Fontal Cheese vs Provoleta Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Provoleta Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Provoleta Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Provoleta Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Provoleta 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 is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Provoleta Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from buffalo milk, originating in Argentina.

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 Provoleta Cheese?

Provoleta is an Argentine provolone made by spinning the curd, sold in small discs that hold their shape over fire. It is grilled until part-melted and eaten at the start of an asado, often with oregano, chilli flakes and bread.

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

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Provoleta Cheese (Argentina)
Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Provoleta Cheese (water buffalo's milk)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Provoleta Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Argentina
Specific Origin	Italy	Córdoba, Argentina
Milk Type	Cow	Water buffalo's milk
Milk Treatment	—	Pasteurized
Texture	—	Semi-hard, artisan
Taste	—	Mild, smokey

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Provoleta Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Provoleta Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Provoleta 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 Provoleta Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Provoleta Cheese comes from Argentina. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Provoleta Cheese uses buffalo.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Provoleta Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Provoleta Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Provoleta 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 Provoleta Cheese made of?

Provoleta Cheese is made from buffalo milk (pasteurized). It originates in Argentina.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Provoleta Cheese?

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