Emmental Cheese vs Fontina-Style Cheese
Emmental Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese
Emmental Cheese is a hard or medium-hard cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Fontina-Style Cheese is .
What Is Emmental Cheese?
Emmental is a yellow, medium-hard Swiss cheese from the Emme Valley, known for the natural holes that run through it. The taste is savoury but mild. It is eaten cold in chunks or slices and melted into dishes such as gratins.
What Is Fontina-Style Cheese?
Fontina-Style cheese is a semi-soft cheese known for its creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor. It draws inspiration from traditional Italian Fontina but is often made in various regions outside Italy. The cheese has a pale yellow interior with a few small holes and a natural rind. It melts well, making it a popular choice for cooking, particularly in sauces and fondues. The flavor is buttery and slightly earthy, which pairs well with a variety of foods. Fontina-Style cheese can be sliced for sandwiches or served as part of a cheese platter. It is also a good companion to fruits and nuts, enhancing its mild sweetness.
What's the Difference Between Emmental Cheese and Fontina-Style Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Emmental Cheese | Fontina-Style Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | — |
| Specific Origin | Emmental, Canton Of Bern | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | — |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Hard or medium-hard | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | 4 months to over 1 year | — |
| Taste | Nutty, sweet | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Emmental Cheese Taste Like Fontina-Style Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Emmental Cheese for Fontina-Style Cheese?
Emmental Cheese can stand in for Fontina-Style Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Emmental Cheese or Fontina-Style Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Emmental Cheese the same as Fontina-Style Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Emmental Cheese similar to Fontina-Style Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Emmental Cheese for Fontina-Style Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Emmental Cheese taste like Fontina-Style Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Emmental Cheese made of?
Emmental Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged 4 months to over 1 year. It originates in Switzerland.
What is Fontina-Style Cheese made of?
Fontina-Style Cheese is made from milk.
Which should I choose, Emmental Cheese or Fontina-Style Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.