Fontal Cheese vs Rabacal Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Rabacal Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Rabacal Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Rabacal Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Rabacal 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 Rabacal Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from goat and sheep milk, originating in Portugal.

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 Rabacal Cheese?

Rabaçal is a Portuguese sheep's and goat's milk cheese from the village of Rabaçal in the Coimbra district, protected as a DOP since 1996. It is sold mainly as a hard cheese with a delicate, balanced taste that sharpens as it ages.

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

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Rabacal Cheese (Portugal)
Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Rabacal Cheese (goat's and sheep's milk)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Rabacal Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Portugal
Specific Origin	Italy	Rabaçal, Coimbra District, Portugal
Milk Type	Cow	Goat's and sheep's milk
Texture	—	Semi-hard, artisan
Rind	—	Smooth, dry to slightly oily
Taste	—	Smooth

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Rabacal Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Rabacal Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Rabacal 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 Rabacal Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Rabacal Cheese comes from Portugal. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Rabacal Cheese uses goat and sheep.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Rabacal Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Rabacal Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Rabacal 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 Rabacal Cheese made of?

Rabacal Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk, using animal rennet. It originates in Portugal.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Rabacal Cheese?

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