If you love authentic Italian food, there’s one cheese that instantly transports your taste buds to Italy: Auricchio Provolone. Family-run since 1877, this iconic brand was founded by Gennaro Auricchio near Naples, who created a secret recipe for Provolone Piccante that’s still used today. More than 140 years later, Auricchio remains one of Italy’s most respected cheesemakers; known for producing handcrafted Provolone that tastes just like it did in 1877.
Whether you love the creamy melt of Dolce or the bold bite of Piccante, here are five fun and unexpected ways to cook with this beloved Italian cheese. These ideas are guaranteed to bring an authentic taste of Italy to your table!
1. Melt It: Gooey, Golden Comfort Food
When melted, Auricchio Provolone transforms any dish into warm, savory bliss. Its smooth texture and rich flavor make it a next-level flavor upgrade for baked dishes and gratins.
Try this: Gnocchi with Cabbage and Auricchio Mild Provolone Creamy gnocchi tossed with caramelized cabbage and topped with ribbons of Provolone that melt into the sauce for a luscious finish. It’s an elegant fall update on your basic gnocchi dish.
Pro tip: Mild Provolone (Dolce) gives silky, buttery depth — perfect for cozy, cheesy dinners.
2. Grate It: A Sharp Finishing Touch
Skip the usual Parmigiano and grate aged Auricchio Sharp Provolone over salads, pasta, soups, or risotto. Its tangy, nutty flavor adds punch to every bite! With Auricchio’s handcrafted, authentic aged Provolones a little goes a long way to add oomph to all your cooking.
Try this: Carbonara with Auricchio and Guanciale Crackling A creative twist on the Roman classic pasta with sharp Auricchio Provolone deepening the sauce (while crispy guanciale adds irresistible crunch.) Serve this with a wedge of Auricchio Provolone for grating at the table!
Pro tip: Use the “Piccante” or “Stravecchio” versions for the most robust flavor.
3. Stuff It: A Cheesy Surprise Inside
Forget simple pastas…why not stuff it? Auricchio Provolone adds richness and structure when baked inside vegetables, pasta tubes, eggplant rolatini, lasagna, or even meat rolls. Its excellent melting quality means every forkful oozes flavor and luscious, sharp Provolone.
Try this: Paccheri Stuffed Zucchini Parmigiana This unique dish features stuffed pasta tubes layered with zucchini, leeks, and diced Sharp Provolone, baked until golden and bubbling.
Pro tip: The balance of veggies and cheese keeps it lighter than lasagna, but every bite still tastes indulgent.
4. Layer It and Love It: Elegant, Italian Appetizers, Sandwiches and Cheeseboards
Auricchio Provolone isn’t just for cooking; it makes stunning antipasti and is also the perfect addition to all your cheeseboards. Use it to top warm sandwiches like iconic Philly Cheesesteaks or to give your basic grilled cheese a flavor boost. Try this: “Milano-Capri” with Auricchio Sharp Provolone Perfect for parties; this modern Italian stack of grilled vegetables, ham, and Auricchio Provolone, is finished with olive oil and herbs.
Pro tip: Slice the cheese thinly for layering — it’s incredible flavor with shine through!
5. Snack It: Bite-Sized, Big Flavor
Provolone can even be a snack or party star! Grate, fry, or bake it into crispy bites or cheesesticks in place of the typical mozzarella. Auricchio Provolone can also be diced to make simple Antipasti skewers layered with Italian charcuterie, pickled vegetables, grape tomatoes. Just drizzle with some Italian vinaigrette for a simple but crowdpleasing appetizer.
Try this: Grilled Aubergines & Auricchio Mild Provolone — smoky, melty, and ideal for a warm Italian aperitivo.
Pro tip: A drizzle of honey or aged balsamic takes melted Provolone from simple to sophisticated.
Why Choose Auricchio
Every bite of Auricchio Provolone carries the mark of four generations of family tradition! It’s hand-tied, hand-shaped, and aged with care in the same way Gennaro Auricchio did in the 19th century. It’s that dedication that makes this cheese taste like Italy itself: bold, warm, and full of history.
So next time you’re craving something cheesy, skip the ordinary and reach for Auricchio Provolone. It’s not just cheese, it’s a delicious taste of authentic Italian heritage.
