Fontal Cheese vs Sfela Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Sfela Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Sfela Cheese?

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

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Sfela Cheese?

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

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

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 Sfela Cheese?

Sfela is a semi-hard cheese from the Peloponnese region of Greece. Made from sheep's milk or a mix of sheep and goat milk, it is often fried due to its high melting point. Sfela has a salty, tangy flavor, making it a popular choice for traditional Greek fried cheese dishes.

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

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Sfela Cheese (Greece)
Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Sfela Cheese (Raw sheep’s milk or combination with goat’s milk)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Sfela Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Greece
Specific Origin	Italy	Messinia And Laconia, Peloponnese
Milk Type	Cow	Raw sheep’s milk or combination with goat’s milk
Milk Treatment	—	Raw
Texture	—	Semi-hard
Taste	—	Unique personality

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Sfela Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Sfela Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Sfela 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 Sfela Cheese?

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

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Sfela Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Sfela Cheese?

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

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Sfela 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 Sfela Cheese made of?

Sfela Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (raw), using traditional rennet. It originates in Greece.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Sfela Cheese?

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