Queso de Burgos vs Fontal Cheese

Q: Is Queso de Burgos the same as Fontal Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Queso de Burgos for Fontal Cheese?

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

Q: Does Queso de Burgos taste like Fontal Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Queso de Burgos 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.

Queso de Burgos

Fontal Cheese

Queso de Burgos is a fresh, slightly grainy or buttery, elastic, slightly fatty cow and sheep-milk cheese from Spain, while Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese, originating in Italy.

What Is Queso de Burgos?

Queso de Burgos is a fresh white cheese from the province of Burgos, Spain, eaten within days of being made. Once a sheep's milk cheese sold at the Burgos market, it received EU Protected Geographical Indication status in September 2025.

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 Queso de Burgos and Fontal Cheese?

Origin: Queso de Burgos (Spain), Fontal Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Queso de Burgos (Cow’s and sheep’s milk), Fontal Cheese (cow)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Queso de Burgos	Fontal Cheese
Country of Origin	Spain	Italy
Specific Origin	Province Of Burgos	Italy
Milk Type	Cow’s and sheep’s milk	Cow
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	—
Texture	Fresh, slightly grainy or buttery, elastic, slightly fatty	—
Rind	None	—
Aging	Fresh, not matured	—
Taste	Mild, milky, and slightly sweet	—

Taste Comparison: Does Queso de Burgos Taste Like Fontal Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Queso de Burgos for Fontal Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Queso de Burgos 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 Queso de Burgos the same as Fontal Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Queso de Burgos originates in Spain, while Fontal Cheese comes from Italy. Queso de Burgos is made from cow and sheep milk; Fontal Cheese uses cow.

Is Queso de Burgos similar to Fontal Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Queso de Burgos for Fontal Cheese?

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

Does Queso de Burgos taste like Fontal Cheese?

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

What is Queso de Burgos made of?

Queso de Burgos is made from cow and sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged fresh, not matured. It originates in Spain.

What is Fontal Cheese made of?

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

Which should I choose, Queso de Burgos or Fontal Cheese?

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