, nutty notes of provolone and mozzarella. As the two cheeses mingle with the savory chicken breasts, parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, and juicy tomatoes, each bite is a delicious celebration of taste and texture.
Baked Spinach & Provolone-Stuffed Chicken Breast
When it comes to quick and delicious meals, this easy chicken breast recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. With only five minutes of prep time, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal on the table in no time. The combination of smoky and spicy notes from the smoked paprika and garlic adds depth and excitement to what could be a mundane dish.
And with just a few simple ingredients like chicken breasts, provolone cheese, baby spinach, smoked paprika, and garlic, you’ll have everything you need to get started.
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
This innovative sandwich recipe masterfully blends the comforting flavors of two quintessential American dishes to craft an unparalleled culinary experience. By combining the hearty, meaty essence of sloppy joe with the gooey, cheese-filled bite of a classic Philly cheesesteak, this creation is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. To bring this vision to life, you’ll need the following ingredients: ground beef, provolone cheese, soft buns, A1 steak sauce, and beef broth.
5-Cheese Ziti Al Forno
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience! A sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs adds a satisfying crunch to the dish’s velvety, cheesy goodness. The harmonious blend of pasta, melted mozzarella, nutty parmesan, rich provolone, and creamy ricotta cheese creates a truly irresistible culinary treat.
Smoked French Onion Soup
Indulge in the sweet and savory fusion of caramelized onions, melted cheese, and crispy bread. The combination is nothing short of heavenly! As a topping, toasted baguette slices are the perfect vessel to absorb the rich flavors of the soup. And what’s more, they provide a satisfying crunch that complements the smooth texture of the soup. To create this delightful concoction, you’ll need just a few ingredients: onions, provolone cheese, sherry vinegar, crusty baguette, and turkey stock.
The simplicity of these ingredients belies the complexity of flavors that unfold when they come together.
Roasted Garlic & Wild Mushroom Naan Flatbreads
Indulge in the rich flavor profile of this meatless flatbread, where earthy tones take center stage. The key to its unapologetic taste is a thoughtful combination of ingredients, including wild mushrooms, which infuse the dish with an intense umami essence and satisfying chew. This delightful flatbread is brought together by a medley of flavors, featuring garlic, provolone, and pecorino romano, all nestled within a crispy crust.
Chicken Philly Quesadillas
As the tortillas sizzle in the hot skillet, they develop pockets of rich, toasted flavor that perfectly complement the dish. Meanwhile, the melted cheese brings a creamy cohesion to the entire meal. The harmonious balance is achieved through a thoughtful combination of ingredients, including tender chicken cutlets, smoky paprika, pliable tortillas, tangy provolone, and sweet onion.
Monster Stromboli
Meet the behemoth of stromboli – a flavorful fusion that will satisfy your meat-loving cravings. The combination of sweet and salty deli ham with bright and tangy Genoa salami creates a harmonious balance of flavors. But what makes this stromboli truly special are its hearty ingredients, which include a crispy pizza crust, savory deli ham, spicy Genoa salami, melted provolone cheese, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for added depth.
Ham & Cheese Lasagna Roll-Ups
Assemble the lasagna by layering cooked lasagna sheets with a blend of melted provolone and shredded parmesan cheese, sliced deli ham, and a drizzle of rich heavy cream. The finishing touch is a generous topping of savory sauce before the dish is slipped into the oven to meld flavors and textures together.
Broccoli & Provolone Quiche
Quiche lovers rejoice! This delectable dish is a true masterpiece. The harmonious union of heavy cream and egg creates a velvety texture that’s simply divine. When combined with the savory flavors of provolone, broccoli, and flaky pie crust, this quiche is an absolute showstopper. With its rich, creamy, and smooth profile, it’s no wonder why this recipe has captured our hearts.
Steakhouse Mac & Cheese
While Camembert is often overlooked as an addition to mac and cheese, it’s actually a game-changer. Its rich, earthy, and nutty flavor profile adds depth and complexity to the dish. The creamy texture also helps to balance out the other ingredients, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, try combining Camembert with campanelle pasta, provolone, parmesan, and milk for a unique and delicious twist on this comfort food classic.
Pepperoni Pizza Sliders
What sets these cheese and pepperoni sliders apart is not just their simplicity, but the tangy kick they get from the accompanying marinara dip. This flavor combination elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness! To make it happen, you’ll need some essential ingredients: Hawaiian rolls, pepperoni slices, mozzarella and provolone cheese, and a generous helping of marinara sauce.
Cheesy Breadsticks
Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of warm, gooey goodness, where melted provolone and mozzarella blend in perfect harmony. A sprinkle of nutty parmesan adds a burst of savory flavor to each bite, elevating the humble pizza crust to new heights.
The key to this cheesy masterpiece lies in its simple yet effective ingredients: a crispy pizza crust provides the foundation, while shredded provolone and mozzarella melt together in a golden, stringy delight.
A light dusting of parmesan adds a touch of sophistication, balancing out the richness with its sharp, salty flavor.
The finishing touches come courtesy of fresh basil leaves, adding a bright, herbaceous note to each bite.
Cheesy Salmon With Remoulade Sauce
The ultimate comfort food experience is all about balance – think crispy, flaky salmon paired with gooey cheese, tangy sauce, and soft, fluffy rolls. The real magic happens when the creamy remoulade’s subtle sweetness and sourness harmonize with the richness of the salmon, creating a delightful symphony of flavors.
At its core, this indulgent dish is built around a simple yet effective combination of ingredients: tender salmon fillets, earthy mushrooms, melted provolone cheese, tangy mayonnaise, and a hint of mustard. Together, these components come together to form a culinary masterpiece that will leave you craving more.
Zucchini Provolone Pasta
Savor the warmth of an alfresco meal with this delightful veggie pasta dish! Zucchini’s subtle sweetness is perfectly balanced by the pungency of Parmesan cheese, creating a harmonious flavor profile. If you’re looking to create this culinary delight, simply combine pasta, zucchini, Provolone, Parmesan, and basil for a sumptuous outdoor lunch.
Spinach Pepperoni Bread
Baking pizza dough from scratch can be a delightful experience that brings people together. The process is straightforward, allowing everyone to get involved and enjoy the end result. A perfect blend of flavors is achieved by combining the savory pepperoni with the slightly sweet spinach, resulting in a harmonious union.
To create this delectable combination, you’ll need: flour as the base, yeast for fermentation, provolone cheese for added richness, and fresh spinach to provide a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
Garlic Shrimp Alfredo
The harmonious union between shrimp, garlic, and a rich trio of ingredients – heavy cream, cheese, and pasta – is the perfect recipe for a culinary delight. The creamy combination elevates the shrimp’s natural flavor to new heights, making this dish an irresistible treat.
Prosciutto & Provolone-Stuffed Chicken With Lemon Wine Sauce
A harmonious fusion of flavors is achieved when white wine, lemon juice, and capers come together in a tangy sauce that’s as refreshing as it is savory. The acidity of the sauce cleverly counterbalances the saltiness of the prosciutto, resulting in a culinary experience that’s both well-rounded and satisfying.
The foundation of this delectable dish lies in its straightforward yet thoughtful selection of ingredients: tender chicken breasts, crispy prosciutto, creamy provolone cheese, and a medley of capers. Meanwhile, white wine adds a subtle layer of complexity to the sauce, while lemon juice provides an invigorating burst of citrus freshness.
Spicy Cheese Bread
The allure of freshly baked bread is undeniable, with its enticing aroma and visually appealing texture. In this case, the egg wash has given the crust a luscious sheen that’s almost too beautiful to resist devouring in one bite.
To achieve this mouthwatering masterpiece, you’ll need a combination of ingredients including flour, yeast, Monterey jack cheese, provolone cheese, red pepper flakes, and sugar.
Italian-Style Nachos With Provolone Cheese Sauce
When it comes to adding depth and excitement to your nacho game, Peppadew peppers are a fantastic addition. Not only do they bring a hint of spice, but also a burst of sweetness that balances out the flavors. Meanwhile, the roasted red pepper topping adds an intense, caramelized flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Speaking of which, the full lineup includes Italian sausage, tortilla chips, provolone cheese, Peppadew peppers, and roasted red peppers.
Cheesy Texas Toast
The unique characteristic of Texas toast lies in its substantial thickness, which enables it to effectively absorb the rich flavors of melted butter and cheese. The combination of these ingredients – comprising butter, Parmesan, Texas toast, garlic powder, and oregano – creates a delightful harmony of tastes that will leave you craving more.
Garlic Butter Mushroom Provolone Melts
When it comes to this delectable sandwich, the key lies in its contrasting textures. The crispy exterior of the bread provides a satisfying crunch, while the gooey interior adds a rich and indulgent quality. But that’s not all – the addition of sautéed mushrooms brings a meaty depth and savory flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
And at the heart of it all are the essential ingredients: garlic for added pungency, butter for creamy richness, juicy mushrooms for umami flavor, melted provolone cheese for velvety smoothness, and of course, the foundation upon which it all rests – a crusty bread.
Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms
When preparing this recipe, it’s essential to achieve the perfect texture in the mushrooms – tender enough to be easily chewed, yet firm enough to maintain their shape and hold the various ingredients together. A key component in achieving this ideal texture is using high-quality white mushrooms that have been properly cleaned and prepared. Another crucial element in elevating the flavor of this dish is the addition of crispy bacon bits.
These savory morsels add a depth of flavor to the veggie and egg filling that’s simply unmatched by any other ingredient. The ingredients used in this recipe are straightforward and include white mushrooms, zucchini, provolone cheese, crumbled bacon, and eggs – all of which work together in harmony to create a dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Baked Eggplant Sandwiches
Intense flavors abound in this dish as sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet-tart explosion that harmonizes perfectly with the subtle sweetness and bitterness of the eggplants. The crunchy breadcrumb coating provides an appealing textural contrast, shielding the delicate eggplant flesh within. A medley of ingredients including eggplant, provolone, sun-dried tomatoes, breadcrumbs, and eggs come together to create a delightful culinary experience.
Flank Steak Pinwheels
While flank steak may be considered a tougher cut of meat, its robust flavor profile more than makes up for it. When cooked to perfection, the charred exterior and tender interior create a truly satisfying culinary experience. One effective way to achieve this is by cooking flank steak in the oven, which allows for even searing on all sides.
For added depth and complexity, consider pairing your cooked flank steak with a medley of ingredients such as spinach, provolone cheese, garlic, and shallot.
Stuffed Pork Loin
A show-stopping centerpiece for any special celebration can be effortlessly achieved with this delectable recipe. The harmonious union of sweet pork, savory salami, and melted cheese creates a truly unforgettable flavor profile.
The combination of the rich pork loin roast, spicy salami, creamy provolone, roasted red pepper, and fragrant fresh oregano is nothing short of remarkable.
Tuna Melts
The harmonious combination of tuna’s subtle flavor with sharp provolone and rich mayonnaise creates a delightful culinary experience. The pungency of the provolone is beautifully balanced by the creaminess of the mayonnaise, while the tuna provides a neutral base for the other flavors to shine.
Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
A simple yet satisfying snack, this sandwich is packed with flavor. The star of the show is the cheese sauce, which gets a boost from the savory and smoky notes imparted by the bacon fat. Meanwhile, the combination of ingredients – including juicy steak, crunchy bell pepper, creamy provolone, and rich butter – all come together to create a truly satisfying bite.
Roasted Garlic Provolone Cauliflower Rice
With its mild taste, cauliflower is an ideal canvas for absorbing the flavors of other ingredients. In this particular recipe, a whole garlic bulb lends a nutty, buttery essence to the dish. The combination of cauliflower, provolone, sour cream, garlic, and olive oil creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that is sure to delight.
Italian Ciabatta Sandwiches
Step outside and indulge in a delightful outdoor experience with a satisfying sandwich that will leave you feeling content. The real star of the show is the peppery and spicy kick from the arugula, which adds an exciting layer of flavor to this hearty meal.
This tasty treat is made up of several key ingredients, including creamy provolone cheese, crunchy ciabatta bread, savory salami, and a drizzle of rich pesto.
The combination of these flavors and textures makes for a truly satisfying snack that’s perfect for enjoying on the go or as part of a relaxing picnic.
Winter Vegetable Mash With Provolone
The foundation of this vegetable puree lies in the subtle sweetness contributed by both the cauliflower and carrots. This harmonious blend provides a delightful base for the dish. To add a satisfying contrast to the smooth puree, a layer of crispy cheese and breadcrumbs is spread on top. The essential ingredients that bring this recipe together are potato, carrot, provolone, cauliflower, and butter.
Baked Eggs With Pancetta, Provolone & Peas
Get ready to indulge in a delightful brunch experience! The combination of fresh peas and creamy cheese is a match made in heaven, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
The absence of smoky undertones from the pancetta allows the freshness of the herbs and vegetables to truly shine through. And let’s not forget the key ingredients that bring this dish together: eggs, crispy pancetta, melted provolone cheese, plump fresh peas, and a touch of dried mustard for added depth.
The bottom line
While sharing similarities with its popular counterpart mozzarella, provolone cheese stands out for its unique and nuanced flavor profile. Characterized by notes of sharpness, nuttiness, and a hint of buttery undertones, this versatile cheese offers a distinct taste experience that sets it apart from others in the dairy family.