Fontina Cheese vs L'Etivaz Cheese
Fontina Cheese is a semi-soft cow-milk cheese from Italy, while L'Etivaz Cheese is hard and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
What Is Fontina Cheese?
Fontina is a classic Italian cheese from the Aosta Valley, with a dense, smooth texture and a nutty, earthy flavor. It is made from cow's milk and has a slightly elastic feel. Fontina is excellent for melting and is often used in dishes like risotto, fonduta, and as a table cheese.
What Is L'Etivaz Cheese?
L'Etivaz is a hard Alpine cheese from the Vaud region of Switzerland, similar to Gruyère but made in a more artisanal fashion. It is produced only from May to October, using milk from cows grazing on mountain pastures. The cheese has a complex flavor, with fruity, nutty notes and a hint of smokiness, developed during the traditional wood-fired production process.
What's the Difference Between Fontina Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese?
- Origin: Fontina Cheese (Italy), L'Etivaz Cheese (Switzerland)
- Milk treatment: Fontina Cheese (Raw (for traditional Italian Fontina), Pasteurized (for most American versions)), L'Etivaz Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Fontina Cheese (Semi-Soft), L'Etivaz Cheese (hard)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontina Cheese | L'Etivaz Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Switzerland |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw (for traditional Italian Fontina), Pasteurized (for most American versions) | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-Soft | Hard |
| Rind | Natural, Often Washed | — |
| Aging | Typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor) | — |
| Taste | Mild, Buttery, Nutty | — |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Fontina Cheese | L'Etivaz Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chardonnay | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Grilled Cheese, Macaroni and Cheese, Mushrooms, Prosciutto, Sangiovese | — |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Fontina Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese
Fontina Cheese
L'Etivaz Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Fontina Cheese Taste Like L'Etivaz Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, Fontina Cheese offers mild to pungent (earthier in aged versions), contrasted with L'Etivaz Cheese's smokey.
Can You Substitute Fontina Cheese for L'Etivaz Cheese?
In most recipes, Fontina Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for hard.
Which Is Better, Fontina Cheese or L'Etivaz 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 hard profile, L'Etivaz Cheese is the better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fontina Cheese the same as L'Etivaz Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontina Cheese originates in Italy, while L'Etivaz Cheese comes from Switzerland.
Is Fontina Cheese similar to L'Etivaz Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Fontina Cheese for L'Etivaz Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Fontina Cheese taste like L'Etivaz Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 L'Etivaz Cheese made of?
L'Etivaz Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Fontina Cheese or L'Etivaz Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Fontina Cheese is semi-soft, while L'Etivaz Cheese is hard.
See full profiles: Fontina Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese.