Fontina Cheese: Perfect Pairings For A Rich, Buttery Flavor

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 nutty, earthy, and subtly sweet flavour. Fontina is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as sandwiches, pizzas, pasta, and fondue. It pairs well with various ingredients, including fruits like apples, pears, and figs, and nuts like walnuts and hazelnuts. In terms of beverages, Fontina can be enjoyed with wine, beer, or even champagne.

Using Fontina cheese in a grilled cheese sandwich

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 has a nutty, fruity, and subtly sweet flavour, and its texture is smooth and creamy with a slight elasticity. When melted, Fontina becomes gooey and stringy, making it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. Here are some tips and ideas for using Fontina cheese in this classic dish:

Selecting the Right Fontina

When making a grilled cheese sandwich, it is essential to choose the right type of Fontina cheese. Look for Fontina Val D'Aosta or Fontina Valdostana, which are considered the most authentic and highest quality brands. These cheeses are aged for at least three months, enhancing their flavour and texture.

Pairing Fontina with Other Cheeses

While Fontina is delicious on its own, you can also experiment with combining it with other cheeses in your grilled cheese sandwich. Try mixing it with sharp cheddar, smoked mozzarella, or smoked provolone to add extra depth and complexity to your sandwich.

Adding Complementary Ingredients

Fontina pairs well with a variety of ingredients, so feel free to get creative with your grilled cheese sandwich. Consider adding sliced apples or pears, which bring out the cheese's inherent nuttiness while providing a refreshing, sweet contrast. You can also try adding some prosciutto, which will balance the creaminess of the Fontina with its salty flavour. Herbs, such as rosemary, can also enhance the flavour of your sandwich.

Grilling Tips

When grilling your sandwich, be mindful of the temperature and cooking time. Fontina melts smoothly, so you want to ensure that it doesn't melt out of the sandwich. Use a moderate heat source and cook the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and toasted, and the cheese is melted.

Serving Suggestions

Fontina grilled cheese sandwiches are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a variety of sides. A light salad, such as raw tomato and onion slices, can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sandwich. Alternatively, pair your sandwich with a bowl of soup for a classic comfort food combination.

Fontina cheese and wine pairings

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 a pale ivory to yellow interior. The cheese has a nutty, fruity, and slightly sweet and tangy flavour, and becomes more pungent as it ages. Its texture is smooth and creamy, with a slight elasticity.

Fontina cheese is a versatile cheese that can be paired with various types of food and drink, including wine, beer, and even champagne. When it comes to wine, Fontina 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, creating a harmonious pairing.

For a classic Italian combination, pair Fontina with a glass of Nebbiolo. This red wine is known for its bold tannins and fruity notes, which will enhance the nuttiness of the cheese. Alternatively, a Dolcetto, with its smooth and elegant flavour profile, will also complement the cheese's richness.

In addition to red wines, Fontina can also be paired with sweeter wines such as port or sherry. The slight sweetness of these wines will contrast nicely with the savoury intensity of the cheese. For a truly indulgent pairing, try a glass of port with a dish featuring melted Fontina, such as fondue or grilled cheese sandwiches.

When creating a cheese board, consider pairing Fontina with dried dark fruits like dates, raisins, and figs. The sweetness of the fruit will provide a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of the cheese. Nuts are also an excellent pairing, especially walnuts or hazelnuts, as their crunchy texture and slightly bitter taste will meld beautifully with the creamy, buttery aspects of the Fontina.

Pizza toppings that complement Fontina cheese

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 has a nutty, fruity, and slightly sweet and tangy taste, and its texture is smooth and creamy with a slight elasticity. When cooked, it melts easily, making it a popular topping for pizzas. Here are some pizza toppings that complement Fontina cheese:

Arugula, Balsamic Glaze, and Prosciutto

Fontina's subtle, refined taste pairs wonderfully with a wide array of toppings. Its ability to melt into a golden, bubbly layer enhances the pizza experience, making it unforgettable. The arugula adds a peppery note, while the balsamic glaze contributes a sweet and tangy flavour. The prosciutto, a dry-cured ham, provides a salty, savoury element to the pizza.

Garlic and Oregano

A simple yet classic combination, garlic and oregano complement the nutty and slightly sweet flavour of Fontina. Garlic adds a savoury punch, while oregano brings earthy, herbal notes to the pizza. This combination creates a harmonious blend of flavours that enhance the Fontina cheese.

Sweet and Hot Peppers

Fontina cheese pairs well with sweet and hot peppers on a pizza. The sweetness of the peppers balances the slight tanginess of the cheese, while the heat from the peppers adds a contrasting element to the creamy, nutty flavour of the Fontina. This combination creates an intriguing interplay of sweet, spicy, and savoury notes.

Mushrooms

Fontina cheese and mushrooms are a classic combination, as the earthy, umami flavour of mushrooms complements the nuttiness of the cheese. When cooked together, the mushrooms absorb the creamy texture of the melted Fontina, creating a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

Spinach and Artichoke

Spinach and artichoke are healthy and flavourful toppings that pair well with Fontina cheese. The spinach adds a slight earthy flavour and a nutritious boost, while the artichoke contributes a subtle bitterness and a creamy texture, enhancing the overall taste and mouthfeel of the pizza.

How to use Fontina cheese in a fondue

Fontina cheese is a semi-soft, pressed, uncooked cow's milk cheese from Italy's Aosta Valley. It has a natural, thin, and smooth rind, with an ivory to pale yellow interior. The cheese is known for its nutty, earthy, and subtly sweet flavour, and its smooth, creamy texture.

Fontina is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including fondue. Here is a guide on how to use Fontina cheese in a fondue:

Ingredients

• Fontina cheese, grated or cut into small cubes
• White wine
• Black pepper
• Baguette
• Vegetables of your choice (e.g. broccoli, carrots, mushrooms)

Optional Ingredients

• Other cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or smoked mozzarella
• Additional seasonings like rosemary

Instructions

• Prepare your ingredients: grate or cut the Fontina cheese into small cubes. Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces, and slice the baguette into cubes or strips for dipping.
• In a double boiler, steel bowl, or saucepan, combine the Fontina cheese with white wine and black pepper. You can also add a small amount of butter to enhance the creaminess.
• Heat the mixture gently, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is completely melted and well combined with the wine. If using additional cheeses, add them now and stir to combine.
• Once you have a smooth, creamy fondue, transfer it to a fondue pot or serving dish.
• Serve the fondue with the baguette and vegetables for dipping. Enjoy!

Tips

• For a more indulgent fondue, add a small amount of heavy cream or milk to the mixture while heating.
• If you prefer a thicker consistency, use less wine or add more cheese.
• Experiment with different types of bread and vegetables for dipping, such as crusty sourdough bread or blanched asparagus spears.
• For a heartier fondue, incorporate some cooked and chopped meat, such as chicken or bacon.
• If you want to elevate the flavour further, try adding some chopped garlic or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.

Fontina cheese as a topping for meats

Fontina cheese is a versatile ingredient that can elevate the flavour profile of many meat dishes. Its creamy texture and nutty flavour make it a perfect topping for meats, adding a rich and indulgent taste experience. Here are some ways to use Fontina cheese as a topping for meats:

Chicken

Fontina cheese can be used to stuff a chicken breast along with prosciutto and herbs. Seal the stuffed chicken with a toothpick, season with salt and pepper, and grill it while brushing with herb butter. Top it with mushrooms and lemon butter for a delicious, indulgent dish.

Pizza

Fontina cheese is a game-changer when it comes to pizza. Its subtle, refined taste pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings. You can use it as a topping on a white pizza with garlic and oregano, or try it with sweet and hot peppers, arugula, balsamic glaze, and prosciutto. Fontina's excellent melting properties will create a golden, bubbly layer that will elevate your pizza experience.

Grilled Meat

Fontina cheese can be melted and used as a topping or dip for grilled meats. Its smooth and velvety texture, along with its nutty flavour, will complement the grilled flavours beautifully.

Meat Fondue

Fontina cheese is a classic ingredient in fondue, and it pairs exceptionally well with meat. Melt the cheese with some white wine and black pepper in a double boiler or steel bowl, and use it as a dip for cooked meats and vegetables. This combination will create a rich and indulgent dining experience.

Meat Lasagna

Fontina cheese can be used in place of mozzarella in lasagna for a more elegant and creamy taste. Its smooth and creamy texture will add a rich and indulgent layer to the dish.

Meat Panini

Fontina cheese is excellent for paninis, adding a delightful stringiness and mildness that complements the flavours of various fillings. Try it with grilled meat and vegetables for a tasty, indulgent sandwich.

Frequently asked questions