Fontina's Perfect Pair: Cheeses To Compliment The Classic

Fontina cheese is a semi-soft, pressed, uncooked cow's milk cheese that originated in the Aosta Valley of Italy. It has a natural, thin, and smooth rind, with an ivory to pale yellow interior. The cheese is known for its smooth and creamy texture, and its nutty, earthy, and subtly sweet flavour. Fontina's versatility makes it a popular ingredient in various dishes, from traditional Italian cuisine to contemporary creations. When it comes to pairings, Fontina goes well with fruits like apples and pears, and dried dark fruits such as dates, raisins, and figs. It also pairs well with nuts such as walnuts and hazelnuts, bringing a sophisticated contrast to the cheese. For wine lovers, Fontina is a dream come true, as it pairs beautifully with red wines like Nebbiolo or Dolcetto.

Fontina cheese with fruits

Fontina cheese is a semi-soft, semi-hard, or semi-firm cheese with a sweet, mild, and buttery flavour, and subtle notes of roasted nuts. It is incredibly rich and creamy, with a dense and open interior. Its texture is smooth and elastic, with a thin, smooth, and earthy-brown rind.

Fontina is a versatile cheese that can be paired with many different types of food and drink. When it comes to fruit, Fontina goes well with dried dark fruits like dates, raisins, and figs, as well as fresh fruits like apples, pears, grapes, and apricots. The crispness of an apple and the creamy richness of Fontina offer a perfect balance, creating a delectable duo. The sweetness of the fruit also provides a refreshing, mildly sweet contrast to the savoury and creamy flavour of the cheese.

Fontina is also delicious with honey or fruit jams, which provide a fruity contrast to the cheese's savouriness. For a more indulgent treat, pair Fontina with chocolate. The sweetness of the chocolate will complement the subtle sweetness of the cheese, creating a harmonious flavour profile.

In addition to fruit, Fontina pairs well with nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts, which can highlight the nuttiness of the cheese while adding a pleasing crunch.

When creating a cheese board, consider adding some dried fruit, fresh fruit, honey, jam, or chocolate to complement the savoury, creamy, and nutty flavours of Fontina cheese.

Fontina cheese with nuts

Fontina cheese is a semi-hard, Italian-style cow's milk cheese with a rich and creamy texture and a nutty, buttery flavour. Its flavour is often described as both sweet and pungent, with subtle tones of butter and roasted nuts.

When it comes to nuts, Fontina cheese pairs exceptionally well with walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds. These nuts complement the creamy, buttery aspects of the cheese, offering a crunchy contrast that excites the palate. This combination is especially elegant and sophisticated when presented on a cheese board.

In addition to enhancing the flavour of the cheese, nuts add a pleasing crunch and highlight the nuttiness of Fontina. This combination can be enjoyed on its own or incorporated into various dishes. For example, Fontina cheese melted over crispy slices of bread, topped with butter, and sprinkled with chopped walnuts or hazelnuts creates a rich and gooey treat.

The versatility of Fontina cheese extends beyond its flavour and texture; it is also an excellent source of protein and calcium. When paired with nuts, the cheese becomes even more nutritionally well-rounded, as nuts are a good source of healthy fats, fibre, and various vitamins and minerals.

Overall, the combination of Fontina cheese and nuts offers a delightful sensory experience, blending creamy and crunchy textures with sweet and savoury flavours. Whether enjoyed as a snack or incorporated into recipes, this pairing is a tasty and nutritious option.

Fontina cheese with wine

Fontina cheese is a pressed, uncooked cow's milk cheese that originated in the Aosta Valley of Italy. It has a natural, thin, and smooth rind, with an ivory to pale yellow interior. Its flavour is nutty and fruity, with a slightly sweet and tangy taste. As it ages, Fontina becomes more pungent and its flavour intensifies. Its texture is smooth and creamy, with a slight elasticity.

When it comes to wine pairings, Fontina cheese is a versatile choice. It pairs wonderfully with red wines such as Nebbiolo or Dolcetto. The bold tannins and vibrant fruity notes of these wines complement the rich flavour of Fontina.

For a classic Italian combination, consider pairing Fontina with a Chianti. This pairing brings together the robust flavours of Italy, creating a harmonious match.

If you're looking for a white wine option, consider a dry and light-bodied wine such as a Pinot Noir or Gamay. These wines will complement the creamy texture and nutty flavour of Fontina without overwhelming it.

When serving Fontina with wine, it is important to consider the other elements on your cheese board. Fontina pairs well with fruits such as apples, pears, and figs, as well as nuts like almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts. These accompaniments will enhance the flavour of the cheese and provide a contrast to the wine.

Remember, when pairing wine and cheese, it is essential to take into account factors such as texture, acidity, fat, and tannin. The ultimate goal is to create a combination that brings out the best in both the wine and the cheese, creating a delightful sensory experience.

Fontina cheese with bread

Fontina cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including those with bread. Here are some ideas for combining Fontina cheese with bread:

Fontina Valdostana

A celebrated dish from the Val d'Aosta region in Northern Italy, Fontina Valdostana features melted Fontina cheese over crispy slices of bread, topped with a generous layer of butter. This combination creates a rich and gooey treat, capturing the essence of traditional Italian comfort food.

Fonduta

Fonduta, Italy's version of cheese fondue, is another classic dish that showcases Fontina's melting properties. It combines Fontina cheese with eggs and butter, forming a velvety dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with bread, vegetables, or cured meats.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Fontina cheese is an excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. Its melting properties create a delightful stringiness and mild flavour that complements the other ingredients.

Welsh Rarebit

Welsh rarebit is a dish where cheese, often Fontina, is melted with butter and beer or mustard in a double boiler or steel bowl. It is then served with bread, a salad, or raw tomato and onion, for a tasty and indulgent meal.

White Pizza

Fontina cheese is a popular choice for pizza, adding a sophisticated touch to any combination of toppings. Its subtle, refined taste and melting qualities make it a perfect addition to a simple margherita or more complex creations.

Whole Wheat Focaccia

Fontina cheese pairs well with whole wheat focaccia, as seen in a recipe from The New York Times. The combination of the cheese with tomatoes and whole wheat focaccia creates a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

Fontina cheese with cured meats

Fontina cheese is a versatile ingredient that can elevate the flavour profile of any dish. It is a semi-soft, pressed, uncooked cow's milk cheese that originated in the Aosta Valley of Italy. Its creamy texture and nutty flavour make it a perfect pairing with cured meats. Here are some ways to incorporate Fontina cheese with cured meats:

Fontina Valdostana

A traditional Italian dish, Fontina Valdostana showcases the cheese melted over crispy slices of bread, topped with a generous layer of butter. Adding cured meats such as prosciutto or salami to this dish can provide a savoury contrast to the creamy, rich, and gooey cheese.

Fonduta

Fonduta is a classic Italian dish that combines melted Fontina cheese with eggs and butter, creating a velvety dipping sauce. Pairing this indulgent sauce with cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, or bresaola can add a savoury element to the dish. Serve it with bread, vegetables, or crackers for a complete dining experience.

Grilled Chicken Breast

Fontina cheese can be used to stuff a grilled chicken breast along with cured meats like prosciutto. Make large incisions in the side of a raw chicken breast, stuff it with Fontina cheese, prosciutto, and herbs. Seal it with a toothpick, grill it, and brush it with herb butter. Top it off with mushrooms and lemon butter for a mouthwatering combination.

Pizza

Fontina cheese is a game-changer when it comes to pizza. Its subtle, refined taste pairs wonderfully with cured meats like salami, pepperoni, or prosciutto. As it melts, Fontina envelops the toppings in a golden, bubbly layer, taking the pizza experience to the next level.

Sandwiches and Paninis

Fontina cheese shines when paired with cured meats in sandwiches and paninis. The melted cheese adds a delightful stringiness and a pleasant mildness that complements the salty, savoury flavours of cured meats. Try a combination of Fontina cheese, prosciutto, and arugula on a crusty baguette for a delicious flavour and texture contrast.

Charcuterie Board

Creating a charcuterie board with Fontina cheese and cured meats is a simple yet elegant way to enjoy the two together. Arrange slices of Fontina cheese with cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, or capicola. Add some crackers, dried fruits, and nuts to create a well-rounded and sophisticated snack or appetiser.

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