Fontal Cheese vs Leicester Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Leicester Cheese is firm, dry, crumbly and made from cow milk, originating in United Kingdom.
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 Leicester Cheese?
Red Leicester is a crumbly cow's milk cheese from Leicestershire, England, close to Cheddar and coloured orange with annatto. Young wheels taste very mild and slightly sweet; after about six months the cheese picks up a tang.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Leicester Cheese?
- Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Leicester Cheese (United Kingdom)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Leicester Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Italy | England |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow |
| Texture | — | Firm, dry, crumbly |
| Rind | — | Reddish-orange with a powdery mould |
| Aging | — | 6 to 12 months |
| Taste | — | Slightly sweet, mellow, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Leicester Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Leicester Cheese?
In most recipes, Fontal Cheese and Leicester Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Leicester 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 Leicester Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Leicester Cheese comes from United Kingdom.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Leicester Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Leicester Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Leicester 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 Leicester Cheese made of?
Leicester Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 6 to 12 months. It originates in United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Leicester Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.