Fontal Cheese vs Mimolette Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Mimolette Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Mimolette Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Fontal Cheese for Mimolette Cheese, though the result will shift in flavor and finish.

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Mimolette Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Mimolette 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

Mimolette Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Mimolette Cheese is smooth, creamy body and made from cow milk, originating in France.

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 Mimolette Cheese?

Mimolette is a hard, bright orange cow's milk cheese made around Lille in northern France. It is sold at several ages, from young wheels that taste like Parmesan to extra-old ones with a hazelnut flavor and a grey, mite-worked rind.

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

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Mimolette Cheese (France)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Mimolette Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	France
Specific Origin	Italy	Flanders Area Of Pas-De-Calais
Milk Type	Cow	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	—	Pasteurized
Texture	—	Smooth, creamy body
Rind	—	Natural
Aging	—	6 weeks to 24 months
Taste	—	Sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Mimolette Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Mimolette Cheese?

In most recipes, Fontal Cheese and Mimolette Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Mimolette 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 Mimolette Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Mimolette Cheese comes from France.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Mimolette Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Mimolette Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Mimolette 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 Mimolette Cheese made of?

Mimolette Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 6 weeks to 24 months. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Mimolette Cheese?

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