Fontina-Style Cheese vs Red Leicester Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese
Red Leicester Cheese
Fontina-Style Cheese is a cheese, while Red Leicester Cheese is hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly and made from cow milk, originating in United Kingdom.
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 Red Leicester Cheese?
Red Leicester is an English cow's milk cheese from Leicestershire, close to Cheddar but crumblier. Annatto gives it its orange colour, and four to nine months of ageing takes it from mild and mellow to tangy and slightly nutty.
What's the Difference Between Fontina-Style Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontina-Style Cheese | Red Leicester Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | — | Leicestershire |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Unpasteurized (Sparkenhoe Farm), Pasteurized (others) |
| Texture | — | Hard, similar to Cheddar but more moist, crumbly |
| Rind | — | Clothbound (Sparkenhoe Farm), Plastic (industrial) |
| Aging | — | 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial |
| Taste | — | Caramel, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontina-Style Cheese Taste Like Red Leicester Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontina-Style Cheese for Red Leicester Cheese?
Fontina-Style Cheese can stand in for Red Leicester Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontina-Style Cheese or Red Leicester 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 Red Leicester Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Fontina-Style Cheese similar to Red Leicester Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontina-Style Cheese for Red Leicester Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontina-Style Cheese taste like Red Leicester 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 Red Leicester Cheese made of?
Red Leicester Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized (sparkenhoe farm), pasteurized (others)), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial. It originates in United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Fontina-Style Cheese or Red Leicester Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.