Farmer's Cheese vs Fontina-Style Cheese
Farmer's Cheese is a soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese, while Fontina-Style Cheese is .
What Is Farmer's Cheese?
Farmer's cheese is pressed curds, an unripened cheese made by adding rennet and a bacterial starter to milk. It comes from cow, sheep or goat milk, and the style ranges from pressed cottage cheese to a firm wheel close to Monterey Jack.
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 Farmer's Cheese and Fontina-Style Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Farmer's Cheese | Fontina-Style Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | — |
| Texture | Soft | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | Unripened | — |
| Taste | Creamy | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Farmer's Cheese Taste Like Fontina-Style Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Farmer's Cheese for Fontina-Style Cheese?
Farmer's 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, Farmer's 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 Farmer's Cheese the same as Fontina-Style Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Farmer's Cheese similar to Fontina-Style Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Farmer's Cheese for Fontina-Style Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Farmer's 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 Farmer's Cheese made of?
Farmer's Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, using animal rennet. It's typically aged unripened.
What is Fontina-Style Cheese made of?
Fontina-Style Cheese is made from milk.
Which should I choose, Farmer's Cheese or Fontina-Style Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.