Fontina Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)

Fontina Cheese is a semi-soft cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is semi-soft, washed-rind and made from cow milk, originating in Australia.

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 Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Washed Rind Cheese from Australia is made using cow's milk and is known for its smear-ripened texture, which can range from soft to hard or semi-hard. The flavor profile of this cheese is a mix of nutty, sharp, and sweet notes, making it appealing to a variety of palates. Its aroma is quite strong and earthy, which is typical of washed rind cheeses. The washed rind technique contributes to its distinctive smell and flavor, as it encourages the growth of specific bacteria on the surface. This cheese can be a great addition to a cheese board, enjoyed on its own, or paired with fruits and bread.

What's the Difference Between Fontina Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

• Origin: Fontina Cheese (Italy), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Australia)
• Texture: Fontina Cheese (Semi-soft), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Semi-soft, washed-rind)
• Rind: Fontina Cheese (Natural, Often Washed), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (washed)
• Taste: Fontina Cheese (Mild, Buttery, Nutty), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (nutty, sharp, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Fontina Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Fontina Cheese reads as mild, buttery, nutty, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet character. On the nose, Fontina Cheese offers mild to pungent (earthier in aged versions), contrasted with Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)'s earthy, strong.

Can You Substitute Fontina Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

In most recipes, Fontina Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) 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 semi-soft, washed-rind. Flavor-wise, Fontina Cheese reads as mild, buttery, nutty while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Fontina Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

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 semi-soft, washed-rind profile, Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Fontina Cheese suits recipes that want mild, buttery, nutty notes, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) fits dishes calling for nutty, sharp, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fontina Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontina Cheese originates in Italy, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) comes from Australia.

Is Fontina Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Fontina Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Fontina Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Fontina Cheese reads as mild, buttery, nutty, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is nutty, sharp, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Fontina Cheese leans mild to pungent (earthier in aged versions), and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is closer to earthy, 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 Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) made of?

Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is made from cow milk. It originates in Australia.

Which should I choose, Fontina Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Fontina Cheese is semi-soft, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is semi-soft, washed-rind.