Brie Cheese vs Fontal Cheese
Brie Cheese
Fontal Cheese
Brie Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese, originating in Italy.
What Is Brie Cheese?
Brie is a soft cow's milk cheese named after the French region it comes from, pale under a white mould rind. It runs 60 to 75 percent butterfat and tastes creamy, nutty and mushroom-like, with a faint acidity. The rind is eaten along with the paste.
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 Brie Cheese and Fontal Cheese?
- Origin: Brie Cheese (France), Fontal Cheese (Italy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brie Cheese | Fontal Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Brie | Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft | — |
| Rind | Bloomy | — |
| Aging | At least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir | — |
| Taste | Nutty, Mushroom | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Brie Cheese Taste Like Fontal Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Brie Cheese for Fontal Cheese?
In most recipes, Brie Cheese and Fontal Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Brie 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 Brie Cheese the same as Fontal Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie Cheese originates in France, while Fontal Cheese comes from Italy.
Is Brie Cheese similar to Fontal Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Brie Cheese for Fontal Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Brie Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Brie Cheese made of?
Brie Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir. 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, Brie Cheese or Fontal Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.