Cream Cheese vs Fontina Cheese

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

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

Cream Cheese Overview

Cream cheese is a fresh, soft cheese made primarily from cow's milk. It is typically pasteurized and has a smooth, spreadable texture. The flavor profile is creamy, mild, and slightly sweet, making it a versatile addition to both savory and sweet dishes. It is white in color and lacks a rind, which contributes to its smooth and appealing appearance. Commonly used as a spread on bagels or as a base for cheesecakes and dips, cream cheese is a staple in many kitchens. Its fresh and pleasant aroma enhances its appeal for a variety of culinary applications. Additionally, flavored versions, such as fruit cream cheese, are also popular.

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

Cream 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. Cream Cheese is not a protected cheese. Fontina Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Cream Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Fontina Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw or pasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Cream Cheese's texture can be described as "fresh soft, processed". Fontina Cheese has a fat content of ~30-45% and a moisture content of none. Fontina's texture can be described as "semi-soft".

Taste and Aroma

Cream Cheese has a creamy, mild, sweet taste. Cream Cheese's aroma can be described as "fresh, pleasant". 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

Cream Cheese's appearance is colored white . 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

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

Ranking

Cream Cheese is ranked #191 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 Cream Cheese and Fontina pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a fresh soft, processed cheese, go for Cream Cheese. But if you enjoy a semi-soft consistency, Fontina might be the better pick. Cream Cheese has a creamy, mild, sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Fontina offers a mild, buttery, nutty profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Cream Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Fontina Cheese to Other Cheeses