Fontina Cheese vs Tomme de Chevre Cheese

Fontina Cheese is a semi-soft cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Tomme de Chevre Cheese is semi-soft and made from goat milk, 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 Tomme de Chevre Cheese?

Tomme de Chevre is a semi-soft cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk, originating from the Haute-Savoie, Abondance, Maurienne, and Tarentaise regions of France. It has a pale yellow color and is known for its fruity flavor, which pairs well with its strong, goaty aroma. The cheese features a bloomy rind, which adds to its artisan character. With a fat content of 45%, Tomme de Chevre is rich yet balanced, offering a delightful taste experience. Its texture is smooth and creamy, making it a great option for a variety of cheese boards or culinary uses.

What's the Difference Between Fontina Cheese and Tomme de Chevre Cheese?

• Origin: Fontina Cheese (Italy), Tomme de Chevre Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Fontina Cheese (Cow's milk), Tomme de Chevre Cheese (Goat's milk)
• Milk treatment: Fontina Cheese (Raw (for traditional Italian Fontina), Pasteurized (for most American versions)), Tomme de Chevre Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Rind: Fontina Cheese (Natural, Often Washed), Tomme de Chevre Cheese (bloomy)
• Taste: Fontina Cheese (Mild, Buttery, Nutty), Tomme de Chevre Cheese (fruity)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Fontina Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Chevre Cheese?

Fontina Cheese reads as mild, buttery, nutty, while Tomme de Chevre Cheese brings fruity character. On the nose, Fontina Cheese offers mild to pungent (earthier in aged versions), contrasted with Tomme de Chevre Cheese's goaty, strong.

Can You Substitute Fontina Cheese for Tomme de Chevre Cheese?

Fontina Cheese can stand in for Tomme de Chevre Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Flavor-wise, Fontina Cheese reads as mild, buttery, nutty while Tomme de Chevre Cheese brings fruity notes.

Which Is Better, Fontina Cheese or Tomme de Chevre 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 Tomme de Chevre Cheese fits dishes calling for fruity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fontina Cheese the same as Tomme de Chevre Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontina Cheese originates in Italy, while Tomme de Chevre Cheese comes from France. Fontina Cheese is made from cow milk; Tomme de Chevre Cheese uses goat.

Is Fontina Cheese similar to Tomme de Chevre Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Fontina Cheese for Tomme de Chevre Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Fontina Cheese taste like Tomme de Chevre Cheese?

Fontina Cheese reads as mild, buttery, nutty, while Tomme de Chevre Cheese is fruity. Aromas also diverge. Fontina Cheese leans mild to pungent (earthier in aged versions), and Tomme de Chevre Cheese is closer to goaty, strong.

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 Tomme de Chevre Cheese made of?

Tomme de Chevre Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Fontina Cheese or Tomme de Chevre Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.