Fontal Cheese vs Kanterkaas Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Kanterkaas Cheese is firm to hard and made from cow milk, originating in Netherlands.
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 Kanterkaas Cheese?
Kanterkaas is a Dutch cow's milk cheese from Friesland and the Westerkwartier, protected by a PDO since 2000. It comes plain, with cumin as Kanterkomijnekaas, or with cumin and cloves as Kanternagelkaas, and tastes sharp to strong.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Kanterkaas Cheese?
- Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Kanterkaas Cheese (Netherlands)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Kanterkaas Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Netherlands |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Friesland And Westerkwartier |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized |
| Texture | — | Firm to hard |
| Rind | — | Natural or coated (colorless/yellow) |
| Aging | — | Minimum 4 weeks |
| Taste | — | Pleasant, sharp to strong (varies with age) |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Kanterkaas Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Kanterkaas Cheese?
In most recipes, Fontal Cheese and Kanterkaas Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Kanterkaas 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 Kanterkaas Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Kanterkaas Cheese comes from Netherlands.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Kanterkaas Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Kanterkaas Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Kanterkaas 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 Kanterkaas Cheese made of?
Kanterkaas Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum 4 weeks. It originates in Netherlands.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Kanterkaas Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.