Asiago Cheese vs Fontina Cheese
Asiago Cheese
Fontina Cheese
Asiago Cheese is a cheese from Italy, while Fontina Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Asiago Cheese?
This Italian cheese from the Veneto and Trentino regions comes in two varieties: fresh (Asiago Pressato) and aged (Asiago d'allevo). Fresh Asiago is soft and creamy with a sweet, mild flavor, while the aged version is harder, crumbly, and has a sharper, more pronounced taste. Asiago is versatile in the kitchen, used in everything from sandwiches to pasta dishes.
What Is Fontina Cheese?
Fontina is a classic Italian cheese from the Aosta Valley, with a dense, smooth texture and a nutty, earthy flavor. It is made from cow's milk and has a slightly elastic feel. Fontina is excellent for melting and is often used in dishes like risotto, fonduta, and as a table cheese.
What's the Difference Between Asiago Cheese and Fontina Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Asiago Cheese | Fontina Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw (for traditional Italian Fontina), Pasteurized (for most American versions) |
| Texture | — | Semi-Soft |
| Rind | — | Natural, Often Washed |
| Aging | — | Typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor) |
| Taste | — | Mild, Buttery, Nutty |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Asiago Cheese | Fontina Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Chardonnay |
| Other Good Pairings | Chorizo, Riesling | Grilled Cheese, Macaroni and Cheese, Mushrooms, Prosciutto, Sangiovese |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Asiago Cheese and Fontina Cheese
Asiago Cheese
Fontina Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Asiago Cheese Taste Like Fontina Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Asiago Cheese for Fontina Cheese?
Asiago Cheese can stand in for Fontina Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Asiago Cheese or Fontina Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asiago Cheese the same as Fontina Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Asiago Cheese similar to Fontina Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Asiago Cheese for Fontina Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Asiago Cheese taste like Fontina 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. It originates in Italy.
What is Fontina Cheese made of?
Fontina Cheese is made from cow milk (raw (for traditional italian fontina), pasteurized (for most american versions)), using traditional (animal) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor). It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Asiago Cheese or Fontina Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.
See full profiles: Asiago Cheese and Fontina Cheese.