Bored with the same old provolone cheese? Craving something new and exciting? Well, you’re in luck! From other creamy and mild cheeses to some tasty vegan options, we’ve got all the best substitutes for your favorite Italian cheese.

So, if you’re looking to switch up your cheese board or just trying something new, keep reading to discover some of the most tantalizing substitutes for provolone cheese.

1. Gruyère

Gruyère may not be as mild as provolone, but it provides a distinct character that can bring something special to your dishes. It also has an outstanding nutritional content as it is rich in calcium but lower in fat content, making it a healthier substitute for provolone cheese.

When substituting provolone with gruyère, use approximately one cup of shredded gruyère for every two cups of grated provolone. This ratio allows you to get the desired flavor and texture without having to sacrifice any of the health benefits. This cheese also melts beautifully and pairs well with tomatoes, mushrooms, and herbs. It’s also popular in gratins and fondues.

2. Gouda

Gouda, with its creamy texture and salty flavor, would be an excellent substitute for provolone in dishes that require a little bit of richness. It has a nutty taste that complements a variety of meats and salads, making it an excellent choice for adding some depth to your cuisine.

Make sure you check whether you have a young, soft gouda or a mature and harder version. The younger variation of gouda is a better substitute for provolone when you want a smooth texture, while the mature version offers a similar sweet taste. Gouda is best enjoyed in sandwiches or sprinkled over a salad. It’s also great on a cracker!

3. Muenster Cheese

While traditionally made from cow’s milk, you can also find muenster cheese made with goat’s milk. It’s an ideal choice when looking for a low-sodium, low-fat alternative to provolone.

When substituting Muenster for provolone, you can easily substitute it in an equal ratio. So, if you would usually use 10 ounces of provolone, substitute with 10 ounces of Muenster cheese instead. The result will be a dish packed with the same savory flavor and rich mouthfeel as provolone without the added calories and sodium.

4. Havarti

Havarti is a mild but flavorful cheese from Denmark that makes an excellent substitute for provolone in a variety of recipes. Its creamy texture pairs well with many different ingredients, making it a perfect addition to sandwiches, pizzas, salads, and more. Additionally, the subtle nutty taste of Havarti has a slight tang that adds an appealing depth of flavor to any dish you prepare.

When substituting Havarti, you can use four parts of Havarti to one part of provolone to achieve the same texture and flavor. So, a quarter cup of cubed Havarti would be a good replacement for two tablespoons of grated provolone in a grilled cheese sandwich or casserole. Go ahead and grab a block of this Danish delight! Cut into cubes, shred it, or slice it according to your recipe, and enjoy the delicious results!

5. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a great substitute for provolone when you’re looking to make a few healthy food hacks. High in protein and rich in vitamins and minerals but low in carbs and sugar content, this unassuming cheese is a great addition to any meal. Its mild flavor also ensures that it won’t overpower the other ingredients in the dish.

Generally, one cup of cottage cheese can be substituted for one cup of provolone. To make the texture more similar to provolone, you can blend the cottage cheese in a food processor until it is smooth and creamy. This will help to create a more consistent texture throughout the dish. Additionally, you can add herbs and spices to the cottage cheese to give it a depth of flavor.

6. Cashew Cheese

When looking for a healthy alternative to provolone, cashew cheese is a great pick. Cashew cheese is frequently used to make vegan and lactose-free dishes as it provides a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B12, selenium, and calcium. Furthermore, due to its creamy texture, it works nicely as an ingredient in many traditional provolone dishes.

You substitute provolone with cashew cheese in the same proportion while cooking your meal. For example, if the recipe asks for half a cup of provolone cheese, use the same amount of cashew cheese instead. You’ll barely notice the change in taste or texture when it’s melted onto your dish.

7. Almond Feta Cheese

Almond feta cheese is not only vegan, but it also has a savory and slightly salty flavor similar to that of provolone, making it an ideal replacement.

Thanks to its mild texture, you can mix almond feta into recipes in the same ratio as you would with provolone — just be sure to crumble the cheese beforehand. For dishes where cheese plays an important role, such as pasta or salads, adding a generous portion of almond feta will give them just the right amount of zing and flavor. You can also sprinkle some almond feta on top of pizzas or vegetable dishes for a delicious and healthy topping.

8. Tofu Cream Cheese

This vegan cheese substitute has a texture very similar to provolone but is prepared with silken tofu rather than dairy. Tofu cream cheese is also lower in fat and calories, making it an excellent alternative for individuals attempting to eat healthily.

Using tofu cream cheese as a replacement for provolone is easy. Simply add about three-quarters of a cup of softened tofu cream cheese for every cup of provolone that a recipe calls for. The result is a creamy, spreadable cheese with fewer calories that tastes great on sandwiches or crackers. It’s even tasty when added to sauces or soups, giving them a cheesy taste without all the fat and calories of traditional cheeses.