Fontal Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Pecorino Cheese?

No. Fontal Cheese and Pecorino 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 Pecorino Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Pecorino Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Pecorino 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

Pecorino Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Pecorino 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 Cheese?

Pecorino is an Italian hard cheese made from sheep's milk, and its name comes from pecora, the Italian word for sheep. Six main varieties carry PDO status, with Pecorino Romano the best known outside Italy.

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

Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Pecorino Cheese (sheep's milk)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Pecorino Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Italy
Specific Origin	Italy	Italy
Milk Type	Cow	Sheep's milk
Texture	—	Hard
Aging	—	Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Pecorino 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 Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Pecorino Cheese uses sheep.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Pecorino Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Pecorino 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 Cheese made of?

Pecorino Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?

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