Asiago Cheese vs Fontal Cheese
Asiago Cheese
Fontal Cheese
Asiago Cheese is a cheese from Italy, while Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese, originating in Italy.
What Is Asiago Cheese?
Asiago is a cow's milk cheese from the Asiago plateau in Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy, made either young and soft (Asiago pressato) or aged and crumbly (Asiago d'allevo). It carries Italian DOP status, though the name is treated as generic in the U.S. and Australia.
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 Asiago Cheese and Fontal Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Asiago Cheese | Fontal Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Veneto And Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy | Italy |
| Milk Type | — | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Raw (Asiago d'allevo) | — |
| Rind | Thin, elastic (Asiago pressato) | — |
| Aging | 20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged | — |
| Taste | Sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Asiago Cheese Taste Like Fontal Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Asiago Cheese for Fontal Cheese?
Asiago Cheese can stand in for Fontal Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Asiago 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 Asiago Cheese the same as Fontal Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Asiago Cheese similar to Fontal Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Asiago Cheese for Fontal Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Asiago Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Asiago Cheese made of?
Asiago Cheese is made from milk (raw (asiago d'allevo)), using rennet. It's typically aged 20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged. It originates in Italy.
What is Fontal Cheese made of?
Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Asiago Cheese or Fontal Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.