Beaufort Cheese vs Fontal Cheese
Beaufort Cheese
Fontal Cheese
Beaufort Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese, originating in Italy.
What Is Beaufort Cheese?
Beaufort is a firm raw cow's milk cheese from the Savoie region of the French Alps, part of the gruyère family. Its wheels take a concave shape from the beechwood hoop, and the cheese melts easily enough to be a standard choice for fondue.
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 Beaufort Cheese and Fontal Cheese?
- Origin: Beaufort Cheese (France), Fontal Cheese (Italy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Beaufort Cheese | Fontal Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Beaufortin Valley, Savoie Region | Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Hard | — |
| Rind | Even yellow color | — |
| Aging | 5 to 12+ months | — |
| Taste | Strong | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Beaufort Cheese Taste Like Fontal Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Beaufort Cheese for Fontal Cheese?
In most recipes, Beaufort Cheese and Fontal Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Beaufort 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 Beaufort Cheese the same as Fontal Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Beaufort Cheese originates in France, while Fontal Cheese comes from Italy.
Is Beaufort Cheese similar to Fontal Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Beaufort Cheese for Fontal Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Beaufort Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Beaufort Cheese made of?
Beaufort Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using dried calves’ abomasum in recuite rennet. It's typically aged 5 to 12+ months. It originates in France.
What is Fontal Cheese made of?
Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Beaufort Cheese or Fontal Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.