Fontina-Style Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese
Pecorino Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese is a cheese, while Pecorino Cheese is hard and made from sheep 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 Pecorino Cheese?
Pecorino is an Italian hard cheese made from sheep's milk, and its name comes from pecora, the Italian word for sheep. Six main varieties carry PDO status, with Pecorino Romano the best known outside Italy.
What's the Difference Between Fontina-Style Cheese and Pecorino Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontina-Style Cheese | Pecorino Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Italy |
| Milk Type | — | Sheep's milk |
| Texture | — | Hard |
| Aging | — | Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontina-Style Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontina-Style Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
Fontina-Style Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontina-Style Cheese or Pecorino 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 Pecorino Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Fontina-Style Cheese similar to Pecorino Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontina-Style Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontina-Style Cheese taste like Pecorino 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 Pecorino Cheese made of?
Pecorino Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Fontina-Style Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.