Brunost Cheese vs Fontina Cheese
Brunost Cheese
Fontina Cheese
Brunost Cheese is a semi-soft, whey cow and goat-milk cheese from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Fontina Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Brunost Cheese?
Brunost, or "brown cheese," is a distinctly Norwegian dairy product, often classified as a cheese, though it differs from traditional cheeses. It is made by boiling down the whey of goat's milk, cow's milk, or a combination of both, until the water evaporates, and the natural milk sugars caramelize. This process gives Brunost its unique brown color, sweet caramel-like flavor, and fudge-like texture. It is commonly sliced thin and served on bread, crispbreads, or waffles.
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 Brunost Cheese and Fontina Cheese?
- Origin: Brunost Cheese (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), Fontina Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Brunost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk), Fontina Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Brunost Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Fontina Cheese (Raw (for traditional Italian Fontina), Pasteurized (for most American versions))
- Texture: Brunost Cheese (semi-soft, whey), Fontina Cheese (Semi-Soft)
- Rind: Brunost Cheese (natural), Fontina Cheese (Natural, Often Washed)
- Taste: Brunost Cheese (caramel, sweet), Fontina Cheese (Mild, Buttery, Nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brunost Cheese | Fontina Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway And Sweden | Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's and goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Raw (for traditional Italian Fontina), Pasteurized (for most American versions) |
| Texture | Semi-soft, whey | Semi-Soft |
| Rind | Natural | Natural, Often Washed |
| Aging | — | Typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor) |
| Taste | Caramel, sweet | Mild, Buttery, Nutty |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Brunost Cheese | Fontina Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Chardonnay |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Grilled Cheese, Macaroni and Cheese, Mushrooms, Prosciutto, Sangiovese |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Brunost Cheese and Fontina Cheese
Brunost Cheese
Fontina Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Brunost Cheese Taste Like Fontina Cheese?
Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet, while Fontina Cheese brings mild, buttery, nutty character.
Can You Substitute Brunost Cheese for Fontina Cheese?
Brunost Cheese can stand in for Fontina Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, whey bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft. Flavor-wise, Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet while Fontina Cheese brings mild, buttery, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Brunost Cheese or Fontina Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, whey cheese, go with Brunost Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Fontina Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brunost Cheese suits recipes that want caramel, sweet notes, while Fontina Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, buttery, nutty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brunost Cheese the same as Fontina Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brunost Cheese originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Fontina Cheese comes from Italy. Brunost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk; Fontina Cheese uses cow.
Is Brunost Cheese similar to Fontina Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Brunost Cheese for Fontina Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Brunost Cheese taste like Fontina Cheese?
Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet, while Fontina Cheese is mild, buttery, nutty.
What is Brunost Cheese made of?
Brunost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
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, Brunost Cheese or Fontina Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brunost Cheese is semi-soft, whey, while Fontina Cheese is semi-soft.
See full profiles: Brunost Cheese and Fontina Cheese.