Fontal Cheese vs Tête de Moine Cheese
Fontal Cheese
Tête de Moine Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Tête de Moine Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
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 Tête de Moine Cheese?
Tête de Moine AOP is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese from the Swiss Jura, first made by the canons of Bellelay abbey in the 12th century. It is not sliced but pared into thin rosettes with a Girolle.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Tête de Moine Cheese?
- Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Tête de Moine Cheese (Switzerland)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Tête de Moine Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Bernese Jura And Canton Of Jura, Switzerland |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | — | Semi-hard |
| Rind | — | Firm, grainy natural crust |
| Aging | — | At least 2½ months |
| Taste | — | Nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Tête de Moine Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Tête de Moine Cheese?
In most recipes, Fontal Cheese and Tête de Moine Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Tête de Moine 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 Tête de Moine Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Tête de Moine Cheese comes from Switzerland.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Tête de Moine Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Tête de Moine Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Tête de Moine 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 Tête de Moine Cheese made of?
Tête de Moine Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least 2½ months. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Tête de Moine Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.