Fontal Cheese vs Provolone Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?

No. Fontal Cheese and Provolone 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 Provolone Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Fontal Cheese for Provolone Cheese, though the result will shift in flavor and finish.

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Provolone 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

Provolone Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow 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 Provolone Cheese?

Provolone is an Italian semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk with a stretched curd. It runs from the very sharp piccante, aged at least four months, to the mild dolce.

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

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Provolone Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Italy
Specific Origin	Italy	Campania, Italy
Milk Type	Cow	Cow's milk
Texture	—	Semi-hard, artisan
Aging	—	At least 4 months for piccante
Taste	—	Tangy

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

In most recipes, Fontal Cheese and Provolone Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Provolone 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 Provolone Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Provolone 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 Provolone Cheese made of?

Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged at least 4 months for piccante. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

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