Fontina-Style Cheese vs Mont d'Or Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese
Mont d'Or Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese is a cheese, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.
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 Is Mont d'Or Cheese?
Mont d'Or is a seasonal soft cow's milk cheese from the Jura region of France and Switzerland, wrapped in a band of spruce that gives it its flavor. It sells from September 10 to May 10 and is usually warmed in its spruce box and eaten like fondue.
What's the Difference Between Fontina-Style Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontina-Style Cheese | Mont d'Or Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France |
| Specific Origin | — | Jura Mountains, Doubs |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | — | Soft |
| Rind | — | Washed rind |
| Aging | — | 21 to 60 days |
| Taste | — | Resinous, mild to pungent |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontina-Style Cheese Taste Like Mont d'Or Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontina-Style Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
Fontina-Style Cheese can stand in for Mont d'Or Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontina-Style Cheese or Mont d'Or 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 Fontina-Style Cheese the same as Mont d'Or Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Fontina-Style Cheese similar to Mont d'Or Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontina-Style Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontina-Style Cheese taste like Mont d'Or Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Fontina-Style Cheese made of?
Fontina-Style Cheese is made from milk.
What is Mont d'Or Cheese made of?
Mont d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 21 to 60 days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Fontina-Style Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.