Provolone cheese is a smooth, semi-hard cheese with a mild, slightly tangy flavor that’s incredibly versatile. It’s a favorite in sandwiches, pasta dishes, pizza, and melted cheese dips, thanks to its stretchy texture and balanced taste.
Whether you’re using it in a classic Philly cheesesteak or layering it over a baked dish, Provolone brings a creamy melt and just the right touch of sharpness.
But what if you can’t find Provolone at the store, or you’re simply looking for an alternative? The good news is that several cheeses can replace Provolone while keeping the melting qualities and flavor balance intact. Some substitutes provide a mild and creamy texture, while others bring a bit more sharpness or smokiness to the dish.
We’ve tested different cheeses in everything from grilled cheese sandwiches to baked pasta to find the best replacements for Provolone. Whether you need a melty alternative, a sharper substitute, or even a dairy-free option, these seven swaps will keep your dish tasting just as good.
7 Substitutes for Provolone Cheese
Each substitute has its own unique properties. Some closely match Provolone’s stretch and mild flavor, while others provide a stronger or smokier profile that still works well in most recipes.
1. Fontina Cheese
If you’re looking for a Provolone replacement that melts beautifully and has a mild, buttery flavor, Fontina is one of the best options. It has a semi-soft texture and just the right amount of nuttiness to work in hot and cold dishes.
Why it works: Fontina has a smooth, creamy melt and a slightly nutty and tangy flavor, making it an excellent choice for baked dishes, sandwiches, and pasta.
Best for: Grilled cheese, pasta sauces, pizza, and baked casseroles.
How to use: Replace Provolone with Fontina in equal amounts. If the dish needs a sharper bite, mix it with Parmesan or Gruyère.
If Fontina isn’t available, check out these other useful Fontina cheese substitutes.
2. Havarti Cheese
Havarti is an excellent Provolone replacement when you need a mild, creamy cheese that melts effortlessly. While it doesn’t have Provolone’s slight sharpness, its buttery, smooth consistency makes it perfect for melting applications.
Why it works: Havarti has a high moisture content, ensuring a rich, gooey melt that works well in hot dishes and sandwiches.
Best for: Grilled cheese, burgers, mac and cheese, and creamy sauces.
How to use: Use Havarti in equal portions as a Provolone substitute. If you need a bit more tang, blend it with a sharper cheese like Asiago.
For more melt-friendly options, check out these Havarti cheese substitutes.
3. Gouda Cheese
Young Gouda is a fantastic replacement for Provolone, offering a mild, buttery taste and smooth meltability. While it has a slightly sweeter flavor, it still works well in recipes that rely on Provolone’s creaminess.
Why it works: Gouda has a semi-soft texture that melts beautifully, making it a great choice for grilled sandwiches and pasta bakes.
Best for: Pizza, pasta bakes, sandwiches, and cheese sauces.
How to use: Swap Provolone for young Gouda in equal amounts. If using aged Gouda, expect a firmer texture and a slightly caramelized taste.
If Gouda isn’t available, explore these other helpful Gouda cheese substitutes.
4. Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack is a good swap when you need a neutral, creamy cheese that melts well. It lacks Provolone’s tang, but its mild, buttery taste and excellent melting quality make it a great substitute in most dishes.
Why it works: Monterey Jack has a soft, slightly elastic texture that works well in melted dishes, making it ideal for grilled sandwiches and pasta.
Best for: Quesadillas, cheese dips, mac and cheese, and burgers.
How to use: Replace Provolone with Monterey Jack in equal portions. If you want a sharper bite, try mixing it with Parmesan or Asiago.
If you’re out of Monterey Jack, check out these other helpful Monterey Jack cheese substitutes.
5. Edam Cheese
Edam is a good Provolone alternative if you’re looking for a semi-firm cheese with a mild taste. It’s slightly firmer than Provolone but still melts well in most applications.
Why it works: Edam has a semi-hard texture and mild, nutty taste, making it a great choice for cheese platters and baked dishes.
Best for: Cheese platters, baked pasta, and sandwiches.
How to use: Swap Provolone for Edam in equal amounts. If you want a creamier texture, blend it with Havarti or Fontina.
For more Edam alternatives, check out these Edam cheese substitutes.
6. Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is a solid Provolone substitute, especially if you’re looking for a mild, nutty cheese with good melting properties. It’s a bit firmer, but it still works well in most recipes.
Why it works: Swiss cheese has a mild tang and a smooth, slightly firm texture, making it a good choice for sandwiches and baked dishes.
Best for: Burgers, paninis, and baked casseroles.
How to use: Replace Provolone with Swiss cheese in equal amounts. If the flavor is too strong, blend it with a milder cheese like Monterey Jack.
For more mild yet nutty options, check out these Swiss cheese substitutes.
7. Smoked Mozzarella
If you’re out of Provolone but have smoked mozzarella on hand, it can be a fantastic alternative with a richer, slightly smoky depth.
Why it works: Smoked mozzarella retains the creamy texture of regular mozzarella but has a smoky note that enhances sandwiches, burgers, and pasta dishes.
Best for: Grilled cheese, burgers, and baked dishes.
How to use: Replace Provolone with smoked mozzarella in equal portions, but only in recipes where a smoky note complements the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fontina is one of the best substitutes for Provolone in sandwiches. It has a similar mild, buttery flavor and melts smoothly, making it perfect for paninis and grilled cheese.
Yes, Swiss cheese can replace Provolone in a cheesesteak, but it has a slightly nuttier flavor. If you prefer a closer match, Havarti or Monterey Jack might be a better choice.
Havarti and Gouda are two of the best substitutes for Provolone when it comes to melting. Both cheeses have a creamy texture and high moisture content, making them excellent for baked dishes, pasta, and grilled cheese.
Yes, mozzarella can replace Provolone in a baked dish, but it has a much milder flavor and a stretchier consistency. For a closer taste match, smoked mozzarella can add a bit more depth.
For a dairy-free option, try vegan Provolone-style cheeses made from cashews, coconut oil, or almond milk. Brands like Violife and Miyoko’s offer plant-based options that mimic the creamy texture and mild flavor of traditional Provolone.
