A Guide to Fontina Cheese in 2025

Fontina cheese is one of the most versatile and flavorful cheeses you can add to your kitchen lineup. Originally from Italy’s Aosta Valley, this semi-soft cheese starts out creamy and mild, but becomes firmer and more intense over time. 

It’s a go-to for melted dishes like polenta or fondue and it’s perfect for everyday snacking, cooking and entertaining as well, especially when you're searching for fresh cheese board ideas. 

If you’re looking for tips on using Fontina or even need ideas for Fontina cheese substitutes, you’ve come to the right place — let’s explore all things Fontina.

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• What is Fontina Cheese?
• The Best Ways to Eat Fontina Cheese
• Best Fontina Cheese Recipes
• Is Fontina Cheese Healthy?
• Fontina Cheese FAQs

What is Fontina Cheese?

To truly appreciate Fontina’s place on the cheese board, you’ve got to travel back through the centuries, where castles and mountain pastures all play a role in its flavorful story. Let’s dig into the history of Fontina cheese.

The History of Fontina Cheese

The first written record of Fontina dates all the way back to 1270, with a more detailed mention appearing in 1477 in a dairy-focused text by Pantaleone di Confienza. Even earlier, a fresco painted in the Issogne Castle clearly shows Fontina cheese wheels on display, looking much like the ones you'll find on cheese boards today. This deep connection to tradition is part of what makes Fontina so special.

As for the name “Fontina,” there are a few different theories about its origins. Some say it comes from a mountain pasture called Fontin, while others believe it might be linked to a nearby village called Fontinaz. 

Another possibility is that it comes from the old French word fondis, which refers to something that melts easily, fitting, since Fontina cheese melts beautifully at a relatively low temperature, around 60°C. This melting ability is part of what gives the Fontina cheese its creamy, savory edge, making it perfect for cooking or serving alongside roasted vegetables and pasta dishes.

Official recognition of Fontina began in 1887 when it was classified in a dairy yearbook from Lodi. Further classifications followed in the 1930s and 1940s and in 1952, the Consortium of Fontina Producers was established. 

Three years later, the cheese was granted official Designation of Origin status by a Presidential Decree. In 1996, Fontina received the coveted Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) from the European Commission, ensuring the authenticity and quality of this treasured cheese. By 2002, the Consortium had been officially tasked with protecting, promoting and educating the public about Fontina PDO.

Crafting a wheel of authentic Fontina is a fascinating artisanal process. Fresh milk from alpine pastures is brought straight to the creamery, poured into copper cauldrons and gently heated. Calf rennet and enzymes are added to curdle the milk, which is then cut, drained and placed into molds. 

After soaking in a brine for two months, the cheese is aged in the naturally cool, humid caves of the Aosta Valley. During this time, each wheel is turned, brushed and salted every other day — an essential part of developing Fontina’s rich character.

What sets Fontina apart is its texture and flavor. The aging process gives it a moist, open interior with a smooth consistency and a complex flavor profile. The resulting Fontina cheese taste is nutty, earthy and slightly tangy, with a hint of sweetness.

It melts beautifully, which makes it a top pick for fondue, grilled cheese and creamy pasta dishes. It also works well as part of any cheese board, paired with cured meats, crusty bread and a bold red wine for a delicious spread.

While authentic Italian Fontina carries PDO status, there are also popular versions made in Denmark and Sweden. These are usually milder and have a waxed rind, offering a sweeter, more buttery flavor. Whether you prefer the bold, earthy taste of traditional Fontina or the smoother notes of its northern European cousins, Fontina cheese is a versatile and flavorful addition to your kitchen.

What Type of Cheese is Fontina Cheese?

Fontina cheese is a semi-hard cheese made from cow’s milk, with a milk fat content sitting around 45%. This gives it a nice balance — not too soft, not too hard — which helps it melt beautifully in all kinds of dishes. As Fontina ages, it develops a sharper, more intense flavor, so you can choose whether you want something mild and creamy or a bit more robust and full-bodied.

Traditional Fontina usually comes in big wheels; think about 13 to 15 inches wide and three to four inches thick. The outside has a natural beige rind that sometimes gets coated with wax to protect it, while the inside is a lovely pale golden color. 

You’ll notice small holes throughout the cheese, often called “eyes.” These little holes are common in alpine-style cheeses and happen naturally when gases form during the fermentation process. All these characteristics come together to make Fontina a cheese that’s not only delicious but also super versatile.

What Is the Flavor of Fontina Cheese?

When it comes to flavor, Fontina strikes a nice balance between mild and complex. It has those classic nutty, savory notes you’d expect but what really makes it stand out is a subtle hint of sweetness, kind of like honey. That sweet-savory combo makes Fontina really versatile and easy to love.

Italian Fontina usually has a firmer texture and a stronger, earthier taste, which makes it perfect for hearty dishes and bold flavors. On the other hand, the Fontina you find from Sweden, Denmark or the U.S. tends to be a bit softer, creamier and milder, with those cute little holes that give it a fun look and a lighter bite. If you’re looking for a reliable brand, BelGioioso’s authentic Fontina is a great pick. It nails the balance between creamy texture and mellow flavor.

You’ll also be glad to know that Fontina cheese works well in both sweet and savory dishes and pairs beautifully with fruit, cured meats and crusty bread. And if you’re wondering where to buy Fontina cheese, you’re in luck. 

Most specialty cheese shops and well-stocked grocery stores carry it and plenty of online retailers make it easy to get your hands on both domestic and imported varieties. Murray’s Cheese — both online and in-store — for quality cheeses, including the classic Val d’Aosta Fontina DOP and milder Danish-style Fontina. Whichever you choose, you’ll be set for all kinds of delicious meals and snacks.

The Best Ways to Eat Fontina Cheese

When it comes to showing off Fontina cheese at its best, Italian classics are the way to go. The cheese creates stretchy, flavorful bites that can complement any pizza topping combination. Toss it into pasta dishes and you’ll get a silky, smooth sauce that clings to every noodle. 

Fontina also works wonders in quiches and gratins, where its creamy texture and nutty, slightly sweet flavor add serious depth and richness. For an impressive appetizer, try wrapping slices of bacon and zucchini around chunks of warm Fontina cheese to create a crowd-pleasing bite that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.

What Is Fontina Cheese Used For?

One of the best things about Fontina cheese is how easy it is to cook with. Many home cooks find it ideal for comfort foods like gourmet grilled cheese or a decadent mac and cheese. You can also explore more refined Fontina cheese recipes by melting Fontina into tomato-based pasta sauces and creamy risottos. Even members of the Fontal cheese family, which are closely related to Fontina, work beautifully in these kinds of dishes, especially when rubbed with spices for an extra kick.

Fontina cheese also pairs well with a variety of drinks, making it an easy choice for entertaining. It’s especially lovely alongside wines like chardonnay, riesling, Chianti, Montepulciano or cabernet sauvignon. A pinot noir, like that of the Oregon Willamette Valley, offers a light, fruity contrast, while an Italian nebbiolo brings just enough structure to balance Fontina’s rich texture.

For beer fans, Fontina pairs nicely with bocks, saisons or lambics, which bring out different flavor notes in the cheese. And if cocktails are more your thing, try a whiskey sour to highlight the cheese’s nuttiness or a crisp Gin and Tonic for a refreshing counterpoint to its creamy smoothness.

Best Fontina Cheese Recipes

Fontina is one of those cheeses that works for just about any meal. To get you started, here are a few easy and delicious Fontina cheese recipes that you can whip up for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Bacon, Egg and Cheese-Stuffed Loaf

If you’re looking for a savory and satisfying way to enjoy Fontina, try a bacon, egg and cheese-stuffed loaf. To make, simply hollow out a baguette and fill it with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, sun-dried tomatoes and plenty of melted Fontina cheese. Pop it in the oven until everything is hot and bubbly, then slice it up for an easy breakfast or brunch dish.

Grilled Chicken and Fontina Sandwich

For something a bit more refined, a grilled chicken, pear and Fontina sandwich is a great choice. Tender slices of chicken breast, sweet pear, red onion and grated Fontina cheese are piled onto toasted sourdough bread. It’s an easy yet impressive sandwich that balances savory and sweet in every bite.

Toast Farcito

If you’re in the mood for something quick and savory, Italian stuffed toast or toast farcito, is a must-try. This simple sandwich is like an Italian spin on your favorite deli sandwich, full of flavor with minimal effort. Simply layer slices of prosciutto, gooey Fontina cheese and zesty giardiniera between two slices of bread, then grill them until golden and crisp.

Is Fontina Cheese Healthy?

One of the best things about Fontina cheese, especially if you’re someone who’s a bit sensitive to lactose, is that it’s generally easier to digest than other fresh cheeses.

That’s because Fontina is aged, and during that aging process, a lot of the lactose naturally breaks down. So if regular cheese sometimes gives you trouble, Fontina might be a gentler option to enjoy without the usual discomfort.

But Fontina isn’t just easier on the stomach—it also packs some good-for-you nutrients. It’s a solid source of vitamin B12, which is key for making red blood cells and keeping your nervous system in tip-top shape.

You’ll also get vitamin A, which, according to studies published in the National Library of Medicine, supports eye health. Of course, like all cheeses, Fontina is still rich in fat, so it’s best to enjoy it in moderation. But it can be a delicious and nutritious part of your diet.

Fontina Cheese FAQs

Is Fontina Cheese the Same as Mozzarella?

If you’re wondering “what is Fontina cheese similar to?” a few Italian favorites probably come to mind, starting with mozzarella. While they both melt beautifully and play starring roles in comfort food classics, they’re definitely not the same. 

Mozzarella is much softer, with a fresh, milky flavor that’s perfect for caprese salads and pizza toppings. Fontina, on the other hand, brings a bit more personality to the table. It has a firmer texture and a richer, nuttier flavor that deepens as it ages. It still melts like a dream but adds a savory, slightly earthy kick that mozzarella just can’t match.

Is Fontina the Same as Asiago?

Now, when it comes to Asiago, the comparison gets even closer. Fontina and fresh Asiago actually have a lot in common: they’re both semi-soft, flavorful and super melty when young. Fresh Asiago tends to be smooth and mild, while aged Asiago becomes firmer and more crumbly, with a sharper bite. 

Fontina lands right in the middle: it’s creamy when young and picks up more complex, nutty notes over time, making it a flexible option for cooking. Because of their similar textures and melting qualities, Asiago is often used as a Fontina cheese substitute, especially in recipes that need a little extra melt and tang.

Once you discover what this remarkable cheese can do, you'll want to add it to your regular shopping list. Fontina plays well with bold and simple ingredients alike, and it’s just as happy starring on a cheese board as it is folded into a weeknight dinner.

And if you ever run out, no worries; there are plenty of great Fontina cheese substitutes to keep your dishes delicious. To learn even more, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!