Fontina Cheese vs Ogleshield Cheese
Fontina Cheese is a semi-soft cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Ogleshield Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in England.
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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 Ogleshield Cheese?
Ogleshield is an English cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk. It has a semi-soft, artisan texture and is known for its fruity and sweet flavor profile. The cheese has a creamy color and features a washed rind, which contributes to its flavor and aroma. Often compared to raclette, Ogleshield is popular for melting and works well in a variety of dishes. Its production process and flavor make it a favorite among cheese enthusiasts looking for something both rich and approachable.
What's the Difference Between Fontina Cheese and Ogleshield Cheese?
- Origin: Fontina Cheese (Italy), Ogleshield Cheese (England)
- Milk treatment: Fontina Cheese (Raw (for traditional Italian Fontina), Pasteurized (for most American versions)), Ogleshield Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Rind: Fontina Cheese (Natural, Often Washed), Ogleshield Cheese (washed)
- Taste: Fontina Cheese (Mild, Buttery, Nutty), Ogleshield Cheese (fruity, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontina Cheese | Ogleshield Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | England |
| Specific Origin | Aosta Valley, Italy | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw (for traditional Italian Fontina), Pasteurized (for most American versions) | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-soft | Semi-soft |
| Rind | Natural, Often Washed | Washed |
| Aging | Typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor) | — |
| Taste | Mild, Buttery, Nutty | Fruity, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontina Cheese Taste Like Ogleshield Cheese?
Fontina Cheese reads as mild, buttery, nutty, while Ogleshield Cheese brings fruity, sweet character.
Can You Substitute Fontina Cheese for Ogleshield Cheese?
In most recipes, Fontina Cheese and Ogleshield Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Fontina Cheese reads as mild, buttery, nutty while Ogleshield Cheese brings fruity, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Fontina Cheese or Ogleshield Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Fontina Cheese suits recipes that want mild, buttery, nutty notes, while Ogleshield Cheese fits dishes calling for fruity, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fontina Cheese the same as Ogleshield Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontina Cheese originates in Italy, while Ogleshield Cheese comes from England.
Is Fontina Cheese similar to Ogleshield Cheese?
Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.
Can I substitute Fontina Cheese for Ogleshield Cheese?
Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.
Does Fontina Cheese taste like Ogleshield Cheese?
Fontina Cheese reads as mild, buttery, nutty, while Ogleshield Cheese is fruity, sweet.
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 Ogleshield Cheese made of?
Ogleshield Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England.
Which should I choose, Fontina Cheese or Ogleshield Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.