If you are all out of fontina cheese and need it for a recipe you are making, have no fear! There are multiple substitutes you can use for fontina cheese no matter what you are making.
Fontina is a delicious melting cheese made of cow’s milk. It provides a wonderful flavor that is rich and buttery with a hint of nuttiness.
Fontina is traditionally used in everything from pizza to frittatas, sandwiches, and even creamy sauces. So when substituting for fontina, you will need to use a cheese that offers similar flavor and melting properties.
So what are the best substitutes for fontina cheese?
The top fontina cheese substitutes are gouda, provolone, gruyere, and emmental cheese.
Make sure to read on to learn how to best use each fontina cheese substitute in your recipe.
Fontina Cheese Alternatives
Fontina cheese was first produced in Italy and today versions of this delightful cheese is produced in France and the US as well.
It has grown in popularity in recent years and can now be found in many different types of recipes. It is used in everything from breakfast to dinner to appetizers. But if you are all out of fontina simply use one of the substitutes below and skip an extra trip to the grocery store.
Gouda
Gouda is a soft melting cheese with a rich buttery flavor that is an ideal substitute for fontina in any type of recipe.
In fact gouda is so versatile, you should probably keep some on hand all the time. It tastes wonderful on sandwiches, cheese trays, on pizza, and as a base for creamy sauces.
Note: Some gouda comes with added spices so be certain the type you have will work with the other flavors in your recipe.
Related: Gouda Cheese Substitutes
Equivalent
1 cup of gouda equals 1 cup of fontina
Provolone
Provolone is a delicious semi-hard cheese that melts well and can be used in almost any recipe that calls for fontina.
Replace fontina on pizza, in sauces, and in appetizers with provolone cheese. Provolone offers a mild, smoky flavor that makes it particularly well suited for those who do not enjoy the more robust flavor of fontina.
Note: Provolone comes in two types, Provolone Dolce and Provolone Piccante. Provolone Dolce has a milder flavor while Provolone Piccante has a sharp flavor.
Gruyere
Gruyere is another melting cheese that is an excellent alternative to fontina. It offers a rich flavor that is well suited for all types of recipes.
In fact, gruyere can be used in any recipe that calls for fontina cheese. It is an excellent base for creamy sauces, to pair with wine, or to top a pizza.
Related: Gruyere Cheese Substitutes
Equivalent
1 cup of gruyere equals 1 cup of fontina
Emmental Cheese
Don’t confuse the holes in this cheese for any run of the mill swiss. Emmental is a nutty flavored cheese that is a great replacement for fontina.
Emmental has a complex flavor that is a great way to elevate the flavor of any recipe that calls for fontina.
Equivalent
1 cup of emmental equals 1 cup of fontina
Fontina Cheese Replacement FAQ
Can I substitute mozzarella for fontina cheese?
Mozzarella cheese is a good substitute for fontina when making pizza. It is not the best alternative when making a cheese tray or cream sauce. One of the substitutes above are a better option when making those types of recipes.
Can I use Parmesan instead of Fontina?
Yes, parmesan cheese is a good substitute for fontina in a pinch. It has a much lower salt level making it a great option for those looking to lower the salt in a dish.
Can I substitute cheddar for Fontina cheese?
Cheddar is not the best substitute for fontina in most recipes. While it can be used in a pinch as an appetizer or on a cheese tray, it is not well suited for pizza or sauces.
Can I substitute Swiss cheese for fontina?
Swiss can be use instead of fontina in many recipes. Swiss melts well and can be used in cream sauces and even to top pizzas.
What is the best fontina cheese substitute for pizza?
The best fontina substitutes when making pizza are gouda, gruyere, and provolone cheese. Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing fontina with any of these cheeses.
What is a good substitute for fontina cheese in mac and cheese?
When substituting fontina cheese in macaroni and cheese you will want to use a melting cheese with a similar flavor. The best options are gouda, provolone, gruyere, and emmental.