Edam Cheese vs Fontal Cheese

Q: Is Edam Cheese the same as Fontal Cheese?

No. Edam Cheese and Fontal Cheese are distinct cheeses from Netherlands and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Edam Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Edam Cheese for Fontal Cheese, though the result will shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Q: Does Edam Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Edam Cheese or Fontal 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.

Edam Cheese

Fontal Cheese

Edam Cheese is a semi-hard, elastic cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Fontal Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

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What Is Edam Cheese?

Edam is a semi-hard Dutch cheese named after the town of Edam in North Holland, sold in flat-ended spheres under a red wax rind. It hardens rather than spoils, which made it the world's most popular cheese from the 14th to the 18th century.

What Is Fontal Cheese?

Fontal is one of the names that grew out of fontina, the cow's milk cheese first produced in Italy. Cheeses under derivative names like fontal are made in other parts of Italy and in Denmark, Sweden, Quebec, France, Argentina, and the United States.

What's the Difference Between Edam Cheese and Fontal Cheese?

Origin: Edam Cheese (Netherlands), Fontal Cheese (Italy)
Texture: Edam Cheese (Semi-hard, elastic), Fontal Cheese (Semi-hard)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Edam Cheese	Fontal Cheese
Country of Origin	Netherlands	Italy
Specific Origin	North Of Holland	Italy
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	—
Texture	Semi-hard, elastic	Semi-hard
Rind	Smooth, waxed	—
Aging	3 months to longer	—
Taste	Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery	—

Taste Comparison: Does Edam Cheese Taste Like Fontal Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Edam Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

In most recipes, Edam Cheese and Fontal Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard, elastic bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard.

Which Is Better, Edam Cheese or Fontal Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, elastic cheese, go with Edam Cheese. For a semi-hard profile, Fontal Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Edam Cheese the same as Fontal Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Edam Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Fontal Cheese comes from Italy.

Is Edam Cheese similar to Fontal Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Edam Cheese for Fontal Cheese?

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

Does Edam Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Edam Cheese made of?

Edam Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 3 months to longer. It originates in Netherlands.

What is Fontal Cheese made of?

Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Edam Cheese or Fontal Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Edam Cheese is semi-hard, elastic, while Fontal Cheese is semi-hard.