Melted Goodness: 5 Best Fontina Cheese Substitutes

Okay, folks, here’s the scoop.

Finding the perfect cheese for your dish can sometimes feel like you’re in a cheesy detective novel.

Where the plot thickens, and the main character? Fontina cheese.

But plot twist – what if Fontina’s not on your kitchen’s cast list?

No sweat. We’ve got the substitutes that’ll have your meals winning awards.

Imagine a cheesy, melty scene so good, your kitchen feels like a gourmet show. We’re about to give you the inside scoop on the top 5 Fontina cheese stand-ins that save the day, turning potential kitchen disasters into Michelin-star-worthy scenes.

Get ready to meet your new cheesy sidekicks.

What is Fontina Cheese?

Originating in the Val d’Aosta region of Italy, Fontina cheese is a traditional Italian cheese that has been made for centuries.

Fontina comes from the Latin word ‘fontanus,’ meaning ‘fountain,’ referring to the bountiful water sources in the Val d’Aosta region.

The cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a natural reddish-brown rind.

The cheese’s interior is pale yellow and has a slightly nutty flavor.

Fontina cheese is most commonly used in dishes such as fondue and gratins, where its strong flavor pairs well with other ingredients.

It is also often used as a pizza topping, as the cheese’s high-fat content helps prevent it from drying out during cooking.

Fontina cheese is a popular choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike, thanks to its versatile flavor and texture.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Fontina Cheese

Fontina cheese is a semi-soft Italian cheese known for its creamy texture and nutty flavor.

However, if you cannot find Fontina cheese or need a substitute with a similar taste profile, there are several alternatives to consider.

In this guide, we will compare the top 5 substitutes for Fontina cheese, discussing their key characteristics and suggesting proper ratios to help you find suitable alternatives.

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Proper Ratio
Gruyere Cheese	A Swiss cheese with a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, similar to Fontina but with a firmer texture and stronger taste	Use an equal amount of Gruyere cheese as a substitute for Fontina
Gouda Cheese	A semi-hard Dutch cheese that offers a mild and slightly sweet taste, with a smooth and creamy texture	Use an equal amount of Gouda cheese as a substitute for Fontina
Munster Cheese	A soft and creamy cheese from the Alsace region of France, with a strong and tangy flavor	Use an equal amount of Munster cheese as a substitute for Fontina
Feta Cheese	A brined Greek cheese made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk, with a crumbly texture and tangy, salty taste	Use an equal amount of crumbled Feta cheese as a substitute for Fontina
Provolone Cheese	An Italian semi-hard cheese with a mild and buttery flavor, available in different aging varieties	Use an equal amount of Provolone cheese as a substitute for Fontina

Now, let’s dive into each substitute in more detail:

1 – Gruyere Cheese

Gruyere cheese is a type of unpasteurized cow’s milk cheese that originates from the Swiss canton of Fribourg.

It has a creamy texture and a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.

The cheese is aged for a minimum of five months, and during this time, it develops a crumbly yet smooth texture.

Gruyere cheese is often used in gratins and fondues and classic dishes such as croque-monsieur and chicken cordon bleu.

It can also be enjoyed on its own, either melted on bread or eaten with a crusty baguette.

• Key Characteristics: Gruyere cheese is a Swiss cheese with a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, similar to Fontina. However, it has a firmer texture and a stronger taste.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of Gruyere cheese as a substitute for Fontina. Adjust the quantity based on personal preference and desired flavor intensity.

2 – Gouda Cheese

Gouda cheese is a type of Dutch cheese named after the city of Gouda in the Netherlands.

It is a medium-hard cheese with a yellowish-orange rind and a creamy, yellow interior.

Gouda cheese has a sweet, nutty flavor that becomes more intense as the cheese ages.

It is often used in grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and topping for crackers and bread.

Gouda cheese can also be melted and used as a dip or sauce.

• Key Characteristics: Gouda cheese is a semi-hard Dutch cheese that offers a mild and slightly sweet taste, with a smooth and creamy texture.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of Gouda cheese as a substitute for Fontina. Adjust the quantity based on personal preference and desired flavor intensity.

3 – ‎Munster Cheese

Munster cheese is a type of cheese that originated in the Alsace region of France.

Munster cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a strong, pungent flavor.

The cheese is often used in dishes such as gratins and gratinees, and it can also be eaten on its own.

Munster cheese is named after the Munchner region of Germany, where the cheese was first introduced.

Munster cheese is typically sold in round, 8-ounce balls.

The rind of the cheese is natural and should be left on when eating.

Munster cheese should be stored in a cool, dry place and consumed within two weeks of opening.

• Key Characteristics: Munster cheese is a soft and creamy cheese from the Alsace region of France, known for its strong and tangy flavor.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of Munster cheese as a substitute for Fontina. Adjust the quantity based on personal preference and desired flavor intensity.

4 – ‎Feta Cheese

Feta is a delicious, salty cheese that originated in Greece.

It is typically made from sheep’s milk, but goat’s milk can also be used.

Feta is high in fat and protein, making it a nutritious food choice.

It is also a versatile cheese used in many different dishes.

For example, it is often crumbled over salads or used as a filling for pies and pastries.

Feta can also incorporate into main dishes, such as spanakopita (a spinach and feta pie) or moussaka (an eggplant and lamb casserole).

No matter how it is used, feta cheese always adds a rich, flavorful touch to any dish.

• Key Characteristics: Feta cheese is a brined Greek cheese made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk. It has a crumbly texture and a tangy, salty taste.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of crumbled Feta cheese as a substitute for Fontina. Adjust the quantity based on personal preference and desired level of saltiness in the dish.

5 – ‎Provolone Cheese

Provolone cheese is a type of Italian cheese made from cow’s milk.

It is a hard cheese that has a sharp, tangy flavor.

Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be used in various dishes, from sandwiches to pasta dishes.

It is also a popular pizza topping.

Provolone cheese is made by pressing milk curds together and then aging them for several months.

The longer the cheese is aged, the sharper the flavor will be.

Provolone cheese originated in Italy, but it is now produced in other parts, such as the United States.

• Key Characteristics: Provolone cheese is an Italian semi-hard cheese with a mild and buttery flavor. It is available in different aging varieties, ranging from mild to sharp.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of Provolone cheese as a substitute for Fontina. Adjust the quantity based on personal preference and desired flavor intensity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Fontina cheese is a versatile and delicious cheese that can be used in various dishes.

However, it can be challenging to find in stores, and it can be expensive.

Thankfully, several excellent substitutes can be used in its place.

So next time you’re looking for a substitute for Fontina cheese, be sure to give one of these other great options.