Fontina Cheese vs Fromage Frais Cheese
Fontina Cheese is a semi-soft cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Fromage Frais Cheese is fresh soft, originating in France.
What Is Fontina Cheese?
Fontina is a cow's milk cheese from Italy's Aosta Valley, made there since the 12th century. It runs semisoft to hard, tastes creamy and nutty with earthy, mushroomy notes, and melts well enough to carry a fondue.
What Is Fromage Frais Cheese?
Fromage frais is an acid-coagulated fresh cheese from northern France and southern Belgium, sold with its live cultures still active. It looks and eats much like yogurt, and turns up in desserts, on bread under jam, and in savoury cooking.
What's the Difference Between Fontina Cheese and Fromage Frais Cheese?
- Origin: Fontina Cheese (Italy), Fromage Frais Cheese (France)
- Texture: Fontina Cheese (Semi-Soft), Fromage Frais Cheese (fresh soft)
- Taste: Fontina Cheese (Mild, Buttery, Nutty), Fromage Frais Cheese (milky, smooth)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontina Cheese | Fromage Frais Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | France |
| Specific Origin | Aosta Valley, Italy | Northern France And Southern Belgium |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | — |
| Milk Treatment | Raw (for traditional Italian Fontina), Pasteurized (for most American versions) | — |
| Texture | Semi-Soft | Fresh soft |
| Rind | Natural, Often Washed | — |
| Aging | Typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor) | — |
| Taste | Mild, Buttery, Nutty | Milky, smooth |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontina Cheese Taste Like Fromage Frais Cheese?
Fontina Cheese reads as mild, buttery, nutty, while Fromage Frais Cheese brings milky, smooth character. On the nose, Fontina Cheese offers mild to pungent (earthier in aged versions), contrasted with Fromage Frais Cheese's mild.
Can You Substitute Fontina Cheese for Fromage Frais Cheese?
Fontina Cheese can stand in for Fromage Frais Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for fresh soft. Flavor-wise, Fontina Cheese reads as mild, buttery, nutty while Fromage Frais Cheese brings milky, smooth notes.
Which Is Better, Fontina Cheese or Fromage Frais Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft cheese, go with Fontina Cheese. For a fresh soft profile, Fromage Frais Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Fontina Cheese suits recipes that want mild, buttery, nutty notes, while Fromage Frais Cheese fits dishes calling for milky, smooth.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fontina Cheese the same as Fromage Frais Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontina Cheese originates in Italy, while Fromage Frais Cheese comes from France.
Is Fontina Cheese similar to Fromage Frais Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontina Cheese for Fromage Frais Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Fontina Cheese taste like Fromage Frais Cheese?
Fontina Cheese reads as mild, buttery, nutty, while Fromage Frais Cheese is milky, smooth. Aromas also diverge. Fontina Cheese leans mild to pungent (earthier in aged versions), and Fromage Frais Cheese is closer to mild.
What is Fontina Cheese made of?
Fontina Cheese is made from cow milk (raw (for traditional italian fontina), pasteurized (for most american versions)), using traditional (animal) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor). It originates in Italy.
What is Fromage Frais Cheese made of?
Fromage Frais Cheese is made from milk. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Fontina Cheese or Fromage Frais Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Fontina Cheese is semi-soft, while Fromage Frais Cheese is fresh soft.