American Cheese vs Fontal Cheese
American Cheese
Fontal Cheese
American Cheese is a semi-soft, processed cow-milk cheese from United States, while Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese, originating in Italy.
What Is American Cheese?
American cheese is a processed cheese made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses with sodium citrate added so it pasteurizes without separating. It is mild, salty, and medium-firm, and it melts at a low temperature, which is why it lands on burgers and in grilled cheese.
What Is Fontal Cheese?
Fontal is one of the names that grew out of fontina, the cow's milk cheese first produced in Italy. Cheeses under derivative names like fontal are made in other parts of Italy and in Denmark, Sweden, Quebec, France, Argentina, and the United States.
What's the Difference Between American Cheese and Fontal Cheese?
- Origin: American Cheese (United States), Fontal Cheese (Italy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| American Cheese | Fontal Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | Italy |
| Specific Origin | The U.S. | Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Pastuerized | — |
| Texture | Semi-soft, processed | — |
| Rind | Rindless | — |
| Taste | Mild, salty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does American Cheese Taste Like Fontal Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute American Cheese for Fontal Cheese?
In most recipes, American Cheese and Fontal Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, American Cheese or Fontal Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Cheese the same as Fontal Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. American Cheese originates in United States, while Fontal Cheese comes from Italy.
Is American Cheese similar to Fontal Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute American Cheese for Fontal Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does American Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is American Cheese made of?
American Cheese is made from cow milk (pastuerized). It originates in United States.
What is Fontal Cheese made of?
Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, American Cheese or Fontal Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.