Fontina Cheese

Fontina cheese is a semi-soft, cow’s milk cheese that hails from the Aosta Valley in Italy, though delicious varieties are also crafted in Denmark, Sweden, and the United States. Renowned for its creamy texture and nutty, slightly earthy flavor, Fontina melts beautifully, making it a favorite for fondues, gratins, and classic Italian dishes like pizza and pasta bakes. The cheese features a pale yellow interior dotted with small holes and a thin, reddish-brown rind. Its rich taste and superb melting quality lend Fontina an essential role in recipes that call for smooth, flavorful cheese pulls and luscious, gooey sauces. Whether enjoyed on a cheeseboard or incorporated into cooked dishes, Fontina adds a touch of rustic elegance and deep, savory complexity to any meal.

Fontina cheese can typically be found in the specialty cheese section of your grocery store, which is often located near the deli or in a refrigerated area dedicated to a variety of cheeses from around the world. Look for it among other imported and artisan cheeses, as Fontina is a semi-soft, flavorful cheese originally from Italy. It’s usually sold in wedges or small blocks, sometimes wrapped in plastic or wax paper, and may be labeled as “Fontina” or “Fontina Val d’Aosta” for authentic varieties. If you don’t spot it right away, ask a store associate at the cheese counter—they can guide you to it or recommend a suitable substitute. Some larger supermarkets also stock Fontina in the pre-packaged cheese aisle alongside shredded and sliced cheeses, so be sure to check both the specialty and general cheese sections.