Provolone Cheese
Bos taurusClinical Encyclopedia
Provolone cheese is a semi-hard Italian cheese made from cow's milk, known for its rich flavor and smooth texture. It is often used in sandwiches, salads, and as a table cheese.
Macronutrient Ratio
Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g
Micronutrient DV% Score
Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value
Complete Micronutrient Breakdown
Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.
Vitamins
Minerals
Health Benefits
Possible Risks & Side Effects
How to Prepare & Consume
Best enjoyed at room temperature to enhance its flavor; can be sliced, grated, or melted in various dishes.
Smart Selection & Storage
Choose provolone cheese that is firm and has a smooth surface; avoid any with excessive moisture or cracks.
Wrap in wax paper and place in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Myths vs Realities
Healthy Recipes
Provolone and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with creamy provolone cheese and fresh spinach, baked to perfection for a healthy and satisfying meal.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2. In a bowl, mix the chopped spinach and provolone cheese together.
- 3. Slice a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff with the spinach and cheese mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
- 4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- 5. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
Provolone Cheese and Quinoa Salad
A refreshing salad combining protein-packed quinoa, crunchy vegetables, and savory provolone cheese for a nutritious meal.
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and provolone cheese.
- 2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve chilled.
Grilled Vegetable and Provolone Cheese Sandwich
A hearty sandwich featuring grilled vegetables and melted provolone cheese, perfect for a healthy lunch.
- 2 slices whole grain bread
- 1/2 cup assorted grilled vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant)
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese, sliced
- 1 tablespoon pesto
- Olive oil for grilling
- 1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
- 2. Brush the vegetables with olive oil and grill until tender.
- 3. Spread pesto on one side of each slice of bread, layer with grilled vegetables and provolone cheese.
- 4. Grill the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Provolone Cheese and Broccoli Frittata
A protein-rich frittata packed with broccoli and provolone cheese, perfect for a healthy breakfast or brunch.
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet, add steamed broccoli, and pour the egg mixture over it.
- 4. Sprinkle provolone cheese on top and cook for 5 minutes on the stove, then transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until set.
Provolone Cheese and Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Light and refreshing lettuce wraps filled with lean turkey and provolone cheese, perfect for a quick and healthy snack.
- 8 large lettuce leaves
- 1 cup sliced turkey breast
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup hummus
- Sliced cucumbers for garnish
- 1. Spread hummus on each lettuce leaf.
- 2. Layer turkey slices and provolone cheese on top of the hummus.
- 3. Add sliced cucumbers for crunch, roll up the lettuce leaves, and secure with a toothpick.
Provolone Cheese and Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
A delicious whole grain pasta dish with roasted red peppers and creamy provolone cheese, ideal for a healthy dinner.
- 8 oz whole grain pasta
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Cook the whole grain pasta according to package instructions.
- 2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and add roasted red peppers.
- 3. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet, stirring in provolone cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
Provolone Cheese and Avocado Toast
A nutritious twist on classic avocado toast topped with creamy provolone cheese for added flavor and protein.
- 2 slices whole grain bread
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes for garnish
- 1. Toast the whole grain bread until golden brown.
- 2. Mash the avocado in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
- 3. Spread the mashed avocado on the toasted bread, top with provolone cheese, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
Provolone Cheese and Sweet Potato Skins
Crispy sweet potato skins filled with melted provolone cheese and topped with fresh herbs for a healthy appetizer.
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2. Bake sweet potatoes for 45 minutes until tender, then let cool slightly.
- 3. Cut sweet potatoes in half, scoop out some flesh, and brush the skins with olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- 4. Fill each skin with provolone cheese and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted. Top with green onions.
Provolone Cheese and Zucchini Boats
Healthy zucchini boats stuffed with a savory mixture of provolone cheese and herbs, perfect for a light dinner.
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 tablespoon Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2. Slice zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the center to create boats.
- 3. In a bowl, mix provolone cheese, cherry tomatoes, herbs, salt, and pepper. Fill the zucchini boats with the mixture.
- 4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until the zucchinis are tender and cheese is bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is provolone cheese made from?
Provolone cheese is made from cow's milk and is a product of the pasta filata cheese-making process.
How should provolone cheese be stored?
Store provolone cheese wrapped in wax paper or parchment paper in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
What dishes can I use provolone cheese in?
Provolone cheese is versatile and can be used in sandwiches, pizzas, salads, and as a topping for various dishes.
Is provolone cheese suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, provolone cheese is low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb and ketogenic diets.
Can I freeze provolone cheese?
While it is possible to freeze provolone cheese, it may alter the texture; it's best used fresh.
What is the difference between provolone piccante and provolone dolce?
Provolone piccante is aged longer and has a sharper flavor, while provolone dolce is milder and creamier.
Does provolone cheese contain lactose?
Provolone cheese is lower in lactose than many other cheeses, but those with severe lactose intolerance should consume it cautiously.
How can I tell if provolone cheese has gone bad?
Signs of spoilage include an off smell, mold growth, or a change in texture; if in doubt, discard it.