Fontal Cheese vs American Gruyere Cheese
Fontal Cheese
American Gruyere Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while American Gruyere Cheese is semi-firm and made from cow milk, originating in United States.
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 American Gruyere Cheese?
American Gruyere is a Gruyere-style cheese made in the United States, with Wisconsin producing the most of it. A U.S. court ruled in 2021 that gruyere is a generic cheese name, which leaves American makers free to use it.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and American Gruyere Cheese?
- Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), American Gruyere Cheese (United States)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | American Gruyere Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | United States |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Wisconsin, The U.S. |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized |
| Texture | — | Semi-Firm |
| Rind | — | Natural or Brushed, Sometimes Waxed |
| Aging | — | Typically 3-6 months |
| Taste | — | Mild, Nutty, Slightly Buttery |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like American Gruyere Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for American Gruyere Cheese?
In most recipes, Fontal Cheese and American Gruyere Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or American Gruyere 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 Fontal Cheese the same as American Gruyere Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while American Gruyere Cheese comes from United States.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to American Gruyere Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for American Gruyere Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like American Gruyere 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 American Gruyere Cheese made of?
American Gruyere Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using microbial or vegetarian (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically 3-6 months. It originates in United States.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or American Gruyere Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.