Fontal Cheese vs Montasio Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Montasio Cheese?

No. Fontal Cheese and Montasio Cheese are distinct cheeses. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Montasio Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Montasio Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Montasio 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

Montasio Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cheese from Italy, while Montasio Cheese is elastic to crumbly and hard and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Fontal Cheese?

Fontal is a semi-soft Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It has a creamy texture and a mild, somewhat sweet flavor, making it a popular choice for cooking and snacking. Fontal melts well, making it ideal for fondues, grilled cheese sandwiches, and pizza toppings.

What Is Montasio Cheese?

Montasio is a mountain cheese from northeastern Italy, with a PDO designation. It has a firm texture and can vary in flavor from mild and milky in younger cheeses to richer and more robust in aged varieties. Montasio is often enjoyed grated over pasta and risotto or sliced in sandwiches.

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

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Montasio Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Italy
Specific Origin	—	Fruili-Venezia Giulia And Parts Of Belluno, Treviso, Padua, And Venice In Veneto
Milk Type	—	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	—	Unpasteurized
Texture	—	Elastic to crumbly and hard
Aging	—	Fresco: 60-120 days; Mezzano: 120 days-10 months; Stagionato: 10-18 months; Stravecchio: over 18 months
Taste	—	Mild, creamy, and fruity to savory, piquant, with hints of spice

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Montasio Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Montasio Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Montasio 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 Montasio Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Montasio Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Montasio Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Montasio 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 milk. It originates in Italy.

What is Montasio Cheese made of?

Montasio Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged fresco: 60-120 days; mezzano: 120 days-10 months; stagionato: 10-18 months; stravecchio: over 18 months. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Montasio Cheese?

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