Fontal Cheese vs Livno Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Livno Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Livno Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Livno Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Livno 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 is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Livno Cheese is solid and made from cow and sheep milk, originating in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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 Livno Cheese?

Livno is a cheese from the Livno area of Bosnia and Herzegovina, first made in the 19th century using the French method for Gruyère. It is made mostly from a mix of sheep's and cow's milk, with a robust flavor that turns tangy with longer aging.

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

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Livno Cheese (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Livno Cheese (Sheep’s and cow’s milk)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Livno Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Bosnia And Herzegovina
Specific Origin	Italy	Livno Area
Milk Type	Cow	Sheep’s and cow’s milk
Milk Treatment	—	Heated
Texture	—	Solid
Aging	—	6 to 12 weeks (54–59°F [12–15°C] and humidity of 70–85%)
Taste	—	Mildly milky sour, moderately salty and piquant

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Livno Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Livno Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Livno 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 Livno Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Livno Cheese comes from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Livno Cheese uses cow and sheep.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Livno Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Livno Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Livno 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 Livno Cheese made of?

Livno Cheese is made from cow and sheep milk (heated), using natural calf rennet powd rennet. It's typically aged 6 to 12 weeks (54–59°f [12–15°c] and humidity of 70–85%). It originates in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Livno Cheese?

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