Heavenly Cheese Bubbles: Ina Garten’s Baked Fontina Recipe

Melted cheese lovers rejoice as this Ina Garten baked fontina cheese delivers pure indulgence straight from an Italian-inspired kitchen.

The aroma of bubbling fontina will instantly captivate your senses.

Sharp, creamy cheese becomes a luxurious appetizer that promises to impress even the most discerning palates.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this simple yet elegant dish.

Rich Italian herbs and quality ingredients elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

Serve this warm, golden delight as a stunning starter that sparks conversation and delights every guest.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible cheese experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 16 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 6

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten Baked Fontina Cheese

• Fontina Cheese: Creamy Italian cheese with nutty, mild flavor that melts beautifully and creates a luxurious texture.

• Garlic, Thyme, Rosemary: Fresh herbs that infuse deep, earthy flavors and complement the rich cheese with their fragrant essence.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste profile.

• Olive Oil: High-quality oil that helps distribute herbs, adds silky richness, and promotes even browning.
• French Baguette: Crusty bread perfect for scooping and soaking up the melted, herb-infused cheese.

Tools to Make Ina Garten Baked Fontina Cheese

• 12-inch cast-iron pan: Essential for even heat distribution and rustic presentation.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping herbs and slicing garlic.
• Sharp knife: Helps prepare ingredients with precision.
• Broiler-safe oven: Critical for melting and browning the cheese.

How to Bake Ina Garten Baked Fontina Cheese

• Cheese Preparation

Select a high-quality Fontina cheese and slice into rustic chunks, spreading them across a sturdy cast-iron skillet with a rustic, even touch.

• Aromatic Symphony

Gather fresh garlic cloves and fragrant herbs like thyme and rosemary, slicing and combining them to create a delightful herbal medley that will elevate the cheese’s flavor profile.

• Flavor Infusion

Gently drizzle golden olive oil over the cheese, allowing it to cascade across the surface. Sprinkle the herb mixture generously, creating a beautiful landscape of green and golden hues.

• Broiler Magic

Position the skillet underneath the broiler, creating a transformative heat environment that will melt the cheese into a luxurious, bubbling masterpiece with delicate golden-brown edges.

• Rustic Serving

Present the sizzling skillet directly from the oven, accompanied by crisp chunks of artisan French baguette, inviting friends and family to dive into this warm, communal culinary experience.

Tips to Get the Best Out of Ina Garten Baked Fontina

• Select fresh, high-quality Fontina with rich, creamy texture for maximum flavor and smooth melting performance.
• Experiment with fresh or dried herb combinations like oregano, sage, or marjoram to create unique flavor profiles that complement the cheese.
• Watch the cheese closely during broiling to achieve golden-brown edges without burning, adjusting oven rack position if needed.
• Serve alongside crispy crostini, roasted vegetables, charcuterie, or transform into a sophisticated appetizer for dinner parties and gatherings.
• Let cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even melting and optimal texture.

Serving Suggestions for Ina Garten Baked Fontina

• Craft a Rustic Appetizer Platter: Arrange the baked fontina alongside cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and olives for a Mediterranean-style starter that will wow your guests.
• Create Dipping Station: Set out an array of crusty breads, toasted sourdough slices, and herbed crackers to make the melted cheese experience interactive and fun.
• Pair with Wine Companions: Complement the rich, melted fontina with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay that cuts through the cheese's creamy texture.
• Host Cozy Gathering: Serve this dish during casual evening get-togethers, game nights, or as a warming appetizer at winter dinner parties where people can share and enjoy together.

Storage Tips for Ina Garten Baked Fontina Cheese

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store any leftover baked Fontina covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Wrap the cast-iron pan tightly with aluminum foil or transfer to an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Reheat Carefully: Warm the cheese gently in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes, watching closely to prevent overcooking. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the cheese tough and unappetizing.
• Prep Ahead Smartly: Cube the Fontina and chop herbs up to a day in advance. Keep ingredients separately refrigerated to streamline your cooking process and save time during meal preparation.
• Serve Fresh: Enjoy baked Fontina immediately after broiling for the best texture and flavor. The dish is most delicious when the cheese is hot, melted, and perfectly golden-brown, creating an irresistible appetizer that guests will love.

Heavenly Ina Garten Baked Fontina Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

Ina Garten’s baked fontina cheese recipe delivers Italian comfort with garlic-herb infused melted cheese. Warm bread and elegant presentation make this simple appetizer perfect for gatherings, ensuring guests savor each rich, creamy bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) fontina val d’aosta cheese, rind removed and 1-inch-diced
• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh thyme leaves, minced
• 1 tsp (5 ml) fresh rosemary leaves, minced
• 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt
• 1 tsp (5 g) black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 french baguette, crusty

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position the oven rack 5 inches below the broiler and set to high heat, creating optimal melting conditions for the fontina cheese.
2. Cheese Arrangement: Distribute fontina cheese cubes evenly across a 12-inch cast-iron skillet, preparing for a luxurious melting process.
3. Herb Infusion: Finely chop garlic, thyme, and rosemary to create an aromatic herb blend that will elevate the cheese’s flavor profile.
4. Seasoning and Coating: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the cheese, then generously scatter the herb mixture across the surface. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the dish’s taste dimensions.
5. Broiling: Slide the skillet under the broiler, allowing the cheese to transform for 6-7 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown crust and bubbling texture that signals perfect melting.
6. Serving: Carefully extract the skillet using heat-resistant gloves. Present the molten fontina immediately, accompanied by rustic chunks of crusty French baguette for an interactive and indulgent appetizer experience.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, fresh fontina with creamy texture and mild flavor for optimal melting and rich taste.
• Herb Precision: Finely chop herbs just before adding to preserve maximum aromatic oils and enhance overall flavor profile.
• Broiler Watch Closely: Monitor cheese constantly during broiling to prevent burning; golden-brown color indicates perfect caramelization.
• Serving Strategy: Serve immediately after broiling to enjoy the cheese’s maximum melted, gooey consistency and prevent solidification.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg