Fontal Cheese vs Pimento Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Pimento Cheese is spreadable, 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 Pimento Cheese?
Pimento cheese is a spread of grated cheddar, mayonnaise and chopped pimentos worked into a chunky paste. It started in the Northern United States in the early 1900s and is now tied to Southern cooking, served on crackers, in sandwiches and at the Masters Tournament.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Pimento Cheese?
- Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Pimento Cheese (United States)
- Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Pimento Cheese (Cheddar, farmers’ style)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Pimento Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | United States |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Northern United States, Now Associated With The Southern United States |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cheddar, farmers’ style |
| Texture | — | Spreadable |
| Taste | — | Sweet, rounded chili |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Pimento Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Pimento Cheese?
Fontal Cheese can stand in for Pimento Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Pimento 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 Pimento Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Pimento Cheese comes from United States.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Pimento Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Pimento Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Pimento 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 Pimento Cheese made of?
Pimento Cheese is made from milk. It originates in United States.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Pimento Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.