Blue Cheese vs Fontina-Style Cheese
Blue Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese
Blue Cheese is a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from France, while Fontina-Style Cheese is .
What Is Blue Cheese?
A type of cheese injected or inoculated with Penicillium mold to create blue or green veins, resulting in a tangy, sharp flavor and creamy or crumbly texture.
What Is Fontina-Style Cheese?
Fontina-Style cheese is a semi-soft cheese known for its creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor. It draws inspiration from traditional Italian Fontina but is often made in various regions outside Italy. The cheese has a pale yellow interior with a few small holes and a natural rind. It melts well, making it a popular choice for cooking, particularly in sauces and fondues. The flavor is buttery and slightly earthy, which pairs well with a variety of foods. Fontina-Style cheese can be sliced for sandwiches or served as part of a cheese platter. It is also a good companion to fruits and nuts, enhancing its mild sweetness.
What's the Difference Between Blue Cheese and Fontina-Style Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Blue Cheese | Fontina-Style Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Milk Type | Cow, Sheep, Goat | — |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or Raw | — |
| Texture | Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | Typically aged 2-6 months | — |
| Taste | Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent | — |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Blue Cheese | Fontina-Style Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Amaro, Apricot, Asian Pear, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Fig Jam, German Riesling, Green Apple, Hard Cider, Honey, Honeycomb, IPA, Malbec, Muscat, Pear, Pecans, Port, Scotch, Steak | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Almonds, Apples, Belgian Blonde, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, California Viogniers, Dried Cranberries, Grapes, Merlot, Mushrooms, Olives, Prosciutto, Roast Beef | — |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Blue Cheese and Fontina-Style Cheese
Blue Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Blue Cheese Taste Like Fontina-Style Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Blue Cheese for Fontina-Style Cheese?
Blue Cheese can stand in for Fontina-Style Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Blue Cheese or Fontina-Style Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Cheese the same as Fontina-Style Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Blue Cheese similar to Fontina-Style Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Blue Cheese for Fontina-Style Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Blue Cheese taste like Fontina-Style Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Blue Cheese made of?
Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or raw), using traditional (animal rennet) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically aged 2-6 months. It originates in France.
What is Fontina-Style Cheese made of?
Fontina-Style Cheese is made from milk.
Which should I choose, Blue Cheese or Fontina-Style Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.
See full profiles: Blue Cheese and Fontina-Style Cheese.