Argentinian Grilled Provolone Cheese (Provoleta)

Provoleta is basically just browned and melted cheese. But though it seems simple, this Argentine dish can be a little tricky to make in its authentic form. Traditionally, a thick slice of provoleta—the name of the cheese as well as the dish—is placed on a hot grill over a charcoal fire until crisped and browned with a gooey just-melted center. Hot off the fire, it’s often served with grilled bread and chimichurri. Simple!

Yet for the novice provoletero, achieving the right balance of textures and flavors in the cheese can mean a bit of trial and error. The first problem is getting the right cheese. Recipes for provoleta generally call for provolone without mentioning that provoleta and provolone are not exactly the same product. In fact provoleta is the trademarked name of a cheese invented around 1940 specifically for grilling. It was created as a pre-game appetizer for the chargrilled meats for which Argentina is famous. It’s like provolone but not exactly the same. 

Since the real deal can’t be found in most grocery stores outside of South America, maybe it’s moot, but the point is that factors like the cheese’s age, protein and fat content can determine whether your slice will drip disastrously into the coals or brown beautifully in the smoky heat. Whether the provolone from your local grocer will perform as desired is something you must discover for yourself. 

The next hurdle, easier to clear by far, is getting thick slices. That means a trip to the deli counter, and then possibly some further effort convincing the person behind it that you really do want your cheese sliced that thickly. 

Finally, there’s dialing in the grill. The intensity of the fire, the distance to the grate, the timing—no recipe can spell these out. You’ve got to tackle the problem yourself. Maybe get a few extra slices just in case.