Fontal Cheese vs Idiazabal Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Idiazabal Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Idiazabal Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Fontal Cheese for Idiazabal Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Idiazabal Cheese?

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

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

Fontal Cheese

Idiazabal Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Idiazabal Cheese is firm, slightly elastic and made from sheep milk, originating in Spain.

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 Idiazabal Cheese?

Idiazabal is a pressed sheep's milk cheese from the Basque Country, made with unpasteurized milk and named after a town in Gipuzkoa. It is usually sold unsmoked, tastes strong and slightly piquant, and has held a Denomination of Origin since 1987.

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

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Idiazabal Cheese (Spain)
Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Idiazabal Cheese (Sheep)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Idiazabal Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Spain
Specific Origin	Italy	Basque Country, Navarre
Milk Type	Cow	Sheep
Milk Treatment	—	Raw
Texture	—	Firm, slightly elastic
Rind	—	Hard, smooth
Aging	—	60 days
Taste	—	Intense, slightly piquant

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Idiazabal Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Idiazabal Cheese?

Fontal Cheese can stand in for Idiazabal Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Idiazabal 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 Idiazabal Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Idiazabal Cheese comes from Spain. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Idiazabal Cheese uses sheep.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Idiazabal Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Idiazabal Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Idiazabal 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 Idiazabal Cheese made of?

Idiazabal Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw), using traditional lamb rennet. It's typically aged 60 days. It originates in Spain.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Idiazabal Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.