Asiago Cheese vs Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese
Asiago Cheese is a cheese from Italy, while Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese is smooth, compact, dense and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Asiago Cheese?
This Italian cheese from the Veneto and Trentino regions comes in two varieties: fresh (Asiago Pressato) and aged (Asiago d'allevo). Fresh Asiago is soft and creamy with a sweet, mild flavor, while the aged version is harder, crumbly, and has a sharper, more pronounced taste. Asiago is versatile in the kitchen, used in everything from sandwiches to pasta dishes.
What Is Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese?
Fontina Val d'Aosta is a PDO-protected cheese, specific to the Aosta Valley in Italy. This version of Fontina is aged longer, which develops a stronger, more intense flavor compared to regular Fontina. It has a rich, creamy texture, and a complex flavor profile with notes of butter and roasted nuts. This cheese is often used in traditional Italian dishes requiring melted cheese, such as Valdostana veal.
What's the Difference Between Asiago Cheese and Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Asiago Cheese | Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Valle D'Aosta |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | — | Smooth, compact, dense |
| Rind | — | Orange-tinged chestnut brown |
| Aging | — | Minimum of 80 days to 6-9 months |
| Taste | — | Subtle, complex |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Asiago Cheese and Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese
Asiago Cheese
Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Asiago Cheese Taste Like Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Asiago Cheese for Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese?
Asiago Cheese can stand in for Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Asiago Cheese or Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asiago Cheese the same as Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Asiago Cheese similar to Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Asiago Cheese for Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Asiago Cheese taste like Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Asiago Cheese made of?
Asiago Cheese is made from milk. It originates in Italy.
What is Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese made of?
Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged minimum of 80 days to 6-9 months. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Asiago Cheese or Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.
See full profiles: Asiago Cheese and Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese.