Ooey-Gooey Provolone Goodness Recipe for Cheese Lovers

Melding rich provolone goodness into a culinary masterpiece promises pure delight for cheese enthusiasts.

Smooth and bold flavors dance across your palate with each carefully crafted bite.

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated this remarkable ingredient’s versatility and depth.

Creamy textures mingle with robust undertones, creating a sensational experience that beckons adventurous cooks.

Passionate home chefs understand how simple ingredients can become extraordinary when treated with respect and creativity.

Your taste buds will thank you for embarking on this delectable journey.

Let the magic of provolone inspire your next memorable meal.

Best Way To Store Provolone Goodness

• Preserve your delicious provolone creation with smart refrigeration techniques.
• Wrap leftover melted provolone tightly in plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container for maximum freshness.
• Refrigerate immediately after cooling to room temperature, ensuring the cheese stays tasty for up to 3-4 days.
• Gently reheat in a skillet or microwave when ready to enjoy again, watching carefully to prevent overcooking.
• For best quality, consume within two days of preparation to maintain the optimal flavor and texture of your cheesy delight.

Tasty Pairings For Provolone Goodness

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Elevate the melted provolone's rich, salty flavor by serving it alongside a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, cutting through the cheese's richness with bright, zesty notes.
• Match with Mediterranean Mezze: Create a stunning appetizer spread by surrounding the baked provolone with olive tapenade, roasted red peppers, hummus, and warm pita bread for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.
• Complement with Spicy Charcuterie: Serve the melted provolone alongside spicy salami, pepperoni, or chorizo to enhance the dish's garlic and red pepper flake undertones, creating a bold flavor combination.
• Add Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle extra fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary alongside the provolone to brighten the dish and add a layer of aromatic complexity that complements the cheese's warm, melted texture.

Creative Takes On Provolone Goodness

• Mediterranean Mix: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese alongside provolone, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Incorporate diced jalapeños, sprinkle cumin, and top with chopped cilantro to create a zesty southwestern version of the cheese dish.
• Herb Garden Blend: Combine fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage with the existing herbs, creating a fragrant and earthy alternative that elevates the provolone's natural richness.
• Italian Truffle Elegance: Drizzle white truffle oil over the melted provolone and garnish with finely chopped chives for a luxurious and sophisticated rendition.

Common Questions About Provolone Goodness

• What type of provolone works best for this recipe?

Aged provolone provides the most robust flavor, but mild or semi-aged provolone also work wonderfully. Slice thickness matters – aim for medium-thick slices around 1/4 inch for optimal melting.

• Can I add other herbs or spices to customize the flavor?

Absolutely! Try adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil. For extra kick, include some crushed red pepper or smoked paprika. Experiment with your favorite herbs to create a unique taste profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic cheese and herb preparation is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure you serve with gluten-free bread or crackers if needed. Double-check your specific herb and spice brands to confirm total gluten-free status.

• How can I prevent the cheese from sticking to the pan?

Use a nonstick skillet or well-seasoned cast-iron pan. A light brush of olive oil before adding cheese helps prevent sticking. For baking, use a well-greased oven-safe dish or parchment paper.

Why Provolone Goodness Is So Melt-In-Your-Mouth Delicious

• Quick Cheese Delight: Discover an incredibly easy recipe that transforms simple provolone into a mouthwatering appetizer in just minutes, perfect for spontaneous snack cravings or last-minute entertaining needs.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Enjoy the flexibility of two amazing preparation techniques – baking or skillet-frying – which allow you to create a delicious cheese dish based on your kitchen equipment and mood.
• Flavor-Packed Experience: Elevate basic provolone with a zesty blend of garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and black pepper, creating a sensational taste explosion that will impress your taste buds and guests alike.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Satisfaction: With just a few common pantry staples and provolone cheese, you can whip up a restaurant-quality appetizer that looks and tastes gourmet but requires minimal cooking skills and time.

What Goes Into Provolone Goodness

• Provolone: Creamy, melty cheese that forms the heart of the dish. Choose a high-quality, full-flavored provolone for best results. Sliced or block versions work perfectly.

• Garlic, Oregano, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Aromatic seasonings that add depth and warmth to the cheese. Fresh herbs provide a more vibrant flavor compared to dried varieties.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior and enhances overall flavor. Extra virgin olive oil recommended for best taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and a light, clean finish to the dish.

• Bread, Crackers: Crispy base for scooping and enjoying the melted cheese. Crusty bread or artisan crackers work wonderfully.

Instructions For Provolone Goodness Made Simple

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm your oven to a toasty 400F (200C). Grab a small oven-safe dish or trusty cast-iron skillet and give it a light coating of cooking spray.

Step 2: Arrange Cheese Base

Spread out your provolone slices or chunk in the prepared cooking vessel, creating a delicious canvas for flavor.

Step 3: Craft Flavor Blend

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper

Drizzle this magical mixture over the waiting cheese.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide your skillet into the heated oven. Let the cheese transform for 8-10 minutes until it bubbles with golden excitement.

Step 5: Finish with Flair

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley across the melted landscape. Serve immediately alongside crispy toasted bread or crunchy crackers.

Alternative Cooking Method

Step 1: Skillet Sizzle

Place a nonstick skillet on medium heat. Splash in a bit of olive oil.

Step 2: Cheese Placement

• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Black pepper

Step 3: Golden Transformation

Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Carefully flip and cook another 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Transfer to a serving plate. Scatter fresh parsley on top. Accompany with warm bread or crisp crackers.

Smart Tips For Cooking Provolone Goodness

• Select Cheese Wisely: Choose high-quality, aged provolone for deeper flavor and better melting consistency. Opt for provolone piccante for a sharper taste or provolone dolce for milder notes.
• Prevent Cheese Sticking: Lightly grease your baking dish or skillet with olive oil to ensure easy cheese removal and prevent burning. Use a nonstick pan for smoother cooking experience.
• Control Heat Carefully: Monitor cooking temperature closely to achieve perfect golden-brown edges without burning the cheese. Medium heat works best for even melting and beautiful caramelization.
• Boost Flavor Combinations: Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary, or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for extra kick. Fresh herbs added after cooking provide vibrant, fresh taste and aroma.
• Serve Immediately Hot: Enjoy provolone immediately after cooking for optimal texture and melting quality. Pair with crusty bread, crackers, or as a delightful appetizer to impress guests.

Provolone Goodness Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Melted provolone goodness brings Italian charm straight to home kitchens with minimal effort. Bold cheese flavors meld perfectly, creating a simple yet irresistible dish you’ll want to savor again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) provolone cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Herbs and Spices:

• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley

Serving Accompaniments:

• Toasted baguette slices
• Crackers
• Marinara sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare your culinary workspace by heating the oven to a precise 400F (200C), ensuring an optimal environment for transforming provolone into a delectable appetizer.
2. Select a petite oven-safe vessel, such as a compact cast-iron skillet or ceramic dish, and delicately coat its interior with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent adherence.
3. Arrange provolone slices or a singular provolone block within the prepared cooking receptacle, positioning it centrally for even heat distribution.
4. Craft a flavor-enhancing elixir by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, fragrant oregano, fiery red pepper flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper in a separate mixing bowl.
5. Cascade the aromatic oil mixture generously over the waiting cheese, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor infusion.
6. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing the provolone to undergo a transformative melting process for approximately 8-10 minutes until it reaches a gloriously bubbling, golden state.
7. Extract the molten cheese creation, adorning its surface with a sprinkle of vibrant, freshly chopped parsley for a touch of herbal brightness.
8. Serve immediately alongside crisp, toasted bread or crunchy crackers, inviting guests to indulge in this warm, indulgent appetizer.

Alternative Preparation Method

1. Select a nonstick skillet and warm it over medium heat, introducing a drizzle of olive oil to create a smooth cooking surface.
2. Gently place provolone slices into the heated pan, creating a canvas for flavor development.
3. Liberally dust the cheese with aromatic garlic, dried oregano, and a whisper of black pepper, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify.
4. Monitor the provolone’s transformation, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the edges transform into a tantalizing golden-brown hue.
5. With precision and care, execute a delicate flip, continuing the culinary alchemy for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Remove the skillet from heat, crowning the crispy provolone with a scattering of fresh parsley.
7. Present immediately alongside crusty bread or crisp crackers, inviting immediate consumption of this irresistible cheese creation.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, firm provolone that melts smoothly and holds its shape during cooking.
• Temperature Control is Key: Watch carefully to prevent burning, as provolone can quickly go from perfectly golden to overdone.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to create unique taste profiles for the melted cheese.
• Dietary Adaptations: Use lactose-free provolone for dairy-sensitive individuals or try goat milk provolone for a tangy alternative.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg