Bread Cheese vs Fontal Cheese

Q: Is Bread Cheese the same as Fontal Cheese?

No. Bread Cheese and Fontal Cheese are distinct cheeses from Finland and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Bread Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Bread Cheese for Fontal Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Bread Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Bread Cheese or Fontal Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Bread Cheese

Fontal Cheese

Bread Cheese is a squeaky cow or goat-milk cheese from Finland, while Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese, originating in Italy.

What Is Bread Cheese?

Bread cheese, or leipäjuusto, is a Finnish fresh cheese traditionally made from cow's colostrum and baked until the surface browns. It has a mild flavor, squeaks against the teeth, and is usually eaten in slices with coffee.

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 Bread Cheese and Fontal Cheese?

Origin: Bread Cheese (Finland), Fontal Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Bread Cheese (cow, goat), Fontal Cheese (cow)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Bread Cheese	Fontal Cheese
Country of Origin	Finland	Italy
Specific Origin	Southern Ostrobothnia, Northern Finland And Kainuu, Finland	Italy
Milk Type	Cow, goat	Cow
Texture	Squeaky	—
Aging	Fresh	—
Taste	Mild	—

Taste Comparison: Does Bread Cheese Taste Like Fontal Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Bread Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

Bread Cheese can stand in for Fontal Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.

Which Is Better, Bread 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 Bread Cheese the same as Fontal Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Bread Cheese originates in Finland, while Fontal Cheese comes from Italy. Bread Cheese is made from cow or goat milk; Fontal Cheese uses cow.

Is Bread Cheese similar to Fontal Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Bread Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Bread Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Bread Cheese made of?

Bread Cheese is made from cow or goat milk. It's typically aged fresh. It originates in Finland.

What is Fontal Cheese made of?

Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Bread Cheese or Fontal Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.