Fontal Cheese vs Fontina Cheese
Fontal Cheese
Fontina Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Fontina Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
Buy Fontal Cheese
Buy Fontina Cheese
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 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 Fontal Cheese and Fontina Cheese?
- Texture: Fontal Cheese (Semi-hard), Fontina Cheese (Semi-soft)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Fontina Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Aosta Valley, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw (for traditional Italian Fontina), Pasteurized (for most American versions) |
| Texture | Semi-hard | Semi-soft |
| Rind | — | Natural, Often Washed |
| Aging | — | Typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor) |
| Taste | — | Mild, Buttery, Nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Fontina Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Fontina Cheese?
In most recipes, Fontal Cheese and Fontina Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Fontina Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard cheese, go with Fontal Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Fontina Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fontal Cheese the same as Fontina Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Fontina Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Fontina Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Fontina Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Fontal Cheese made of?
Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
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, Fontal Cheese or Fontina Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Fontal Cheese is semi-hard, while Fontina Cheese is semi-soft.