Fontal Cheese vs Kefalotyri Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Kefalotyri Cheese is hard and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Cyprus and Greece.
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 Kefalotyri Cheese?
Kefalotyri is a hard, salty cheese from Greece and Cyprus, made from sheep milk, goat milk, or both. It is known for grating over pasta and vegetables, and for saganaki, where slices are fried in olive oil.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Kefalotyri Cheese?
- Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Kefalotyri Cheese (Cyprus and Greece)
- Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Kefalotyri Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Kefalotyri Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Cyprus And Greece |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Greece And Cyprus |
| Milk Type | Cow | Goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized |
| Texture | — | Hard |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Aging | — | 2 to 3 months |
| Taste | — | Salty, sharp, spicy, strong, tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Kefalotyri Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Kefalotyri Cheese?
Fontal Cheese can stand in for Kefalotyri Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Kefalotyri 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 Kefalotyri Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Kefalotyri Cheese comes from Cyprus and Greece. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Kefalotyri Cheese uses goat or sheep.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Kefalotyri Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Kefalotyri Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Kefalotyri 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 Kefalotyri Cheese made of?
Kefalotyri Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 2 to 3 months. It originates in Cyprus and Greece.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Kefalotyri Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.