Colby-Jack Cheese vs Fontina Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Colby-Jack Cheese and Fontina Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Colby-Jack Cheese and Fontina Cheese?"
• "Is Colby-Jack Cheese and Fontina Cheese the same?"
• "How does Colby-Jack Cheese compare to Fontina Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Colby-Jack Cheese compare to Fontina Cheese?"
• "Is Colby-Jack Cheese or Fontina Cheese better?"

Colby-Jack Cheese Overview

Colby-Jack, or Co-jack, is a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses. It features a marbled mix of orange and white cheese, combining the mild flavor of Colby with the creamy texture of Monterey Jack. This cheese is particularly popular in the United States and is often used in cooking for its excellent melting properties.

Fontina Cheese Overview

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.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Colby-Jack Cheese comes from United States. Fontina Cheese originated from Italy.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Colby-Jack is not a protected cheese. Fontina Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Colby-Jack Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Fontina Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw or pasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Colby-Jack's texture can be described as "semi-hard, processed". Fontina Cheese has a fat content of ~30-45% and a moisture content of . Fontina's texture can be described as "semi-soft".

Taste and Aroma

Fontina Cheese has a mild, buttery, nutty taste. Fontina's aroma can be described as "mild to pungent (earthier in aged versions)".

Appearance and Aging

Fontina Cheese has a color of pale yellow to golden , comes in wheel, block, sliced, shredded and has an aging period of typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor) .

Rind and Rennet Type

Fontina Cheese's rind is described as natural, often washed , with traditional (animal) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet.

Ranking

Colby-Jack is ranked #101 out of 996 types based on community views. Fontina is ranked #65 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Colby-Jack and Fontina pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semi-hard, processed cheese, go for Colby-Jack. But if you enjoy a semi-soft consistency, Fontina might be the better pick.

Compare Colby-Jack Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Fontina Cheese to Other Cheeses