Cheesy Heaven: Baked Fontina Recipe Inspired by Ina Garten

Melted cheese lovers adore this simple baked fontina that captures the essence of rustic Italian cooking.

Ina Garten’s baked fontina delivers a luxurious appetizer that transforms your kitchen into a gourmet haven.

Sharp herbs and creamy fontina cheese dance together in a sizzling skillet, creating an irresistible dish.

The aroma will pull everyone close to the table, anticipating each golden, bubbling bite.

Cast iron becomes the perfect vessel for this mouthwatering starter that promises pure indulgence.

Served with crusty bread, this recipe turns an ordinary evening into a delectable celebration of flavor.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this warm, decadent cheese delight.

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten Baked Fontina

• Fontina: Creamy Italian cheese that melts beautifully and delivers rich, nutty flavor perfect for broiling.

• Garlic, Thyme, Rosemary: Fresh herbs and aromatics that infuse the cheese with earthy, vibrant Mediterranean-inspired notes and create depth of flavor.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate the cheese's natural taste and provide a subtle spicy kick.
• Olive Oil: Silky drizzle that helps cheese melt smoothly and adds a light, fruity undertone to the dish.

• Crusty Baguette: Rustic bread with a crisp exterior and soft interior, ideal for scooping and enjoying the melted cheese.

Tools for Melting Ina Garten Baked Fontina Right

• Cast-iron skillet: A sturdy, 12-inch pan perfect for even heating and broiling the fontina cheese.
• Knife: Sharp for dicing cheese into uniform cubes.
• Cutting board: Stable surface for preparing ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for precise herb and seasoning measurements.
• Broiler: Essential for melting and browning the cheese quickly.
• Tongs or serving utensil: Great for transferring hot skillet and serving baguette chunks.

Directions for Ina Garten Baked Fontina Perfection

Fontina Flavor Explosion

• Cast-Iron Stage Picking the right skillet is crucial for creating a delicious melted cheese experience. A heavy, seasoned cast-iron pan will distribute heat perfectly and create a gorgeous golden crust.
• Cheese Preparation Slice the fontina into delectable cubes, ensuring each piece is roughly the same size for even melting. Spread the cheese across the pan with generous enthusiasm.
• Herbal Symphony Sprinkle freshly chopped garlic, rosemary, and thyme across the cheese landscape. These aromatic herbs will transform the simple cheese into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
• Broiler Magic Position the oven rack close to the broiler's heat. Let the skillet dance under the intense flame for approximately 6 minutes, watching as the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden wonder.
• Rustic Serving Bring the sizzling skillet directly to the table, accompanied by crusty bread chunks. Let friends and family dive into the gooey, fragrant cheese experience right from the pan.

Enhance Flavor in Ina Garten Baked Fontina

• Experiment with different melting cheeses like Gruyère, Emmental, or Raclette for unique flavor profiles and textures.
• Personalize the herb blend by adding fresh chopped basil, oregano, or sage to complement the existing thyme and rosemary.
• Enhance the dish with red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a drizzle of truffle oil for an extra flavor kick before broiling.
• Serve with toasted crostini, warm pita bread, roasted vegetables, or crisp apple slices to create diverse dipping experiences.
• Prepare the cheese and herb mixture in advance, refrigerate, and bring to room temperature before broiling to save time during entertaining.

Best Ways to Present Ina Garten Baked Fontina

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Tear rustic baguette into chunky pieces for perfect dipping into the melted, herby fontina.
• Create a Charcuterie Moment: Arrange sliced prosciutto, salami, and olives around the skillet for a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer experience.
• Elevate with Wine Companions: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied red such as Beaujolais to complement the rich, creamy cheese.
• Add Fresh Accompaniments: Scatter some fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives on top for a bright, colorful finish that adds a fresh layer of flavor.

Store Ina Garten Baked Fontina Without Fuss

• Quick Serve Strategy: Enjoy this cheesy delight immediately after broiling for the most luxurious melted texture and maximum flavor intensity.
• Smart Refrigeration Technique: Store any leftover baked fontina in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days, understanding the cheese will solidify when chilled.
• Gentle Reheating Method: Warm the cheese slowly in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes, adding a splash of olive oil to restore its creamy consistency.
• Party Prep Hack: Prep ingredients in advance by dicing cheese and chopping herbs, then assemble just before broiling to maintain freshness and maximize entertaining efficiency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 16 minutes

Calories: 401 kcal

Servings: 6

Creamy Baked Fontina Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Italian fontina emerges as a delectable cheese dish perfect for intimate gatherings. Garlic, herbs, and olive oil meld with melting cheese, creating a rustic appetizer you’ll eagerly share with close friends.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) fontina val d’aosta cheese, rind removed and diced into 1-inch pieces
• 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary leaves, minced
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 french baguette, crusty

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position the oven rack 5 inches beneath the broiler and activate at maximum heat, creating an optimal melting environment for the cheese.
2. Cheese Arrangement: Spread diced Fontina evenly across a cast-iron skillet, drizzling extra virgin olive oil to enhance flavor and prevent adherence.
3. Aromatic Infusion: Finely chop garlic, thyme, and rosemary, creating a fragrant herb blend that will elevate the cheese’s fundamental taste profile.
4. Seasoning Layer: Distribute the herb-garlic mixture uniformly over the cheese, generously seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to intensify the overall gustatory experience.
5. Broiling Transformation: Slide the skillet under the broiler, watching intently as the cheese morphs into a molten, golden-brown landscape with bubbling edges, approximately 6 minutes.
6. Serving Spectacle: Extract the skillet using protective gloves, presenting directly at the table alongside crusty baguette chunks for an interactive, rustic dining moment.

Notes

• Precise Broiler Placement: Position rack exactly 5 inches from broiler to ensure even, quick melting without burning the delicate Fontina cheese.
• Select Quality Cast Iron: Use a 12-inch cast-iron skillet for optimal heat distribution and creating a professional, restaurant-style presentation.
• Herb and Garlic Balance: Finely mince herbs and garlic to release maximum flavor, ensuring even coverage and aromatic intensity across the melted cheese.
• Monitoring Melt Time: Watch closely during the 6-minute broiling process, as cheese can quickly transition from perfectly golden to burnt, requiring constant attention.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 401
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 357 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 58 mg