Brunost Cheese vs Danish Fontina Cheese

Q: Is Brunost Cheese the same as Danish Fontina Cheese?

No. Brunost Cheese and Danish Fontina Cheese are distinct cheeses from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden and Denmark respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Brunost Cheese for Danish Fontina Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Brunost Cheese for Danish Fontina Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Brunost Cheese or Danish Fontina 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.

Brunost Cheese is a semi-soft, whey cow and goat-milk cheese from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Danish Fontina Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Denmark.

What Is Brunost Cheese?

Brunost is a Norwegian whey product made by boiling whey with milk and cream until the milk sugars caramelize. It is brown, sweet and firm enough to slice, and it is eaten like cheese on sandwiches, crispbread and waffles.

What Is Danish Fontina Cheese?

Danish Fontina is a semi-soft cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk in Denmark. It has a creamy and buttery flavor with a milky aroma, making it a pleasant choice for many cheese lovers. The cheese is pale yellow in color and features a waxed rind, which helps maintain its smooth texture. Often referred to as Danish Fontal, this cheese is crafted in an artisan style, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Its mild taste makes it suitable for a variety of culinary uses, from sandwiches to fondue. Danish Fontina is an excellent choice for those seeking a gentle yet flavorful cheese.

What's the Difference Between Brunost Cheese and Danish Fontina Cheese?

Origin: Brunost Cheese (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), Danish Fontina Cheese (Denmark)
Milk type: Brunost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk), Danish Fontina Cheese (cow's milk)
Milk treatment: Brunost Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Danish Fontina Cheese (pasteurized)
Texture: Brunost Cheese (semi-soft, whey), Danish Fontina Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
Rind: Brunost Cheese (natural), Danish Fontina Cheese (waxed)
Taste: Brunost Cheese (caramel, sweet), Danish Fontina Cheese (buttery, creamy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Brunost Cheese	Danish Fontina Cheese
Country of Origin	Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway And Sweden	Denmark
Specific Origin	Gudbrandsdalen, Norway	—
Milk Type	Cow's and goat's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized or unpasteurized	Pasteurized
Texture	Semi-soft, whey	Semi-soft, artisan
Rind	Natural	Waxed
Aging	Unaged, ready once packed and refrigerated	—
Taste	Caramel, sweet	Buttery, creamy

Taste Comparison: Does Brunost Cheese Taste Like Danish Fontina Cheese?

Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet, while Danish Fontina Cheese brings buttery, creamy character.

Can You Substitute Brunost Cheese for Danish Fontina Cheese?

Brunost Cheese can stand in for Danish Fontina Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, whey bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet while Danish Fontina Cheese brings buttery, creamy notes.

Which Is Better, Brunost Cheese or Danish Fontina Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, whey cheese, go with Brunost Cheese. For a semi-soft, artisan profile, Danish Fontina Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brunost Cheese suits recipes that want caramel, sweet notes, while Danish Fontina Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, creamy.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brunost Cheese the same as Danish Fontina Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brunost Cheese originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Danish Fontina Cheese comes from Denmark. Brunost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk; Danish Fontina Cheese uses cow.

Is Brunost Cheese similar to Danish Fontina Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brunost Cheese for Danish Fontina Cheese?

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

Does Brunost Cheese taste like Danish Fontina Cheese?

Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet, while Danish Fontina Cheese is buttery, creamy.

What is Brunost Cheese made of?

Brunost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged unaged, ready once packed and refrigerated. It originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

What is Danish Fontina Cheese made of?

Danish Fontina Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in Denmark.

Which should I choose, Brunost Cheese or Danish Fontina Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brunost Cheese is semi-soft, whey, while Danish Fontina Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.