Cheddar Cheese vs Fontainebleau Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Fontainebleau Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar is a relatively hard, off-white to orange cow's milk cheese from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. The name is not protected, so it is made worldwide, and it is the UK's most popular cheese at 51% of the national cheese market.
What Is Fontainebleau Cheese?
Fontainebleau is a soft, white cheese originating from the Ile-de-France region in France. Made from cow's milk, it can be produced using either pasteurized or unpasteurized milk. This cheese has a high fat content of 60%, contributing to its rich and creamy texture. Fontainebleau is known for its mild, milky, and smooth flavor profile with a subtle sweetness. The aroma is fresh and mild, reflecting its milky nature. It is rindless, which adds to its smooth and velvety consistency. Fontainebleau is often enjoyed on its own or paired with fruits or pastries.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Fontainebleau Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Fontainebleau Cheese (France)
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), Fontainebleau Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Fontainebleau Cheese (soft)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Fontainebleau Cheese (rindless)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Fontainebleau Cheese (mild, milky, smooth, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Fontainebleau Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | France |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Ile-De-France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Soft |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Rindless |
| Aging | A few months to several years | — |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Mild, milky, smooth, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Fontainebleau Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Fontainebleau Cheese brings mild, milky, smooth, sweet character.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Fontainebleau Cheese?
In most recipes, Cheddar Cheese and Fontainebleau Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Fontainebleau Cheese brings mild, milky, smooth, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Fontainebleau Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go with Cheddar Cheese. For a soft profile, Fontainebleau Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Fontainebleau Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, milky, smooth, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Fontainebleau Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Fontainebleau Cheese comes from France.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Fontainebleau Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Fontainebleau Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Fontainebleau Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Fontainebleau Cheese is mild, milky, smooth, sweet.
What is Cheddar Cheese made of?
Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized), using animal; microbial chymosin in vegetarian and kosher versions rennet. It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
What is Fontainebleau Cheese made of?
Fontainebleau Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Fontainebleau Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Fontainebleau Cheese is soft.