This delicious baked Fontina recipe by Ina Garten is the ultimate quick and easy appetizer for a cozy night in or a party starter. With creamy, bubbling cheese infused with fresh herbs and garlic, it’s perfect for dipping crusty bread. You can easily adapt it using other favorite cheeses or herbs you have on hand!
Recipe Ingredients:
- 1½ lb Italian Fontina Val d’Aosta cheese, rind removed and 1-inch-diced
- ¼ c good olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp minced fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp minced fresh rosemary leaves
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 crusty French baguette
How To Make Baked Fontina?
- Preheat the broiler: Adjust the oven rack to sit 5 inches / 12.5cm from the heat source and preheat the broiler.
- Prepare the cheese: Distribute the diced Fontina evenly in a 12-inch / 30cm cast-iron skillet and drizzle it with olive oil.
- Add herbs and seasonings: Mix the garlic, thyme, and rosemary, then sprinkle the mixture over the cheese. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Broil the Fontina: Place the skillet under the broiler for about 6 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and lightly golden on top.
- Serve immediately: Take the skillet directly to the table and serve family-style with chunks of crusty baguette for dipping into the gooey, flavorful cheese.
Recipe Tips:
- Use High-Quality Cheese: The flavor of this dish depends on the cheese, so choose authentic Italian Fontina Val d’Aosta or a similar high-quality Fontina for the best taste and melt.
- Cut Cheese Evenly: Dice the cheese into similar-sized 1-inch / 2.5cm cubes to ensure it melts evenly and creates that creamy, bubbling texture.
- Preheat the Broiler Properly: Make sure your broiler is fully preheated before placing the skillet inside. This helps the cheese melt quickly without drying out.
- Watch the Broiler Closely: Keep an eye on the skillet as the cheese broils—it can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds.
- Serve Immediately: This dish tastes best hot and fresh from the oven, so have your bread ready to dip as soon as it comes out!
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: Let the leftover Baked Fontina cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring gently between each, until melted and heated through.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 of 6 servings
- Calories: 480
- Total Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 28g
Check out More Recipes:
Ina Garten Baked Fontina
Description
This delicious baked Fontina recipe by Ina Garten is the ultimate quick and easy appetizer for a cozy night in or a party starter. With creamy, bubbling cheese infused with fresh herbs and garlic, it’s perfect for dipping crusty bread. You can easily adapt it using other favorite cheeses or herbs you have on hand!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler: Adjust the oven rack to sit 5 inches / 12.5cm from the heat source and preheat the broiler.
- Prepare the cheese: Distribute the diced Fontina evenly in a 12-inch / 30cm cast-iron skillet and drizzle it with olive oil.
- Add herbs and seasonings: Mix the garlic, thyme, and rosemary, then sprinkle the mixture over the cheese. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Broil the Fontina: Place the skillet under the broiler for about 6 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and lightly golden on top.
- Serve immediately: Take the skillet directly to the table and serve family-style with chunks of crusty baguette for dipping into the gooey, flavorful cheese.
Notes
- Use High-Quality Cheese: The flavor of this dish depends on the cheese, so choose authentic Italian Fontina Val d’Aosta or a similar high-quality Fontina for the best taste and melt.
- Cut Cheese Evenly: Dice the cheese into similar-sized 1-inch / 2.5cm cubes to ensure it melts evenly and creates that creamy, bubbling texture.
- Preheat the Broiler Properly: Make sure your broiler is fully preheated before placing the skillet inside. This helps the cheese melt quickly without drying out.
- Watch the Broiler Closely: Keep an eye on the skillet as the cheese broils—it can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds.
- Serve Immediately: This dish tastes best hot and fresh from the oven, so have your bread ready to dip as soon as it comes out!
Ina Garten Baked Fontina