Fontina-Style Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese is a cheese, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow 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 Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular Italian cheese made from unpasteurised cow's milk and aged at least 12 months. Protected as a PDO across Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and parts of Bologna and Mantua, it is known for its sharp, salty, deeply savoury taste.
What's the Difference Between Fontina-Style Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontina-Style Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | — | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | — | Hard |
| Aging | — | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | — | Umami |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontina-Style Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontina-Style Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Fontina-Style Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontina-Style Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano 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 Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Fontina-Style Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontina-Style Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontina-Style Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano 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 Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 12 to 36 months. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Fontina-Style Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.