Kamil Perry
A charcuterie board is a delightful way to entertain guests with a variety of carefully selected meats, cheeses, crackers, fruits, nuts, spreads, and more. When it comes to cheese, there are endless options to choose from, and it's a good idea to include a mix of soft, semi-soft, hard, and aged varieties. Fontina cheese is a popular choice for charcuterie boards as it falls under the semi-soft category, pairing well with other cheeses like brie and aged cheddar. It can be baked and adorned with herbs, garlic, and orange zest, adding a unique flavour profile to the board.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Soft |
| Cheese suggestions | Brie, Camembert, Cambozola, Burrata, Bleu, Goat, Mozzarella, Cream Cheese |
| Number of cheese types | 2-3 |
| Meat suggestions | Salami, Prosciutto, Pepperoni, Ham, Meat Sticks, Smoked Beef, Pate, Soppressata, Felino, Casalingo |
| Fruit suggestions | Apples, Pears, Pomegranates, Figs, Grapes, Berries, Oranges, Red Raspberries, Lemon |
| Other suggestions | Crackers, Bread, Nuts, Olives, Pickles, Jams, Honey, Chocolate, Marmalade, Mustard |
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What You'll Learn
Fontina is a semi-soft cheese
Fontina cheese has a mild and nutty flavor, and it melts very well, making it a versatile option for a charcuterie board. It pairs well with a variety of meats, crackers, breads, and fruits that are typically found on a charcuterie board. Fontina can also be baked and served warm, creating a unique and tasty addition to the board.
When selecting cheeses for a charcuterie board, it's important to consider the different textures and flavors that will appeal to your guests. Fontina, with its creamy texture and subtle flavor, can be a good choice for those who may not enjoy stronger-tasting cheeses. It can also be paired with other cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, to create a balanced offering.
To enhance the flavor of Fontina on a charcuterie board, it is recommended to bring the cheese to room temperature before serving. This allows the cheese to soften slightly and brings out its full flavor. Fontina can be served in slices or wedges, and it can be paired with a variety of accompaniments, such as honey, jams, or pickles, to create a delightful tasting experience.
Overall, Fontina is a versatile and tasty semi-soft cheese that can elevate any charcuterie board. Its mild flavor, creamy texture, and melting qualities make it a crowd-pleaser and a great choice for those looking to create a beautiful and delicious spread for their guests.
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It pairs well with honey
Fontina is a great choice for a charcuterie board, and it pairs exceptionally well with honey. This Italian cheese, made from cow's milk, is perfect for melting and can be used in a variety of ways on your charcuterie board.
For a simple yet indulgent option, try baking fontina with herbs and a generous drizzle of hot honey. This combination is a favourite for a reason—the melted cheese and honey create a delicious symphony of flavours. You can also add some minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the mix for an extra punch of flavour. Serve this bubbling dip with crusty bread or veggies, such as endives, radishes, cauliflower florets, or carrots, for a well-rounded bite.
If you're feeling adventurous, try a caramelised leek pizza with fontina cheese and spicy honey. This pizza showcases the fresh spring flavours of leeks and the rich, buttery texture of fontina, all topped off with a drizzle of honey infused with crushed red pepper. The sweetness of the honey and the subtle spiciness of the red pepper create a unique taste sensation that pairs beautifully with the fontina.
For a show-stopping appetizer, impress your guests with honey and herb-baked fontina and gruyere in puff pastry. This appetizer is a crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful combination of melted cheese, honey, and herbs encased in a flaky, sugar-crusted pastry. The addition of an egg wash and coarse sugar takes this dish to the next level, resulting in a symphony of flavours and textures that will leave your guests wanting more.
When creating your charcuterie board, don't be afraid to experiment and get creative. Fontina and honey are a versatile pair that can be enhanced with various herbs, spices, and accompaniments. Whether served as a dip, on a pizza, or in a puff pastry, the combination of fontina and honey is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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It's a good idea to have a variety of cheeses
It is indeed a good idea to have a variety of cheeses on a charcuterie board. This is because variety adds interest and ensures there is something for everyone. While there are no hard and fast rules, it is generally recommended to include at least three different cheeses, with a mix of soft, semi-soft, hard, and aged varieties. For example, a soft cheese like brie or camembert, a semi-soft cheese like havarti or fontina, a hard cheese like cheddar or gouda, and an aged cheese like parmesan or asiago.
Including a range of milk types is also a great way to add variety. Goats' milk, cows' milk, and sheep's milk cheeses all have distinct flavours and textures that can complement each other. For instance, goat cheese comes in a variety of flavours, from savoury to sweet, and can be a great feature component on a charcuterie board.
In addition to variety, it is important to consider the presentation and arrangement of the cheeses. Charcuterie is considered an art form, and the arrangement of cheeses, meats, crackers, breads, fruits, and other accompaniments can create a visually appealing and delicious spread. One suggestion is to have one or two featured cheeses, such as a baked fontina with rosemary, thyme, garlic, and orange zest, and then dress the other cheeses, biscuits, and fruit around it. Another idea is to cut a shape out of the top rind of a soft cheese like brie to add a unique design element to the board.
Finally, it is worth noting that variety can also be achieved through different serving options. Charcuterie boards can include a range of utensils, such as knives for spreading or slicing, and picks for spearing. Crackers and bread can be served directly on the board or in separate vessels if space is limited. Allowing the cheeses to come to room temperature before serving is also recommended to enhance their flavour.
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Include meats, crackers, fruits, nuts and spreads
Charcuterie boards are a delightful way to present a variety of meats, cheeses, crackers, fruits, nuts, and spreads. Here are some ideas to create a delightful charcuterie board:
Meats
Cured meats are a staple of charcuterie boards, and you can choose from a variety of options such as prosciutto, salami, ham, chorizo, soppressata, capicola, or summer sausage. Folding the meats in half and fanning them out like a deck of cards or ribbon-style for thin meats like prosciutto adds a nice presentation touch.
Crackers
Crackers provide a crunchy base for the meats and cheeses on your board. Plain corn crackers or coconut crackers pair well with cured meats and cheeses. For a sweeter option, try guava crackers or cranberry and hazelnut crisps, which go well with cheeses like brie or cheddar. Everything crackers are a tasty choice for those who enjoy a spicy kick, pairing nicely with creamy cheeses. Naan crackers are another unique option, perfect with dips or fresh fruit.
Fruits
Fruits add a burst of colour and freshness to your charcuterie board. Include a mix of red apples, red and green grapes, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Dried fruits like pears, apricots, and cranberries are also excellent choices, especially when paired with cheeses.
Nuts
Nuts provide a crunchy texture and complement the other elements on your board. Almonds, pecans, pistachios, cashews, walnuts, and macadamia nuts are all great options. Candied pecans add a touch of sweetness to your board.
Spreads
Dips and spreads add variety and flavour to your charcuterie board. Red pepper jelly, fig jam or compote, olive tapenade, and sweet onion spread are all excellent choices. Whole grain mustard, hummus, and balsamic dip are savoury options that pair well with meats and crackers.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of these elements to create a charcuterie board that suits your taste preferences and visual appeal.
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Fontina can be baked and served with jam
Fontina cheese is a great addition to a charcuterie board, and it can also be baked and served with jam. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious dish:
Ingredients:
- Fontina cheese
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Salt
- Garlic
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Fig jam
- Bread
Method:
Begin by thinly slicing half a large yellow onion. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. Continue cooking for an additional 45 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to avoid burning, until the onions are caramelized.
Next, preheat your oven to a high broil and place a rack in the upper third, about 5 inches from the heat source. Prepare a cast-iron skillet by adding 2 tablespoons of olive oil, some minced garlic, and a few sprigs of rosemary and thyme. Cut 12 ounces of fontina cheese into 1-inch cubes and place them in the skillet.
Place the skillet in the oven and broil for 6 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on the cheese, and remove it from the oven when it is bubbling and slightly browned. Remove the skillet from the oven and top the melted fontina with the caramelized onions, a generous dollop of fig jam, and some additional rosemary and thyme to garnish.
Finally, serve the baked fontina immediately with crusty bread or grilled bread on the side. This dish is best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven, as the cheese can thicken and harden as it cools, making it less dip-able.
Fontina is an excellent melting cheese with a mild flavor, making it a great base for the sweet and savory toppings. The combination of melted cheese, caramelized onions, and fig jam creates a delicious, decadent snack that is perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holidays or at winter gatherings.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Fontina is a great choice for a charcuterie board as it is a semi-soft cheese that can add variety to the board. It is also a good option for those who want to play it safe as it is a popular cheese that everyone is likely to enjoy.
Some other semi-soft cheeses that can be included are Havarti, Muenster, and Mozzarella.
A charcuterie board can include a mix of soft, semi-soft, hard, and aged cheeses. Some popular options include Brie, Camembert, Goat Cheese, Cheddar, Gouda, Asiago, Parmesan, and Blue Cheese.
It is recommended to include one to two ounces of cheese per person on a charcuterie board. So, depending on the number of people you are serving and the variety of cheeses you want to offer, you can determine the appropriate amount of Fontina cheese to include.
