Caciocavallo Cheese vs Fontina-Style Cheese
Caciocavallo Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese
Caciocavallo Cheese is a firm to semihard, chewy to crumbly cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Fontina-Style Cheese is .
What Is Caciocavallo Cheese?
Caciocavallo is a stretched-curd cheese from southern Italy, made with sheep's or cow's milk and shaped like a teardrop. It has a hard edible rind and tastes much like the aged provolone of the same region.
What Is Fontina-Style Cheese?
Fontina-Style cheese is a semi-soft cheese known for its creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor. It draws inspiration from traditional Italian Fontina but is often made in various regions outside Italy. The cheese has a pale yellow interior with a few small holes and a natural rind. It melts well, making it a popular choice for cooking, particularly in sauces and fondues. The flavor is buttery and slightly earthy, which pairs well with a variety of foods. Fontina-Style cheese can be sliced for sandwiches or served as part of a cheese platter. It is also a good companion to fruits and nuts, enhancing its mild sweetness.
What's the Difference Between Caciocavallo Cheese and Fontina-Style Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Caciocavallo Cheese | Fontina-Style Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Apennine Mountain Range | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | — |
| Texture | Firm to semihard, chewy to crumbly | — |
| Rind | Smooth, thickens with age | — |
| Aging | 2 to 12 months, up to 5 years | — |
| Taste | Slightly sweet to sharp, piquant, complex | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Caciocavallo Cheese Taste Like Fontina-Style Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Caciocavallo Cheese for Fontina-Style Cheese?
Caciocavallo Cheese can stand in for Fontina-Style Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Caciocavallo Cheese or Fontina-Style 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 Caciocavallo Cheese the same as Fontina-Style Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Caciocavallo Cheese similar to Fontina-Style Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Caciocavallo Cheese for Fontina-Style Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Caciocavallo Cheese taste like Fontina-Style Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Caciocavallo Cheese made of?
Caciocavallo Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 2 to 12 months, up to 5 years. It originates in Italy.
What is Fontina-Style Cheese made of?
Fontina-Style Cheese is made from milk.
Which should I choose, Caciocavallo Cheese or Fontina-Style Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.