Kamil Perry
Fontina cheese is a semi-soft, Italian-style cow's milk cheese with a rich and creamy texture. It has a nutty, buttery flavour, although some have noted that it can taste a little like a barnyard! It's a great melting cheese and works well in hot dishes like baked pasta, mashed potatoes, casseroles, and paninis. It's also delicious baked with olive oil and herbs and served as a hot dip for bread. So, does Fontina cheese taste good? You'll have to try it and decide for yourself!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Semi-hard/semi-soft Italian-style cow's milk cheese |
| Texture | Rich and creamy |
| Colour | Pale yellow |
| Flavour | Nutty, buttery, earthy, mild, smooth, milky, slightly sweet, slightly tangy |
| Smell | Strong |
| Rind | Usually made from wax and is not edible |
| Melting | Melts very well |
| Recipes | Grilled cheese sandwich, gooey baked pastas, cheesy mashed potatoes, breakfast casseroles, paninis, baked fontina, sauces, pizzas, pasta dishes |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Fontina cheese is a semi-soft, Italian-style cow's milk cheese
- It has a rich, creamy texture and a nutty, buttery flavour
- Fontina is a good melting cheese and can be used in hot dishes
- It can be baked with olive oil and herbs and served as a dip
- Fontina cheese should be stored in the refrigerator and can be frozen
Fontina cheese is a semi-soft, Italian-style cow's milk cheese
Fontina cheese is said to have a nutty, earthy, and buttery flavour, with Italian variations tending to have a sharper taste than those made elsewhere. For example, Fontina Val d'Aosta, a variety of Fontina from Italy, is known for its strong barnyard flavour, with tasting notes of hay, soil, and stables. This variety is said to be quite pungent and strong in flavour, especially as it ages.
On the other hand, Castello Danish Fontina has been described as extremely mild, even milder than Monterey Jack, with smooth, creamy, and buttery notes. This variety seems to lack the strong flavour profile associated with some Italian Fontinas.
When purchasing Fontina cheese, it is important to note that it should be stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. It can be kept in an airtight container for up to 10 days or frozen for a few months when wrapped in plastic. Fontina cheese can be found at specialty cheese sections in grocery stores or at a deli counter with a large cheese selection.
Overall, Fontina cheese is a versatile and tasty option for those looking to explore beyond the standard cheese options. Its melting properties and unique flavour make it a great addition to various dishes, and it is especially popular in Italian cuisine. So, if you're feeling adventurous and want to try something new, give Fontina cheese a chance—you might just find your new favourite!
Cheese and Kittens: A Healthy Mix?
You may want to see also
It has a rich, creamy texture and a nutty, buttery flavour
Fontina cheese is a semi-soft or semi-hard Italian-style cow's milk cheese with a creamy, pale yellow colour and a rich, creamy texture. It has a nutty, buttery flavour and can have small holes in the body, similar to Swiss cheese. It is often used in hot dishes like gooey baked pastas, cheesy mashed potatoes, casseroles, and paninis due to its excellent melting properties. It can also be baked with olive oil and herbs and served as a hot dip for bread.
Fontina cheese has a unique and distinctive flavour that can be described as nutty, buttery, earthy, and mildly tangy. Its creamy texture and flavour make it a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is an excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, adding a rich and creamy taste. When baked, Fontina becomes bubbly and can be used as a topping for bread or as a dip.
The cheese's nutty and buttery notes are enhanced when it is melted, making it a popular choice for dishes that require melted cheese, such as pizzas, sandwiches, and casseroles. Its creamy texture also makes it a good choice for sauces, as it adds a rich and indulgent mouthfeel. Fontina can also be enjoyed on its own or as part of a cheese plate at room temperature, paired with fruits.
While Fontina cheese is known for its nutty and buttery flavour, some people have described it as having a stronger, more pungent taste. The Val d'Aosta variety, for example, is known for its sharp and intense flavour, with tasting notes of hay, soil, and stables. This stronger flavour may be an acquired taste and may not be preferred by those who are sensitive to strong flavours.
Overall, Fontina cheese is a versatile and delicious cheese that can enhance a variety of dishes with its rich, creamy texture and nutty, buttery flavour. It is a great choice for those looking to explore cheeses beyond the typical options, and its melting properties make it a standout option for grilled cheese sandwiches, dips, and hot dishes.
Cheese Puffs: Healthy Snack or Unhealthy Treat?
You may want to see also
Fontina is a good melting cheese and can be used in hot dishes
Fontina cheese is a semi-soft or semi-hard Italian-style cow's milk cheese with a creamy, pale yellow colour. It has a rich and creamy texture and a nutty, buttery flavour. Fontina is a good melting cheese and can be used in hot dishes. It melts nicely, making it a great addition to sauces, sandwiches, pizzas, and pasta dishes.
Fontina is often used in grilled cheese sandwiches, gooey baked pastas, cheesy mashed potatoes, breakfast casseroles, and paninis. It can also be baked with olive oil and herbs and served as a hot dip for bread. When baked, Fontina becomes bubbly and can be topped with mushrooms, butter, garlic, thyme, and parsley. It can also be added to eggs and cream to make mini egg cups for breakfast. Fontina can be paired with fruits and served at room temperature on a cheese plate.
The Italian version of Fontina, known as Fontina Val d'Aosta or Fontina (DOP), has a stronger flavour and aroma. It is known for its sharp, earthy taste with notes of hay, soil, and stables. This variety is typically more aged and has a washed rind. On the other hand, the younger version, Fontina fontal, is super mild and commonly used on pizzas.
While Fontina is praised for its melting properties and versatility in hot dishes, some people find its flavour lacking. Those who prefer stronger-tasting cheeses may find Fontina too mild, even comparing it to the milder versions of Monterey Jack. However, others appreciate its smooth, creamy, and buttery qualities.
Creating the Perfect Cheese Pull
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It can be baked with olive oil and herbs and served as a dip
Fontina is a semi-hard Italian-style cow's milk cheese with a rich and creamy texture and a nutty, buttery flavour. It is also a good melting cheese. Fontina can be baked with olive oil and herbs and served as a dip, making it a quick and simple crowd-pleaser.
To make this dish, preheat the broiler and position the oven rack about 5 inches from the heat source. Use a 12-inch cast-iron pan and add cubes of Fontina, making sure they are spread evenly across the bottom of the pan. Drizzle olive oil over the cheese cubes. You can then sprinkle your choice of herbs and spices over the cheese and oil. Suggested herbs include garlic, thyme, and rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Broil the mixture for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Be careful when removing the pan from the oven as it will be hot. Serve immediately with bread, crackers, or vegetables for dipping. This dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
It is recommended to use Italian Fontina for this recipe, as Danish Fontina may not melt as well and can be difficult to dip. However, feel free to experiment with different types of Fontina and herbs to find your favourite combination.
Cheese Toast: Weight Loss Friend or Foe?
You may want to see also
Fontina cheese should be stored in the refrigerator and can be frozen
Fontina is a semi-hard Italian-style cow's milk cheese with a creamy texture and a nutty, buttery flavour. It is a great melting cheese and is often used in hot dishes like baked pastas, casseroles, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
When it comes to storing Fontina cheese, it is important to follow certain guidelines to maintain its quality and flavour. Fontina is considered a semi-hard to semi-soft cheese, and as such, it should be stored properly to preserve its characteristics. Firstly, it is recommended to buy only as much cheese as you plan to consume within a few days. This way, you can avoid the need for long-term storage. However, if you do have a larger quantity of Fontina, it is advisable to store it in the refrigerator.
When storing Fontina cheese in the refrigerator, it is important to use the appropriate wrapping. Avoid using plastic wrap, as it can trap moisture and negatively impact the cheese's rind and flavour. Instead, opt for cheese paper, which allows the cheese to breathe while protecting it from excessive air exposure. Waxed or parchment paper can also be used, although they are slightly less ideal than cheese paper. If you have access to a cheese shop, you can leave the cheese in its original paper wrapping for the first few days. Additionally, consider storing Fontina in the produce drawer or vegetable crisper of your refrigerator, where the temperature is more stable and humidity is higher. This helps maintain the optimal temperature for cheese, which ranges between 40 and 53 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is worth noting that the refrigerator should be clean and free of mouldy foods, as they can cause your cheese to mould faster. Additionally, keep your Fontina cheese away from strong-odour foods like onions, as cheese can absorb these odours and flavours. If you wish to store Fontina for an extended period, you can consider freezing it. Freezing cheese alters its texture and may affect its flavour, but it can be a viable option for long-term storage.
In summary, Fontina cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, ideally in the produce drawer, and wrapped in cheese paper or loosely in waxed or parchment paper. By following these storage guidelines, you can enjoy your Fontina cheese at its best, preserving its flavour, texture, and quality.
Aldi Cheese Melt: Worth the Hype?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Fontina cheese has a nutty, earthy, and buttery flavour. It is a semi-soft Italian cow's milk cheese with a creamy, pale yellow colour. Some people have likened its taste to that of a barnyard, with tasting notes of hay, soil, and stables.
Castello Danish Fontina is a milder version of Fontina cheese. It has been described as extremely mild with smooth, creamy, and buttery tasting notes.
Fontina cheese is milder than Monterey Jack and has less flavour than Havarti and mild cheddar. It is also less tangy than Swiss cheese.
Fontina cheese is a good melting cheese, so it is often used in hot dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches, gooey baked pastas, cheesy mashed potatoes, breakfast casseroles, and paninis. It can also be baked with olive oil and herbs and served as a hot dip for bread. Fontina cheese can also be added to sauces, pizzas, and salads.
Fontina cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to 10 days in the refrigerator or wrapped in plastic and kept frozen for a few months.
