Running low on Fontina cheese? No problem! These substitutes are here to save the day. Whether you’re midway through a recipe or just want some flexibility, these options will keep your dish delicious and flavorful.

1.Provolone

Provolone, another Italian gem, brings a tangy and light touch to any dish. This cow’s milk cheese is a great stand-in for Fontina, whether you’re cooking something hot or keeping it cold.

For a similar vibe, go with the non-smoked kind. Young Provolone has a mild, milky flavor with a hint of zest, but as it ages, it becomes bolder and tangier. While it’s softer and a bit tricky to grate, Provolone melts beautifully, making it a perfect addition to salads, pasta, and sauces.

2.Montasio

Looking for a cheesy substitute that’s as rich as it gets? Meet Montasio, an Italian mountain cheese that’s like Fontina’s creamy cousin. With a whopping 32% fat, this cheese is indulgent, perfect for when you want that extra creaminess without the calorie worries.

Whether you’re melting it, slicing it thin, or just snacking on it, Montasio brings that mountain flavor right to your plate.

3.Gruyere

Gruyère, a Swiss cow’s milk cheese, is a fantastic stand-in for Fontina. This hard cheese shares a similar flavor profile with Fontina and is widely available in most supermarkets, making it a versatile superstar.

Known for its signature holes, Gruyère is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to charcuterie boards or transforming into a creamy, melty delight when heated. Sprinkle it over soups, pasta, or any recipe that calls for a smooth, melty cheese – it always delivers.

4.Parmesan

Meet Parmesan, the Italian cheese that’s here to elevate your dishes with its bold, savory flavor. Whether you’re looking to add depth to pasta, a fresh salad, or a warm, buttery casserole, Parmesan is your go-to.

This classic cheese is made from cow’s milk and ages for at least a year, giving it a firm, granular texture and a rich, nutty taste that’s hard to beat. Plus, it’s super versatile–sprinkle it as a fine powder or shave it into delicate slivers. Parmesan is the perfect way to add that extra something to your favorite recipes.

5.Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a mild and milky cheese that works perfectly as a substitute for young Fontina. While Fontina has a nutty, earthy flavor, Mozzarella offers a cleaner and subtler taste with a hint of tartness.

One of Mozzarella’s standout features is its stringy, melty texture, making it a great choice for recipes where you’d typically use Fontina. Whether you’re adding it to pasta, meats, sandwiches, pizzas, soups, or salads, Mozzarella brings a touch of sweetness and creaminess to any dish.

6.Tofu

Tofu as a substitute for Fontina? Absolutely! Tofu, which hails from East Asia, is made by grinding soybeans, soaking them in water, and pressing the mixture into a solid block.

It’s a nutritious choice that might help lower cholesterol and even offer some health-protective benefits. While it’s firmer than Fontina, tofu works beautifully in pasta dishes and baked goods.

Plus, it’s gluten-free and a fantastic option for vegans looking for a cheese alternative. Talk about a versatile and healthier swap!

7.Gouda

Looking for a cheese that’s just as tasty as Fontina? Gouda is here to save the day! This Dutch delight offers a spicy, earthy charm, making it a perfect stand-in.

With a saltier touch and a creamier texture, Gouda is versatile and delicious. It melts smoothly in fondue, adds a rich flavor when grated over pasta, and even brings a surprising depth to salads and desserts.

8.Taleggio

Taleggio is a semi-soft cow’s milk cheese hailing from Italy. It’s known for its bold, pungent aroma and a flavor that’s reminiscent of aged Fontina, but with a softer, creamier texture that’s more like young Fontina.

Taleggio has a higher fat content than Fontina, making it a fantastic choice for melting. It melts beautifully and works beautifully as a savory topping for soups.

9.Cheddar

Looking for a vibrant and flavorful cheese? Cheddar is your go-to! With its bright color and sharp taste, it’s a fantastic alternative to Fontina.

This firm cheese is super versatile–you can slice it, grate it, or melt it, making it perfect for a variety of dishes. Cheddar has a bolder flavor than Fontina but still mixes beautifully into pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and baked creations. It’s the ultimate kitchen staple!

10.Havarti

Havarti, a Danish cow’s milk cheese, is a fantastic stand-in for Fontina. Its unique look, with lots of small holes, makes it a standout on any plate. But what really shines is its mild, creamy flavor, which is super similar to a young Fontina.

This cheese melts like a dream, making it perfect for paninis or baked pasta dishes. Plus, it’s a great addition to any cheese board. The best part? You can find Havarti pre-sliced or in wedges at most grocery stores, so it’s easy to grab and go.

11.Edam

Meet Edam, a Dutch cheese with a rich, nutty flavor that’s both delicious and versatile. You’ll recognize it by its iconic red wax coating and light yellow color.

As it ages, Edam becomes harder, making it a long-lasting and practical choice for any kitchen. Did you know Edam is a fantastic substitute for Fontina? Its mild yet robust flavor and smooth melting quality make it a great fit for everything from Italian pizzas to fresh salads.

Pair it with French toast and a glass of red wine for a cozy treat, or use it as a tasty addition to your next charcuterie board.

12.Grana Padano

Meet Grana Padano, a classic Italian cheese known for its mild flavor and rich aroma. With a crumbly texture that becomes a melty delight when heated, it’s a versatile addition to any meal.

It’s a breeze to use in so many dishes–sprinkle it on pasta, add it to pizzas, or mix it into salads and roasted vegetables.

Plus, it’s perfect as a savory snack on its own. However you use it, Grana Padano brings a touch of Italian charm to your table.

13.Emmental

Meet Emmental, the Swiss cheese with a big personality. Hailing from Switzerland’s Emmental region, this semi-hard cow’s milk cheese is famous for those big, airy holes and a flavor that’s nutty with hints of fruitiness.

While its aroma might not be everyone’s cup of tea, Emmental shines in fondue and steals the show on any charcuterie board. It’s the ultimate Swiss classic that’s worth getting to know.

14.Vacherin

Meet Vacherin, a luscious cow’s milk cheese hailing from France and Switzerland. Similar to Brie, it offers a creamy, indulgent experience. If you’re looking for a Fontina substitute, the French Mont d’Or variety is a stellar choice, boasting a rich, buttery flavor.

Its high-fat content makes it perfect for melting, so it’s a star in sauces, pasta, fondue, and savory pies. But Vacherin isn’t just for cooking–enjoy its creamy richness at room temperature, paired with crackers on a cheese board.

Whether you’re cooking up a storm or hosting a gathering, Vacherin brings a touch of elegance and flavor to any dish.