Patrick Oconnell
Fontina cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a semi-soft cheese with a smooth and velvety texture and a nutty, earthy, and subtly sweet flavour. Fontina is an excellent melting cheese, making it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, pasta sauces, and fondue. It can also be used in more complex dishes such as soufflés and risotto, adding depth and complexity to the flavour. When used in pasta sauces, it lends a smooth and buttery finish that balances the acidity of tomatoes. Fontina is a staple in Italian cuisine and can be used in traditional dishes such as Fontina Valdostana, Fonduta, and Polenta Concia. Its unique characteristics and versatility have gained international recognition, making it a popular ingredient in many cuisines worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Smooth, velvety, and buttery |
| Taste | Mild, nutty, earthy, and subtly sweet |
| Melting properties | Melts beautifully into a velvety sauce |
| Colour | Ranges from pale ivory to rich straw yellow |
| Uses | Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, grilled cheese, fondue, soufflés, risotto, sauces, eggs, and cheese boards |
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What You'll Learn
How to use fontina cheese in a grilled cheese sandwich
Fontina cheese is a great option for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its rich and creamy texture and excellent melting qualities. Here are some tips and recipes to help you create delicious grilled fontina sandwiches:
Ingredients and Preparation:
Start by shredding or slicing the fontina cheese. Fontina is an Italian cheese that melts beautifully, making it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches. You can use it as the sole cheese in your sandwich or combine it with other cheeses, such as mozzarella, cream cheese, or Parmesan, for a more complex flavour profile.
Choose your bread—options include sourdough, French baguette, or whole wheat bread. Butter both sides of the bread slices or spread mayonnaise on the outside, which some prefer for a crispier crust. If you're feeling adventurous, mix mayonnaise with Parmesan and spread this combination on the outside of the bread.
For added flavour, consider tossing the fontina cheese with fresh herbs and thinly sliced scallions or green onions before placing it on the bread. Herbs such as dill, parsley, chives, tarragon, or basil will enhance the sandwich's flavour. You can also add sliced tomatoes, black pepper, or even a slice of prosciutto and pear for a sophisticated twist.
Cooking Instructions:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. You can use a non-stick skillet or cast iron, depending on your preference. Add butter to the pan, allowing it to melt before placing the sandwiches in the skillet. If you're making multiple sandwiches, work in batches or use two skillets to ensure even cooking.
Place your sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown. The exact cooking time will depend on your heat setting and the thickness of your sandwich, but generally, 3-5 minutes per side should be sufficient. If your bread is getting too dark before the cheese has melted, lower the heat.
Once the first side is golden, flip the sandwiches over and cover them with a piece of foil. Weigh the sandwiches down with a heavy skillet to ensure even cooking and help the cheese melt. Continue grilling until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted.
Finally, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and cut them in half. Serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and warm. Enjoy your fontina grilled cheese sandwiches as a comforting treat, perhaps paired with a bowl of hot tomato soup on a cold day!
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Fontina cheese on pizza
Fontina cheese is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can elevate any dish. It is perfect for melting and sauce-making, and its mild, nutty flavour makes it a great choice for pizza.
When using Fontina on a pizza, you can combine it with other cheeses or use it as the sole cheese topping. One option is to make a Quattro Formaggi Pizza, bringing together the flavours of four distinct cheeses. Start with a well-proofed pizza dough, stretching it to your desired thickness. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the base, then sprinkle a mix of shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan. Add cubed or shredded Fontina and crumbled gorgonzola. Another option is to combine Fontina with mozzarella and Grana Padano cheeses. Lightly oil a sheet pan and stretch the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Spread your desired amount of sauce onto the dough, leaving a 1-inch border, then top with the grated Fontina, torn mozzarella, and half the grated Grana Padano. Season with salt and pepper and bake until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
Fontina is also a great choice for vegetarian pizzas, pairing well with ingredients that enhance its creamy and nutty profile. Try topping your pizza with Fontina, roasted peppers, spinach, and olives, or combine it with mushrooms, caramelized onions, and garlic.
Fontina's adaptability and rich flavour make it a perfect addition to any pizza, whether you're creating a classic combination or experimenting with new ingredients.
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Using fontina in a fondue
Fontina cheese is a great option for making fondue, thanks to its creamy texture and mild, nutty taste. It is a key ingredient in the Italian fondue, Fonduta alla Valdostana, which is said to be "one of the tastiest dishes in Italy" by Pellegrino Artusi, a famous Italian culinary writer.
To make a classic Italian fondue with Fontina cheese, start by removing the rind and slicing the cheese into thin pieces. Place the cheese in a bowl, cover it with milk, and refrigerate for at least two hours. This process allows the milk to absorb the cheese's flavour and helps it melt into a smoother, creamier mixture when cooked.
Next, heat heavy cream and whole milk in a saucepan over low heat. Avoid bringing the mixture to a boil, as gentle heating will ensure a smooth and creamy base for your fondue. Temper the eggs by gradually whisking in the hot milk into beaten eggs to prevent curdling. Now, add the Fontina cheese to the saucepan, stirring constantly until you get a smooth and creamy consistency.
Transfer the fondue to a serving bowl or an electric fondue pot to keep it warm and maintain its consistency. You can sprinkle freshly ground black pepper on top for extra flavour. Serve immediately with dippers of your choice, such as toasted bread croutons, boiled potatoes, grilled vegetables, or carrot and celery sticks.
For a flavourful twist, you can combine Fontina with other cheeses like Gruyère, Emmental, or Parmigiano-Reggiano to create a rich and savoury fondue mix. You can also add a drizzle of black truffle oil on top for an optional, yet tasty addition.
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Fontina cheese with eggs
Fontina cheese is an Italian cheese known for its excellent melting properties and buttery flavour. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including those with eggs.
One option for combining Fontina cheese with eggs is to make a traditional Italian fondue called Fonduta. This dish combines melted Fontina cheese with milk, egg yolks, and truffle shavings. To make Fonduta, gently melt the Fontina in a double boiler, slowly mixing in milk to achieve a smooth consistency. Next, add well-beaten egg yolks to the mixture, ensuring they incorporate fully without scrambling. Fonduta can be served warm with various dippable items like crusty bread, steamed vegetables, or boiled potatoes.
Another idea is to make a breakfast dish called mini egg cups. To prepare this dish, beat eggs, cream, and Fontina cheese in a large mixing bowl until combined. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, and then place it in a greased muffin pan. Bake in the oven until the eggs are set. You can add fillings such as crumbled bacon, spinach, or diced roasted poblano peppers for extra flavour.
Fontina cheese can also be used in stuffed pasta dishes, such as ravioli, tortellini, or cannelloni. Combine finely grated Fontina with ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, and a pinch of nutmeg to create a creamy and flavorful filling. Fill your pasta with the mixture, ensuring each piece is well-sealed to prevent leaks during cooking. Boil the stuffed pasta until al dente, and then serve it with a sage butter sauce or a rich tomato sauce. The melted Fontina inside will offer a delightful burst of flavour in every bite.
Additionally, Fontina cheese can be used in a calzone, a type of stuffed pizza pocket. One recipe for a three-cheese calzone includes Fontina, mushrooms, and spinach, while another mentions salami, eggs, ricotta, and Fontina cheese. This dish can be prepared and cooked within an hour, making it a quick and tasty option for dinner or a late-night snack.
The versatility of Fontina cheese makes it a great option for adding flavour and creaminess to egg-based dishes. Its melting properties and nutty flavour profile can enhance the texture and taste of egg dishes, making it a valuable ingredient in the kitchen.
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Fontina cheese in pasta
Fontina cheese is a semi-soft Italian cheese with a sweet, nutty, buttery, and mildly pungent flavour. It is made from cow's milk and is known for its smooth, creamy texture and excellent meltability. Its versatility and rich taste make it a great addition to pasta dishes, where it adds a creamy element and a full-bodied taste.
When using Fontina cheese in pasta, it is best to grate it using a box grater so it incorporates easily with the pasta. You can also add butter to help thicken the sauce and make it cling to the pasta. The butter also enhances the cheese's natural nuttiness. Cook your pasta al dente, as it will continue cooking once drained. You can use salted or unsalted butter, but if you use the latter, be sure to add a little salt for seasoning.
Fontina cheese can be used in various pasta dishes, from a simple creamy Fontina pasta to a heartier dish with meat and vegetables. For a basic creamy Fontina pasta, toss hot pasta in melted butter until coated, then stir in shredded Fontina. You can also add herbs like oregano, parsley, or basil, and steamed vegetables like peas, asparagus, or green beans. If you want a heartier dish, you can add meat such as bacon, guanciale, pancetta, chicken, or steak.
Fontina cheese is also a great addition to baked pasta dishes such as casseroles, lasagnas, or gratins. It can be used in place of mozzarella in lasagna for a more elegant and creamy taste. You can also add it to a Quattro Formaggi Pizza, pairing it with mozzarella, gorgonzola, and parmesan.
Fontina cheese's unique characteristics and versatility make it a valuable ingredient in the kitchen, especially when it comes to creating creamy, indulgent pasta dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
Fontina cheese is a great melting cheese, so it works well in recipes that require melted cheese, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, pasta, and fondue. It can also be used in recipes that require a creamy sauce, such as carbonara.
Fontina cheese is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of ingredients. Some popular combinations include fontina with prosciutto, fontina with zucchini and bacon, and fontina with pear, red onions, and chicken breast.
Fontina cheese can be used in a variety of unique ways. It can be added to mashed potatoes, used as a topping for tater tots, or incorporated into a soufflé to achieve a cloud-like texture. Fontina can also be used to make a fonduta, a velvety dipping sauce made with eggs and butter, or a butternut squash and caramelized onion galette.
Fontina cheese is a soft cheese that can be difficult to grate, so it is recommended to place it in the freezer for about 10 minutes to firm it up before grating. When cooking with fontina, it is important to note that it melts beautifully when heated, so it can be a great addition to recipes that require melted cheese or a creamy sauce.
