Fontal Cheese vs Paški Sir Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Paški Sir Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Paški Sir Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Paški Sir Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Paški Sir 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

Paški Sir Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Paški Sir Cheese is slightly elastic, granular and made from sheep milk, originating in Croatia.

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 Paški Sir Cheese?

Paški sir is a hard sheep milk cheese from the Croatian island of Pag, where salt-laden wind shapes the plants the sheep eat. It carries Protected Designation of Origin status and has won gold and Super Gold at the World Cheese Awards.

What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Paški Sir Cheese?

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Paški Sir Cheese (Croatia)
Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Paški Sir Cheese (Sheep’s milk)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Paški Sir Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Croatia
Specific Origin	Italy	Island Of Pag
Milk Type	Cow	Sheep’s milk
Milk Treatment	—	Pasteurized
Texture	—	Slightly elastic, granular
Rind	—	Hard
Aging	—	Minimum of two months, up to five months
Taste	—	Salty, savory, tangy

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Paški Sir Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Paški Sir Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Paški Sir 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 Paški Sir Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Paški Sir Cheese comes from Croatia. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Paški Sir Cheese uses sheep.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Paški Sir Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Paški Sir Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Paški Sir 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 Paški Sir Cheese made of?

Paški Sir Cheese is made from sheep milk (pasteurized), using natural rennet. It's typically aged minimum of two months, up to five months. It originates in Croatia.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Paški Sir Cheese?

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