Fontina Cheese vs Monterey Jack Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Fontina Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Fontina Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese?"
• "Is Fontina Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese the same?"
• "How does Fontina Cheese compare to Monterey Jack Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Fontina Cheese compare to Monterey Jack Cheese?"
• "Is Fontina Cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese better?"

Fontina Cheese Overview

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.

Monterey Jack Cheese Overview

Monterey Jack is a popular American cheese originating from Monterey, California. It's known for its mild flavor and semi-soft texture, making it an excellent melting cheese. Monterey Jack can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of dishes, particularly Mexican and American cuisines, such as quesadillas and burgers.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Fontina Cheese comes from Italy. Monterey Jack Cheese originated from Mexico and United States.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Fontina Cheese has a PDO (1996). Monterey Jack is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Fontina Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Monterey Jack Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Fontina Cheese has a fat content of ~30-45% and a moisture content of ~45-50%. Fontina's texture can be described as "semi-soft". Monterey Jack Cheese has a fat content of not less than 50% on a dry basis and a moisture content of ~45-50%. Monterey Jack's texture can be described as "mild to firm".

Taste and Aroma

Fontina Cheese has a mild, buttery, nutty taste. Fontina's aroma can be described as "mild to pungent (earthier in aged versions)". Monterey Jack Cheese has a mild to full-flavored taste. Monterey Jack's aroma can be described as "aromatic".

Appearance and Aging

Fontina Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow to golden , is available in wheel, block, sliced, shredded and is aged typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor) . Monterey Jack Cheese has a color of cream to golden and has an aging period of six weeks to ten months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Fontina Cheese's rind is described as natural, often washed and uses traditional (animal) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet. Monterey Jack Cheese uses animal rennet.

Ranking

Fontina is ranked #66 out of 996 types based on community views. Monterey Jack is ranked #23 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Fontina and Monterey Jack pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semi-soft cheese, go for Fontina. But if you enjoy a mild to firm consistency, Monterey Jack might be the better pick. Fontina has a mild, buttery, nutty taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Monterey Jack offers a mild to full-flavored profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Fontina Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Monterey Jack Cheese to Other Cheeses