Fontina-Style Cheese vs Pérail Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese
Pérail Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese is a cheese, while Pérail Cheese is soft and made from sheep 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 Pérail Cheese?
Pérail is a soft sheep's milk cheese from Aveyron in southern France, sold in small rounds with an ivory, wrinkly rind. Older wheels taste distinctly sheepy.
What's the Difference Between Fontina-Style Cheese and Pérail Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontina-Style Cheese | Pérail Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France |
| Specific Origin | — | Aveyron, France |
| Milk Type | — | Sheep |
| Texture | — | Soft |
| Rind | — | Wrinkly, mainly Geotrichum candidum |
| Aging | — | 2 to 8 weeks |
| Taste | — | Distinctly sheepy in older cheeses |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontina-Style Cheese Taste Like Pérail Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontina-Style Cheese for Pérail Cheese?
Fontina-Style Cheese can stand in for Pérail Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontina-Style Cheese or Pérail 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 Pérail Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Fontina-Style Cheese similar to Pérail Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontina-Style Cheese for Pérail Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontina-Style Cheese taste like Pérail 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 Pérail Cheese made of?
Pérail Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 2 to 8 weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Fontina-Style Cheese or Pérail Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.