Fontina-Style Cheese vs Mozzarella Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese is a cheese, while Mozzarella Cheese is soft, creamy and made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk, originating in Italy.
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 Mozzarella Cheese?
Mozzarella is a semi-soft, non-aged cheese from southern Italy, made by stretching and kneading the curd. Cow's milk versions are called fior di latte, buffalo milk versions mozzarella di bufala, and it tops most pizza.
What's the Difference Between Fontina-Style Cheese and Mozzarella Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontina-Style Cheese | Mozzarella Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Southern Italy |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized |
| Texture | — | Soft, creamy |
| Rind | — | None |
| Aging | — | Eaten fresh |
| Taste | — | Mild, milky |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontina-Style Cheese Taste Like Mozzarella Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontina-Style Cheese for Mozzarella Cheese?
Fontina-Style Cheese can stand in for Mozzarella Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontina-Style Cheese or Mozzarella 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 Mozzarella Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Fontina-Style Cheese similar to Mozzarella Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontina-Style Cheese for Mozzarella Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontina-Style Cheese taste like Mozzarella 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 Mozzarella Cheese made of?
Mozzarella Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk (pasteurized), using calf's or microbial rennet. It's typically aged eaten fresh. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Fontina-Style Cheese or Mozzarella Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.