Great Lakes Cheese
Great Lakes Cheese Non-Smoked Provolone
What it is
This is a semi-hard Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It has a smooth, firm texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Unlike smoked provolone, this variety offers a cleaner, more straightforward taste profile. It is typically aged for a period, which helps develop its characteristic texture and flavor. The cheese is often sold in blocks or pre-sliced for convenience, making it a versatile ingredient for various culinary applications. Its pale yellow color is consistent with its unsmoked nature.
How people cook with it
This cheese is a popular choice for sandwiches and melting applications. Its mild flavor makes it adaptable to many dishes.
- Sandwich topping
- Melting on pizza
- Cheese boards
- Grilling
Slice it thinly for sandwiches, where its mildness complements other ingredients without overpowering them. For hot dishes like pizza or baked pasta, its excellent melting quality creates a smooth, gooey texture. It can also be cubed and added to cheese boards, paired with fruits and crackers. When grilling, it melts beautifully inside burgers or between slices of bread for a grilled cheese. The cheese softens and becomes pliable when heated, making it ideal for baked goods and savory pies.
How it differs from similar foods
Non-smoked provolone offers a pure, unadulterated dairy flavor compared to its smoked counterpart. The absence of smoke infusion allows the natural sweetness and subtle tang of the cheese to be more prominent. This makes it a more neutral option for recipes where a distinct smoky note is not desired.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs often choose this cheese for its versatility and mild taste.
How to keep the rest
To maintain freshness, keep any remaining cheese tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator. Proper storage will prevent the cheese from drying out and preserve its flavor and texture for future use.