12 Best Fontina Cheese Substitutes You Need to Know
Need a perfect guide to fontina cheese substitutes? Well, you are in the right place! Fontina cheese is a commonly used stuff in household cooking nowadays. So, it is very usual that you might find the cheese box empty while cooking.
In such a situation, you don’t need to worry at all. We got your back in this article. In this article, we elaborately discussed some substitutes for Fontina cheese that you can use instead of Fontina cheese without compromising the taste and food nutrients.
Let’s get started.
Contents
What is Fontina Cheese?
Fontina cheese is a type of Italian cheese that originated from Aosta valley in the southern part of Italy. The creamy taste and texture of this cheese makes it different from others. The tiny pores in this cheese will attract your attention for sure.
The making process of Fontina cheese is very complex. After a long organized process of squeezing, salting, and pouring molds, this cheese is made and it takes around 3-6 months to get the authentic Italian Fontina.
Fontina cheese is a highly demandable cheese and is vastly used in making fondue. It pairs well with red wine and is often used in fondue or melted on top of pasta dishes.
So if you’re looking for a new cheese to try, be sure to give fontina cheese a taste!
What Does Fontina Taste Like?
Fontina is a type of cheese that originates from Italy. It has a creamy texture with small holes throughout.
The flavor is mildly nutty with a slight sweetness. When young, the cheese has a milder flavor. As it ages, the flavor becomes more intense.
Fontina pairs well with white wines such as Chardonnay. It can also be used in recipes that call for Gruyere or Emmental cheese.
What Look For Fontina Cheese Substitutes?
If you’re looking for a fontina cheese substitute, there are a few things to keep in mind. Fontina is a hard cheese with a nutty flavor, so you’ll want to find a cheese that has similar characteristics.
An aged cheddar or Gruyere cheese is a good substitute for fontina cheese. Both of these cheeses have a strong flavor that can stand up to other ingredients in a dish.
If you’re looking for a less expensive cheese than fontina, consider using mozzarella or provolone. These cheeses are not as robust in flavor, but they will still provide the same creaminess and meltability that you’re looking for.
No matter what cheese you choose, make sure to taste it before using it as a substitute for fontina cheese. This will help you to find the perfect flavor for your dish.
12 Best Fontina Cheese Substitutes
The best fontina cheese substitutes are-Gruyere, Emmental, Havarti, Gouda, Provolone, Taleggio, Vacherin, Edam, Grana Padano, Mozzarella, Provolone, Tofu, Parmesan. They are discussed in detail here –
1. Gruyere
Looking for a delicious cheese to substitute for Fontina? Gruyere is a great option!
Gruyere comes under the hard cheeses category, with a sweet and slightly salty taste and a prominent flavor of Gruyere which is quite similar to Fontina that pairs well with all sorts of dishes.
It also melts beautifully, making it perfect for gratins and other cheesy recipes. Best of all, Gruyere is relatively easy to find in most grocery stores. Give Gruyere a try!
2. Emmental
Emmental cheese is a nutty, flavorful cheese that originates from Switzerland. Emmental is healthy food that helps the body supplement nutrients and calcium for adults and is suitable for growing children.
It works well in dishes where you want the flavor of the cheese to shine through.
When substituting Emmental for fontina, use the same amount of cheese called for in the recipe. You may need to grate the cheese yourself, as it can be difficult to find pre-grated Emmental.
Emmental pairs well with other strong flavors, so it’s a good choice for dishes with bold ingredients. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to change up your go-to recipes, give Emmental cheese a try.
3. Havarti
Havarti is a great option. This Soft Danish cow’s milk cheese comes from one of the same countries as Fontina cheese, hence it is very comparable. This Danish cheese has a buttery, creamy taste that pairs well with a variety of foods.
It also melts beautifully because of its soft texture, making it ideal for dishes like gratins and roasted vegetables.
And because Havarti comes in a variety of styles (including aged and smoked), you’re sure to find one that suits your taste like pre-sliced for sandwiches or in a wedge so you may cut and prepare it as needed.
So reach for Havarti instead – you won’t be disappointed!
4. Gouda
In Dutch dairy countries, Gouda is one of the most famous cheeses. The pronounced flavor of this cheese and a bit salty flavor allow it to be used instead of Fontina cheese.
Gouda is even more delicious and soft than Fontina. The fat content is also higher. So, its price is also high for the right reason.
Gouda slices can be used in sandwiches, pizza or pasta. When it’s about texture, it has a firmer texture than Fontina cheese. You might find a difference in color as well. But, considering the taste, you can surely use Gouda instead of Fontina cheese.
5. Provolone
Looking for a cheese that can stand in for Fontina? Provolone is a great option! Fontina can be successfully replaced with provolone, particularly unsmoked provolone.
These two kinds of young cheeses are both from Italy. This Italian cheese has a similar mild, nutty flavor, and it can be used in all the same ways.
Whether you’re grating it over pasta or melting it on a sandwich, Provolone is sure to please. Plus, it’s a little bit easier to find (and cheaper!) than its more elusive cousin.
So, grab a block of Provolone and enjoy the deliciousness!
6. Taleggio
Taleggio is a type of cheese that is often used as a substitute for fontina cheese. It is a soft, semi-soft cheese that has a strong, pungent flavor.
Taleggio is made from cow’s milk and it originates from Italy. The taste and texture of Taleggio are similar to that of fontina cheese, but it is not as strong.
Taleggio can be used in many recipes that call for fontina cheese. It can be used in pasta dishes, pizzas, and gratins.
Taleggio is also a good cheese to use for melting. When melted, it has a creamy texture that makes it ideal for use in sauces and gratins.
If you are looking for a cheese that has a similar taste to fontina but is not as strong, then Taleggio is a good choice.
7. Vacherin
If you’re a fan of Fontina cheese, then you’ll love Vacherin. This cheese is originally from both France and Switzerland and is similar in taste and texture to Fontina, making it a great substitute in recipes.
But what exactly is Vacherin? This cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a creamy, smooth texture. It’s also mild in flavor, with a slightly nutty taste. While Vacherin is typically made into a wheel, it can also be found in the pre-sliced form.
Just be aware that it will melt quite fluidly, so use caution when serving it.
8. Edam
Edam cheese makes an excellent substitute for fontina. Both cheeses are mild and creamy, with a slightly nutty flavor. They also melt well, making them ideal for use in grilled sandwiches, quesadillas, and other cheesy dishes.
The main difference between the two cheeses is their appearance. Fontina has a smooth, pale yellow interior, while edam has a slightly crumbly texture and a bright orange hue.
So, if you’re looking for a cheese that will give your dish the same flavor as fontina but with a different look, go ahead and give edam a try!
9. Grana Padano
Grana Padano is a type of hard cheese that is often used as a substitute for Fontina cheese.
It is produced in Italy and has a similar taste and texture to Fontina cheese. Grana Padano is made from cow’s milk and has a nutty flavor.
It is also a good source of protein and calcium. Grana Padano can be used in many recipes that call for Fontina cheese, such as lasagna, macaroni and cheese, and pizza.
If you’re looking for delicious and nutritious cheese to use in your cooking, consider Grana Padano.
10. Mozzarella
Fortunately, mozzarella makes a great substitution. Especially in comparison to Fontina, mozzarella is a very soft cheese.
However, this Italian cheese is often made from cow’s milk and has a similar texture and flavor but does not have the distinctive nutty taste of Fontina., and it melts just as well. It’s also a fraction of the cost of Fontina.
Mozzarella cheese is typically available in smooth, round balls that vary in size and shape, as well as already cut logs or shredded. It’s typically used in pizzas, salads and baked pastas, as well as in salads and much more.
So next time you’re looking for a melty cheese to use in your cooking, reach for the Mozzarella instead of the Fontina.
11. Tofu
As any vegan knows, finding delicious cheese substitutes can be a challenge. While there are many options on the market, they often lack the flavor and texture of real cheese.
However, tofu can make an excellent substitute for fontina cheese in both cooked and uncooked dishes. Tofu has a more solid texture in comparison to Fontina, and when it is flavored with the right spices, it can mimic the taste quite closely.
In addition, tofu is a good source of protein and calcium, making it a healthy option for those who are avoiding dairy products.
This makes it good as a replacement for pasta dishes as well as baked products. It is a great option for vegetarians.
12. Parmesan
Parmesan cheese is the new go-to substitute for fontina cheese in recipes. And why not? Parmesan has all the same great qualities as fontina, plus a few extra benefits.
For one thing, Parmesan is usually less expensive than fontina. And because Parmesan is more readily available in most supermarkets, you’re less likely to find yourself running to the speciality cheese shop when you’re in the middle of making dinner.
Parmesan also has a bolder flavor than fontina, so it can really give your dish a boost of flavor. Because Parmesan is the same in firmness and richness as Fontina It can be substituted, however, the flavor won’t be exactly identical.
Health Benefits Of Fontina Cheese?
Did you know that fontina cheese has some amazing health benefits? For one thing, it’s packed with protein and calcium, which are essential for strong bones and muscles.
Additionally, fontina cheese contains probiotics, which can help to keep your digestive system healthy. And if that’s not enough, fontina cheese also contains conjugated linoleic acid, a type of fat that has been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease.
So next time you’re looking for a delicious and healthy snack, reach for some fontina cheese!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can pregnant women eat cheese?
Yes, expecting moms can eat cheese! Just be sure to choose varieties that are made with pasteurized milk, as unpasteurized cheeses could harbor bacteria that could be harmful to you and your baby.
Also, avoid mold-ripened soft cheeses like brie and blue cheese, as well as any raw milk cheeses. Once you give birth, feel free to enjoy all the delicious cheeses your heart desires!
How should I store cheese?
There are a few things to keep in mind when storing cheese:
– Cheese should be stored in the fridge, and it’s best to store it in a cheese drawer or on a shelf where it will be covered.
– Hard cheeses like Parmesan or Romano can be stored at room temperature, but softer cheeses like Brie should be kept in the fridge.
– Cheese will last for about two weeks after the date on the package if it’s stored properly.
– Some cheeses, like Roquefort or Gorgonzola, can develop an ammonia smell if they’re not stored correctly – these cheeses should not be eaten if they smell bad.
Should babies eat cheese regularly?
There isn’t a definitive answer, as different babies will have different sensitivities. It’s generally recommended that babies wait until they are at least one year old to start eating cheese, as it can be difficult for their digestive system to break down the milk proteins.
Some parents do choose to give their babies cheese at an earlier age, and if your baby doesn’t seem to have any adverse reactions then there’s no harm in doing so. Just make sure that you’re giving them a variety of other healthy foods too, and don’t rely on cheese as their only source of protein and calcium.
Conclusion
I hope this post has helped you learn more about Fontina cheese and its substitutes. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below or contact me directly. Thanks for reading!
