Frederic Melton
Fontinella cheese is a semi-hard, cow's milk cheese with a sweet and creamy texture and a hint of sharpness. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, dips, and Italian-style dishes like tortellini and ravioli. The name Fontinella comes from the Italian word fondere, which means melt, reflecting its ability to melt beautifully in sauces, casseroles, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Its unique flavour profile and melting properties make it a popular ingredient for chefs and home cooks alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Semi-hard |
| Taste | Sweet, creamy, smooth, sharp |
| Texture | Melts easily |
| Uses | Pizza, tortellini, vinaigrette, focaccia bread, ravioli, grilled sandwiches, casseroles, sauces, fruit and crackers, lemon pasta, baked cheese dip |
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What You'll Learn
Fontinella cheese is used in baked cheese dip
Fontinella cheese is a versatile semi-hard cheese with a delicate sweetness and a creamy texture, and a hint of sharpness. It is an excellent choice for a baked cheese dip, as it melts beautifully.
To make a baked Fontinella cheese dip, you will need the following ingredients:
- Fontinella cheese
- Olive oil
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme and chives)
You will also need a cast-iron skillet or pan. The amount of cheese you use will depend on the size of your skillet, but a good starting point is 8 ounces for a 5-inch skillet.
- Preheat your oven to a high temperature, usually around 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cut the Fontinella cheese into cubes or blocks.
- Place the cheese in your skillet and spread it out into an even layer.
- Drizzle olive oil over the cheese.
- Add your desired fresh herbs on top.
- Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning. The dip is ready when the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
Serve the baked Fontinella cheese dip hot with crusty baguettes, grilled vegetables, or pita chips for dipping. Enjoy the creamy, sharp, and flavourful dip!
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It can be grated on top of pasta
Fontinella is a semi-hard cheese with a sweet and creamy texture and a hint of sharpness. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. One way to use Fontinella cheese is to grate it on top of pasta. For example, a Reddit user mentioned making lemon pasta and grating a lot of Fontinella cheese on top. Fontinella cheese can also be baked and served as a dip with crusty baguette slices. To make a baked Fontinella cheese dip, cut the cheese into small cubes and spread them evenly in a cast-iron skillet. Drizzle olive oil over the cheese, add fresh herbs, and bake it in the oven until melted. Fontinella cheese is also commonly used in Italian-style dishes such as pizza, tortellini, and focaccia bread. It melts beautifully in sauces and casseroles and is a great addition to grilled sandwiches.
Fontinella cheese is produced by Stella Cheese and is made from cow's milk. The name Fontinella comes from the Italian word "fondere," which means "to melt," reflecting the cheese's excellent melting properties. Its versatility and unique flavour profile make it a popular choice for enhancing various recipes, from pasta dishes to grilled sandwiches.
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It's a popular pizza topping
Fontinella cheese is a versatile semi-hard cheese that is a popular pizza topping. Its delicate sweetness and creamy smoothness, with a hint of sharpness, make it a zesty, change-of-pace flavour for pizzas. Fontinella, made from cow's milk, is a unique cheese produced by Stella Cheeses. Its name comes from the Italian word "fondere", which means "melt", reflecting its ability to melt beautifully in sauces and casseroles.
Fontinella is an excellent choice for those who enjoy a mild cheese, as it is less sharp than its Italian counterpart, Fontina. When used as a pizza topping, Fontinella adds a creamy and savoury element to the dish. Its mild sharpness also complements various pizza ingredients, such as vegetables, meats, and herbs. The cheese's melting properties ensure that it blends well with other toppings, creating a cohesive and mouthwatering bite.
Professional chefs and home cooks alike recognise Fontinella's versatility in cooking. In addition to pizza, it can be tossed with tortellini and spring vegetables, broiled on focaccia bread, or served as a simple yet elegant pairing with fruit and crackers. Fontinella is also the star ingredient in a baked cheese dip, where it is baked with olive oil and fresh herbs, creating a sweet, sharp, and creamy appetiser perfect for dipping crusty baguettes.
Fontinella's distinct flavour and texture make it a standout choice for pizza lovers. Its popularity as a pizza topping is a testament to its ability to elevate the flavours of other ingredients while adding a creamy and mildly sharp dimension to the pie. For those seeking a unique and delectable pizza experience, Fontinella cheese is a must-try option.
Fontinella cheese's versatility, mild sharpness, and exceptional melting qualities make it a favourite among pizza enthusiasts. Its ability to enhance the flavours of other toppings while adding a creamy texture and a hint of zest makes it a popular choice for those seeking a delightful and indulgent pizza experience. Whether enjoyed on a pizza or in one of its many other culinary applications, Fontinella cheese is sure to impress.
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It's used in grilled sandwiches
Fontinella is a semi-hard cheese with a sweet and creamy texture and a hint of sharpness. It is made from cow's milk and is known for its excellent melting properties. The name Fontinella comes from the Italian word "fondere", which means "to melt". Its unique melting quality makes it a perfect choice for grilled sandwiches.
Fontinella grilled sandwiches are a delicious and popular option for a quick meal. The cheese's melting property ensures that it blends well with the sandwich, creating a creamy and flavourful experience. The hint of sharpness in the cheese also adds a pleasant tanginess to the sandwich, making it a unique and tasty treat.
When preparing a Fontinella grilled sandwich, the cheese is typically sliced or grated and placed between two slices of bread. The sandwich is then grilled or toasted until the cheese melts, creating a warm and toasty treat. Some people also like to add additional ingredients to their Fontinella grilled sandwiches, such as fresh herbs, tomatoes, or other vegetables, to enhance the flavour and create a more substantial meal.
Fontinella grilled sandwiches can be served as a quick lunch, a snack, or even a light dinner. They pair well with a variety of sides, such as soups, salads, or fries. The sandwiches can also be customised to suit individual tastes, such as by adding different types of bread or additional ingredients.
The versatility of Fontinella cheese makes it a popular choice for grilled sandwiches. Its melting properties and unique flavour profile elevate the sandwich-making experience, creating a tasty and satisfying meal. Whether enjoyed as a casual snack or a quick lunch, Fontinella grilled sandwiches are a delightful option for cheese lovers.
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Fontinella is used in Italian-style dishes
Fontinella is a semi-hard cheese with a sweet and creamy texture and a subtle sharpness. Its name derives from the Italian word "fondere", which means "to melt". True to its name, Fontinella melts beautifully in sauces and casseroles and is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches.
Fontinella is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of Italian-style dishes. Here are some ways to incorporate Fontinella into your Italian-style cooking:
- Tortellini: Fontinella can be diced and tossed with tortellini, vinaigrette, and spring vegetables to create a delicious and refreshing pasta dish.
- Focaccia: Slice Fontinella and broil it on focaccia bread for a simple yet tasty panini.
- Ravioli: Grated Fontinella can be sprinkled over ravioli to add a creamy and sharp flavour.
- Pizza: Fontinella can be used as a zesty alternative to traditional pizza cheeses, adding a unique twist to your pie.
- Lemon Pasta: Fontinella pairs well with lemon pasta, adding a creamy texture and a subtle sharpness.
- Baked Dip: For a romantic night in, bake Fontinella with olive oil and fresh herbs, and serve with crusty baguette slices for dipping.
Fontinella's distinct flavour and texture make it a wonderful addition to Italian-style dishes, enhancing the taste and creaminess of your meal. Its versatility allows it to be used in a variety of recipes, making it a great choice for those looking to add an Italian flair to their cooking.
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Frequently asked questions
Fontinella cheese is a semi-hard, cow's milk cheese that is sweet and creamy with a hint of sharpness. It is excellent for melting and is often used in sauces, casseroles, grilled sandwiches, and as a pizza topping.
Fontinella cheese dip is a baked dish made by mixing Fontinella cheese with fresh herbs and olive oil. It is then baked until melted and served with crusty baguette slices for dipping.
Fontinella cheese is similar to Italian Fontina cheese, and the two can be used interchangeably in recipes. However, Fontinella is slightly milder than its Italian counterpart.
Fontinella cheese is available for purchase online from specialty cheese retailers and can also be found in some local grocery stores.
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