Fontal Cheese vs Pljevlja Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Pljevlja Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Pljevlja Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Pljevlja 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

Pljevlja Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard and made from cow or sheep milk, originating in Montenegro.

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 Pljevlja Cheese?

Pljevlja is a traditional cheese from the northern region of Montenegro, made from cow's milk. It has a rich, creamy texture and a strong, salty flavor. Often served as part of a mezze platter, Pljevlja cheese is enjoyed with bread, olives, and sometimes drizzled with honey for a balance of flavors.

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

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Pljevlja Cheese (Montenegro)
Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Pljevlja Cheese (Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Pljevlja Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Montenegro
Specific Origin	Italy	Northern Montenegro, Municipality Of Pljevlja
Milk Type	Cow	Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed
Texture	—	Soft to semihard
Aging	—	4 to 8 weeks

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Pljevlja Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Pljevlja 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 Pljevlja Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Pljevlja Cheese comes from Montenegro. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Pljevlja Cheese uses cow or sheep.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Pljevlja Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Pljevlja 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 Pljevlja Cheese made of?

Pljevlja Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk, using traditional, industrial rennet. It's typically aged 4 to 8 weeks. It originates in Montenegro.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?

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