Fontina Cheese vs Pepper Jack Cheese

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

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

Pepper Jack Cheese Overview

Pepper Jack cheese is a derivative of Monterey Jack that includes spicy chili peppers, bell peppers, and herbs. This American cheese is known for its mild, creamy texture contrasted with the lively heat of the peppers. It's popular in sandwiches, on burgers, and melted in dishes where a spicy kick is desired.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Fontina Cheese comes from Italy. Pepper Jack Cheese originated from 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). Pepper Jack is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Fontina Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Pepper 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". Pepper Jack's texture can be described as "semi-soft".

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)".

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) .

Rind and Rennet Type

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

Ranking

Fontina is ranked #65 out of 996 types based on community views. Pepper Jack is ranked #122 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Fontina and Pepper 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 semi-soft consistency, Pepper Jack might be the better pick.

Compare Fontina Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Pepper Jack Cheese to Other Cheeses