Derby Cheese vs Fontina Cheese

Derby Cheese is a semi-firm, artisan cow-milk cheese from England and United Kingdom, while Fontina Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Derby Cheese?

Derby is a mild, semi-firm cow's milk cheese from Derbyshire, England, with a smooth, mellow texture and a buttery flavour. It sits close to Cheddar in taste but stays softer, and its best known version is the sage-flecked Sage Derby.

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 Derby Cheese and Fontina Cheese?

• Origin: Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom), Fontina Cheese (Italy)
• Texture: Derby Cheese (semi-firm, artisan), Fontina Cheese (Semi-Soft)
• Rind: Derby Cheese (natural or waxed), Fontina Cheese (Natural, Often Washed)
• Aging: Derby Cheese (1 to 6 months), Fontina Cheese (Typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor))
• Taste: Derby Cheese (buttery, mild, sweet), Fontina Cheese (Mild, Buttery, Nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Derby Cheese Taste Like Fontina Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Fontina Cheese brings mild, buttery, nutty character. On the nose, Derby Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Fontina Cheese's mild to pungent (earthier in aged versions). More specifically, Derby Cheese shows springy and mild when young, turning firmer and subtly sweet with age, while Fontina Cheese leans toward buttery, earthy, mildly nutty, slightly fruity. Aging plays into this as well. Derby Cheese at 1 to 6 months develops a different profile than Fontina Cheese at typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor).

Can You Substitute Derby Cheese for Fontina Cheese?

In most recipes, Derby Cheese and Fontina Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-firm, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet while Fontina Cheese brings mild, buttery, nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Derby Cheese or Fontina Cheese?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Derby Cheese the same as Fontina Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Derby Cheese originates in England and United Kingdom, while Fontina Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Derby Cheese is typically aged 1 to 6 months, Fontina Cheese typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor).

Is Derby Cheese similar to Fontina Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Derby Cheese for Fontina Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Derby Cheese taste like Fontina Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Fontina Cheese is mild, buttery, nutty. Aromas also diverge. Derby Cheese leans mild, and Fontina Cheese is closer to mild to pungent (earthier in aged versions).

What is Derby Cheese made of?

Derby Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 1 to 6 months. It originates in England and United Kingdom.

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, Derby Cheese or Fontina Cheese?

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