Fontal Cheese vs Monterey Jack Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Monterey Jack Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Monterey Jack Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Monterey Jack Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Monterey Jack 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

Monterey Jack Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Monterey Jack Cheese is mild to firm and made from cow milk, originating in United States.

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 Monterey Jack Cheese?

Monterey Jack is a white, semi-hard cow's milk cheese from Monterey, California, with a mild and slightly sweet flavor. It melts cleanly, which is why it shows up in quesadillas, burritos, grilled cheese, and cheeseburgers.

What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese?

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Monterey Jack Cheese (United States)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Monterey Jack Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	United States
Specific Origin	Italy	Monterey County, California
Milk Type	Cow	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	—	Pasteurized
Texture	—	Mild to firm
Aging	—	Six weeks to ten months
Taste	—	Mild to full-flavored

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Monterey Jack Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Monterey Jack Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Monterey Jack 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 Monterey Jack Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Monterey Jack Cheese comes from United States.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Monterey Jack Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Monterey Jack Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Monterey Jack 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 Monterey Jack Cheese made of?

Monterey Jack Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged six weeks to ten months. It originates in United States.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese?

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