Crème Fraîche Cheese vs Fontina Cheese
Crème Fraîche Cheese
Fontina Cheese
Crème Fraîche Cheese is a thick, highly viscous cheese from France, while Fontina Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Crème Fraîche Cheese?
Crème fraîche is a French soured cream made from cream and a bacterial culture, with 10 to 45% butterfat and a pH near 4.5. It is less sour than sour cream, and its fat content keeps it from curdling in hot sauces.
What Is Fontina Cheese?
Fontina is a cow's milk cheese from Italy's Aosta Valley, made there since the 12th century. It runs semisoft to hard, tastes creamy and nutty with earthy, mushroomy notes, and melts well enough to carry a fondue.
What's the Difference Between Crème Fraîche Cheese and Fontina Cheese?
- Origin: Crème Fraîche Cheese (France), Fontina Cheese (Italy)
- Texture: Crème Fraîche Cheese (thick, highly viscous), Fontina Cheese (Semi-Soft)
- Taste: Crème Fraîche Cheese (mildly sour), Fontina Cheese (Mild, Buttery, Nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Crème Fraîche Cheese | Fontina Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Normandy, France | Aosta Valley, Italy |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw (for traditional Italian Fontina), Pasteurized (for most American versions) |
| Texture | Thick, highly viscous | Semi-Soft |
| Rind | — | Natural, Often Washed |
| Aging | — | Typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor) |
| Taste | Mildly sour | Mild, Buttery, Nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Crème Fraîche Cheese Taste Like Fontina Cheese?
Crème Fraîche Cheese reads as mildly sour, while Fontina Cheese brings mild, buttery, nutty character. More specifically, Crème Fraîche Cheese shows cultured taste from lactococcus bacteria, less sour than sour cream, while Fontina Cheese leans toward buttery, earthy, mildly nutty, slightly fruity.
Can You Substitute Crème Fraîche Cheese for Fontina Cheese?
Crème Fraîche Cheese can stand in for Fontina Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect thick, highly viscous bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft. Flavor-wise, Crème Fraîche Cheese reads as mildly sour while Fontina Cheese brings mild, buttery, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Crème Fraîche Cheese or Fontina Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a thick, highly viscous cheese, go with Crème Fraîche Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Fontina Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Crème Fraîche Cheese suits recipes that want mildly sour notes, while Fontina Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, buttery, nutty.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crème Fraîche Cheese the same as Fontina Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Crème Fraîche Cheese originates in France, while Fontina Cheese comes from Italy.
Is Crème Fraîche Cheese similar to Fontina Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Crème Fraîche Cheese for Fontina Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Crème Fraîche Cheese taste like Fontina Cheese?
Crème Fraîche Cheese reads as mildly sour, while Fontina Cheese is mild, buttery, nutty.
What is Crème Fraîche Cheese made of?
Crème Fraîche Cheese is made from milk. It originates in France.
What is Fontina Cheese made of?
Fontina Cheese is made from cow milk (raw (for traditional italian fontina), pasteurized (for most american versions)), using traditional (animal) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor). It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Crème Fraîche Cheese or Fontina Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Crème Fraîche Cheese is thick, highly viscous, while Fontina Cheese is semi-soft.