Fontina cheese is a versatile, semi-soft cheese that originates from the Aosta Valley in Italy. If you’re looking for a substitute for Fontina cheese, you’ve come to the right place.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best substitutes for Fontina cheese so that you can continue cooking your favorite dishes without any hiccups.
What type of cheese is fontina? What does Fontina cheese taste like?
Fontina is an unpasteurized cow’s milk cheese that originated in the Aosta Valley of northern Italy. It has a semi-soft texture with a creamy, slightly nutty, and savory medium-sharp flavor depending on aging.
When young, it can be used as an everyday table cheese, but when aged for at least four months, it acquires a more pungent and complex taste. Although mature fontina is hard and melts very well.
What does fontina cheese use for?
When it comes to pizza and pasta dishes, fontina cheese is one of my go-to ingredients.
Its soft texture melts quickly, adding a creamy touch to any dish. But it’s not just its meltability that sets fontina apart; its nutty, earthy flavor pairs perfectly with both Italian and non-Italian dishes.
Fontina pairs well with fruits, nuts, and cured meats such as prosciutto or salami and also melts beautifully for use in grilled sandwiches or pasta dishes.
It is often used as an option to gruyere in fondues and is also a delicious addition to omelets or frittatas. Overall, fontina offers a delightful balance of flavors and versatility in the kitchen.
However, my favorite way to use fontina is in fondue – the chunks of cheese melt smoothly into the warm liquid, creating a decadent dip for bread and vegetables.
So for lovers of Italian cuisine or simply anyone looking for a tasty cheese option, give fontina a try – I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
the best substitute for fontina cheese
1. Provolone
When it comes to substituting fontina then, Provolone is always the first choice. Provolone is an Italian cheese that is also similar to fontina. It has a bit sweet taste and a creamy texture.
They share similar flavor profiles, with nutty notes and a hint of savoriness.
However, Provolone tends to have a more pronounced flavor, making it an excellent choice for bold recipes such as paninis or pizzas.
It also melts beautifully, making it the ideal choice for dishes like grilled cheese or fondue.
Provolone is readily available at most grocery stores.
2. Gruyere
Gruyere is an ideal substitute for fontina cheese. Gruyere is a hard, yellow cheese that originated in the Swiss canton of Fribourg.
Both cheeses are excellent substitutes for each other in cooking. It has a similar nutty flavor, and it melts just as well. (interlink Gruyere cheese)
Additionally, gruyere has a stronger flavor than fontina, so you may need to use less gruyere than you would fontina to achieve the desired flavor profile.
Gruyere can be used in place of fontina in dishes such as gratins, fondues, and pizza. Fontina can be used in place of gruyere in quiches, omelets, and sandwiches.
In addition, gruyere is easier to find in most supermarkets.
3. Havarti cheese
According to many professional chefs, Havarti cheese is one of the best substitutes for Fontina cheese. Havarti cheese is a Danish semi-soft cheese that has a slightly sweet and nutty taste.
It is also very creamy, making it a good choice for dishes that require a creamy texture.
In addition, Havarti cheese melts well, making it ideal for dishes such as gratins and fondues. If you are searching for a cheese that will give your dish a unique flavor, then Havarti cheese is definitely worth trying.
4. Gouda – Best Replacement for Fontina
Gouda is a Dutch cheese that’s similar to fontina in taste and texture. It’s a little bit sweeter than fontina, but it still has a nice, creamy flavor. And like Fontina, Gouda cheese melts beautifully.
Additionally, Gouda has a slightly nutty flavor that goes well with pasta.
So if you’re creating a grilled cheese sandwich or a fondue, give Gouda a try. You’ll be surprised at how well it works as a replacement for fontina.
Gouda is also more widely available than fontina, so it’s a great option if you’re having trouble finding fontina at your local grocery store.
5. Swiss Emmental cheese
Emmental cheese is also less expensive than fontina, making it a more budget-friendly alternative.
It has an equal taste and texture, and it also melts well. Emmental is a bit sweeter than fontina, so it may only be ideal for some dishes.
It is often used in fondue and Raclette, and it can also be melted and utilized as a topping for dishes like potatoes and bread.
When substituting Emmental cheese for fontina, it is essential to note that the two kinds of cheese have different melting points.
Emmental cheese will melt at a lower temperature than fontina, so it is essential to keep this in mind when cooking with it.
6. Montasio- add depth of flavor to your cooking
One cheese that is often recommended as a replacement for Fontina is Montasio. Montasio is a hard Italian cheese that is made from cow’s milk.
It has a firm texture and a nutty flavor that works well in cooked and uncooked dishes.
It can be used in many ways as fontina, such as in gratins, sauces, pizza, and melted on top of the bread. It also melts well, making it perfect for fondue and grilled cheese sandwiches or for topping burgers.
7. Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese is an excellent substitute for Fontina cheese. It has a similar texture and flavor, but it is also sharper and more pungent.
Parmesan cheese is a hard, dry cheese that is made from unpasteurized cow’s milk. It has a white or pale yellow color and a granular texture.
The flavor of Parmesan cheese is nutty and slightly sweet, with a sharpness that increases with age. Parmesan cheese is an ideal cheese for grating or shaving onto salads, pasta dishes, or pizza.
It also melts well, making it a good choice for baked dishes. For these reasons, Parmesan cheese is an excellent substitute for Fontina cheese.
Read More- Parmesan Cheese Substitutes
8. Grana Padano
While Fontina cheese is a versatile and tasty option for many recipes, there are other cheeses that can be substituted in its place. One good option is Grana Padano.
This hard, crumbly cheese is similar to Parmesan and has a nutty flavor that pairs well with many dishes.
It can be used in place of fontina in both cooked and uncooked dishes, making it a versatile option for the kitchen. And like Fontina, Grana Padano is also a good source of protein and calcium.
So if you’re looking for a cheese to substitute for Fontina, Grana Padano is an excellent option to try.
9. Taleggio – Ideal Alternative to Mature Fontina
Many different types of cheese can be utilized as a substitute for mature fontina. One very good option is Taleggio. Taleggio is a semi-soft cheese that is made from cow’s milk.
It has a strong, pungent flavor that can be mellowed by using it in cooked dishes.
When substituting Taleggio for fontina, it is important to remember that it will melt more quickly than the more robust fontina. As a result, it is best to use Taleggio in dishes that do not require long cooking times.
Additionally, Taleggio can be used as a topping on pizzas and other dishes that would typically be made with fontina.
When choosing a cheese to substitute for fontina, it is important to consider the flavor profile of the dish you are making. Taleggio is an excellent choice for dishes that require strong, flavorful cheese.
10. Vacherin- Excellent substitute for pasta bakes, pies, or melting in general
For a cheese that will deliver a delicious and melty result in your next baking dish, try swapping in Vacherin for Fontina.
Vacherin is a variety of Swiss cheese that has a smooth texture and slightly nutty flavor that is complementary to many recipes.
When melted, Vacherin becomes gooey and stringy, making it the perfect cheese for stretching over your favorite pasta dish or layering into a savory pie.
You can also use Vacherin as a topping for gratins or crumble it over a salad for extra flavor. If you are searching for a cheese that will give you beautiful results in your next bake, reach for Vacherin instead of Fontina.
11. I substitute mature cheddar for fontina
Cheddar cheese is another good substitute for mature fontina. It has a sharp flavor and a crumbly texture.
Cheddar is also a bit lower in fat and calories than fontina, so it’s a good option if you’re watching your weight.
While it’s not quite as smooth as fontina, cheddar can be shredded or grated and used in place of fontina in many recipes.
It is more widely available and less expensive than fontina, making it a good choice for those on a budget.
Read More- Ideal Substitutes for Cheddar Cheese
12. Edam cheese- Best Mild Substitute for Fontina
Cheese balls! Who doesn’t love them? They are the perfect party food, and they can be made ahead of time so that you can enjoy your own party instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Fontina is a great cheese for cheese balls, but it can be a bit strong for some people. If you want a milder flavor, Edam is an excellent choice for a cheese ball.
Plus, it is a milder flavor, so it won’t overwhelm your other party favors.
Edam has a similar texture and melting properties, so it works well in recipes where those qualities are desired. Additionally, its flavor is fairly neutral, making it versatile enough to use in a wide variety of dishes.
Whether creating a grilled cheese sandwich or a fancier entree, Edam is an excellent option to keep in mind.
13. Substitute mozzarella cheese for fontina cheese
Mozzarella is not an ideal substitution for fontina.
It is moist and very soft than fontina. Still, mozzarella can use in certain dishes that need a bit of creaminess and depth of flavor without being too assertive; mozzarella is a perfect choice.
Vegan Substitute for Fontina Cheese
1. Cashew cheese
Cashew cheese with a milder flavor; I recommend trying instead of fontina and seeing the result. It has a creamy texture and a delicate flavor that pairs well with various foods.
In addition, cashew cheese is lower in fat and calories than many other types of cheese, so it’s a good choice if you’re watching your weight.
Whether you’re looking for a healthier option or simply want to change up your cooking routine, I urge you to give cashew cheese a try.
2. Nutritional yeast
Nutritional yeast is another vegan option that has a similar flavor profile. Nutritional yeast is often used as a vegan alternative to Parmesan cheese rind, but it can also be used in recipes that call for fontina.
When substituting nutritional yeast for fontina, it is important to use the same amount of cheese.
Otherwise, the dish may end up being too cheesy or too bland. With a little bit of experimentation, anyone can find the perfect cheese for their next meal.
FAQs on substitute for fontina cheese
Q1. What cheese is most similar to fontina?
Some cheeses that are similar to fontina include: provolone, Gouda, Gruyère, swiss emmenatal, Montasio, brie, and camembert.
Q2. What is the difference between fontina and Gruyere cheese?
Fontina, mainly Italian semi-soft cheese, and gruyere are types of Alpine cheese, meaning they are produced in the mountains of Switzerland.
Fontina has a smooth, creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavor.
Gruyere is slightly sweeter and saltier than fontina, with a more complex flavor that some say has hints of fruit and nuts.
Fontina has cheese eyes, whereas gruyere does not.