Fontal Cheese vs Pecorino Romano Cheese
Fontal Cheese
Pecorino Romano Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Pecorino Romano Cheese is hard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
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 Pecorino Romano Cheese?
Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty Italian cheese made only from sheep milk, most often grated over pasta. It began in the countryside around Rome and is now made almost entirely in Sardinia.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Pecorino Romano Cheese?
- Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Pecorino Romano Cheese (sheep's milk)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Pecorino Romano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Lazio, Sardinia, Grosseto |
| Milk Type | Cow | Sheep's milk |
| Texture | — | Hard |
| Rind | — | Pale yellow to brown or black |
| Aging | — | 5–8 months or longer |
| Taste | — | Sharp, salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Romano Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Pecorino Romano Cheese?
Fontal Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Romano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Pecorino Romano 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 Pecorino Romano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Pecorino Romano Cheese uses sheep.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Pecorino Romano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Pecorino Romano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Pecorino Romano 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 Pecorino Romano Cheese made of?
Pecorino Romano Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal (sheep) rennet. It's typically aged 5–8 months or longer. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Pecorino Romano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.