Anari Cheese vs Fontina-Style Cheese
Anari Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese
Anari Cheese is a soft, crumbly curds goat or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, while Fontina-Style Cheese is .
What Is Anari Cheese?
Anari is a fresh, mild whey cheese from Cyprus, made mostly from the whey left over from halloumi or kefalotyri. Soft and chalk-white when young, it is eaten with carob syrup or honey, or salted and dried into a hard cheese for grating.
What Is Fontina-Style Cheese?
Fontina-Style cheese is a semi-soft cheese known for its creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor. It draws inspiration from traditional Italian Fontina but is often made in various regions outside Italy. The cheese has a pale yellow interior with a few small holes and a natural rind. It melts well, making it a popular choice for cooking, particularly in sauces and fondues. The flavor is buttery and slightly earthy, which pairs well with a variety of foods. Fontina-Style cheese can be sliced for sandwiches or served as part of a cheese platter. It is also a good companion to fruits and nuts, enhancing its mild sweetness.
What's the Difference Between Anari Cheese and Fontina-Style Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Anari Cheese | Fontina-Style Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus | — |
| Specific Origin | Cyprus | — |
| Milk Type | Goat's or sheep's milk | — |
| Milk Treatment | Gradually heated to 149–158°F, then to 194°F | — |
| Texture | Soft, crumbly curds | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | Fresh (2-3 days shelf life), Salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months) | — |
| Taste | Very mild nutty flavor | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Anari Cheese Taste Like Fontina-Style Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Anari Cheese for Fontina-Style Cheese?
Anari Cheese can stand in for Fontina-Style Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Anari Cheese or Fontina-Style 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 Anari Cheese the same as Fontina-Style Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Anari Cheese similar to Fontina-Style Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Anari Cheese for Fontina-Style Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Anari Cheese taste like Fontina-Style Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Anari Cheese made of?
Anari Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (gradually heated to 149–158°f, then to 194°f). It's typically aged fresh (2-3 days shelf life), salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months). It originates in Cyprus.
What is Fontina-Style Cheese made of?
Fontina-Style Cheese is made from milk.
Which should I choose, Anari Cheese or Fontina-Style Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.