Castelo Branco Cheese vs Fontal Cheese

Q: Is Castelo Branco Cheese the same as Fontal Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Castelo Branco Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

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

Q: Does Castelo Branco Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Castelo Branco 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.

Castelo Branco Cheese

Fontal Cheese

Castelo Branco Cheese is a semisoft to hard goat and sheep-milk cheese from Portugal, while Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese, originating in Italy.

What Is Castelo Branco Cheese?

Castelo Branco is a soft Portuguese cheese made from goat or sheep milk and named after the city of Castelo Branco. It has carried a Protected Designation of Origin since 1996 and runs about 45% fat.

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 Castelo Branco Cheese and Fontal Cheese?

Origin: Castelo Branco Cheese (Portugal), Fontal Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Castelo Branco Cheese (goat's and sheep's milk), Fontal Cheese (cow)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Castelo Branco Cheese	Fontal Cheese
Country of Origin	Portugal	Italy
Specific Origin	Beira Baixa Province (Central Part Of Portugal)	Italy
Milk Type	Goat's and sheep's milk	Cow
Milk Treatment	Raw	—
Texture	Semisoft to hard	—
Rind	Natural	—
Aging	At least 90 days (for hard)	—
Taste	Sour, spicy, tangy	—

Taste Comparison: Does Castelo Branco Cheese Taste Like Fontal Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Castelo Branco Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Castelo Branco 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 Castelo Branco Cheese the same as Fontal Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Castelo Branco Cheese originates in Portugal, while Fontal Cheese comes from Italy. Castelo Branco Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk; Fontal Cheese uses cow.

Is Castelo Branco Cheese similar to Fontal Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Castelo Branco Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

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

Does Castelo Branco Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?

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

What is Castelo Branco Cheese made of?

Castelo Branco Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk (raw), using artichoke thistle enzyme rennet. It's typically aged at least 90 days (for hard). It originates in Portugal.

What is Fontal Cheese made of?

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

Which should I choose, Castelo Branco Cheese or Fontal Cheese?

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