Get ready to indulge in a world of rich, creamy flavors with our collection of 18 mouth-watering Fontina cheese recipes! This nutty and buttery Swiss-style cheese is a staple in many cuisines, and when combined with a variety of ingredients, it becomes a game-changer. From comforting pasta dishes to decadent desserts, we’ve gathered the best and most creative ways to use Fontina cheese in your cooking.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion dish, our selection has something for everyone. So go ahead, get creative with Fontina, and discover why this beloved cheese is a favorite among many foodies. In the following pages, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the world of Fontina, highlighting its versatility and showcasing 18 recipes that will make your taste buds sing.
Fontina Mac and Cheese
A classic comfort food recipe that combines the richness of fontina cheese with the simplicity of macaroni and a hint of nutmeg. This creamy pasta dish is perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups grated fontina cheese
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp butter
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– 2 cups milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in fontina and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
6. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish and top with additional grated fontina cheese (optional).
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Fontina and Mushroom Risotto
Rich and savory, this risotto combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the nutty taste of fontina cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (e.g., cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup fontina cheese, grated
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown.
3. Add Arborio rice; cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add warmed broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
5. After 20-25 minutes of cooking, stir in fontina cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fontina-Stuffed Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this creamy, cheesy dish that’s sure to please. Fontina cheese and fresh herbs add a rich, savory flavor to tender chicken breasts.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup fontina cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together fontina cheese, parsley, and garlic.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket. Stuff each breast with the cheese mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper.
5. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fontina and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Elevate your pasta game with this creamy and flavorful take on traditional stuffed shells. The combination of fontina cheese, wilted spinach, and savory tomato sauce is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 cup grated fontina cheese
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a bowl, combine fontina cheese, spinach, ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
5. Pour tomato sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with additional fontina cheese (optional).
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Fontina Cheese Fondue
Elevate your social gatherings with this creamy and indulgent Fontina Cheese Fondue, perfect for dipping a variety of accompaniments. This classic Swiss-inspired fondue is sure to be a hit at any party or gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups grated Fontina cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Chardonnay)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine Fontina and Gruyère cheese.
2. Add lemon juice, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
3. Gradually add white wine and heavy cream while stirring constantly over low heat.
4. Continue cooking until the mixture is smooth and melted, about 5-7 minutes or when it reaches a temperature of 105°F (40°C).
5. Remove from heat and serve immediately with your choice of dippers (e.g., bread, crackers, fruits, meats).
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Fontina and Prosciutto Pizza
Experience the perfect blend of creamy cheese and salty prosciutto on a crispy pizza crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 8 oz fontina cheese, shredded
– 6 slices prosciutto, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh arugula leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough to desired thickness.
3. Spread fontina cheese evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Arrange prosciutto slices on top of the cheese in a single layer.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the prosciutto and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
7. Garnish with fresh arugula leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fontina and Caramelized Onion Tart
This savory tart is a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, featuring caramelized onions and melted Fontina cheese on a flaky crust. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup Fontina cheese, shredded
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a large skillet, cook onions and garlic over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes or until caramelized.
4. Spread the onion mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
5. Sprinkle Fontina cheese evenly over the onions.
6. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or a square shape.
7. Brush the edges with water and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fontina and Bacon Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with the rich flavors of Fontina cheese and crispy bacon.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of artisanal bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1/4 cup Fontina cheese, shredded
– 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, on the grill.
4. Top with shredded Fontina cheese, crumbled bacon, and another bread slice (butter-side up).
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
7. Remove from heat and let cool for a minute before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-6 minutes
Fontina and Potato Gratin
A rich and satisfying side dish that combines the earthy flavors of potatoes with the nutty sweetness of fontina cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner party or family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 3 large Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup fontina cheese, grated
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large saucepan, combine the sliced potatoes and enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Drain the potatoes and in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, create a layer of potatoes. Sprinkle with half of the fontina cheese and dot with butter.
4. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of potatoes on top.
5. Pour the heavy cream over the potatoes and sprinkle with the remaining fontina cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Fontina and Roasted Garlic Dip
Elevate your snack game with this creamy, aromatic dip that combines the rich flavors of roasted garlic and fontina cheese. Perfect for dipping crackers, veggies, or chips.
Ingredients:
– 1 large head of garlic
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup grated fontina cheese
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the top off the garlic head, exposing the cloves.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
4. Let the roasted garlic cool, then squeeze out the soft pulp into a bowl.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together fontina cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
6. Add the roasted garlic pulp to the cheese mixture and stir until smooth.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite dippers.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Fontina and Herb Focaccia
Fontina and Herb Focaccia: A savory Italian bread infused with the rich flavors of fontina cheese and fragrant herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons fontina cheese, shredded
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flours, salt, and yeast.
3. Gradually add warm water, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough on a floured surface, shape into a round or oblong loaf.
6. Dimple the dough with your fingers, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fontina cheese, rosemary, and thyme.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Fontina and Broccoli Quiche
A classic quiche recipe with a creamy Fontina cheese filling, perfectly balanced by the earthy flavor of broccoli. This dish is perfect for brunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup grated Fontina cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and place in a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
3. In a skillet, sauté broccoli florets until tender. Set aside.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Arrange cooked broccoli on the pie crust, followed by grated Fontina cheese.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the filling and smooth out.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the quiche is golden brown and set.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Fontina and Sausage Stuffed Peppers
Fontina and Sausage Stuffed Peppers: A Hearty and Flavorful Twist on a Classic Recipe
This recipe combines the sweetness of bell peppers with the savory flavors of fontina cheese and sausage, making it a perfect main course for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1/2 cup fontina cheese, shredded
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
5. Stuff each pepper with the sausage mixture, followed by fontina cheese.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the peppers and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Fontina and Pear Panini
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of Italy with this simple yet elegant panini recipe. Fontina cheese, paired with ripe pear and a hint of honey, makes for a delightful combination that’s perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread ( Ciabatta or Focaccia work well)
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
– 1 ripe pear, sliced into thin wedges
– 1/2 cup of fontina cheese, shredded
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Top two slices with sliced pear, followed by shredded fontina cheese.
4. Drizzle a pinch of honey over the cheese.
5. Assemble the sandwiches by placing the remaining bread slices (buttered side down) on top of the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Fontina and Butternut Squash Lasagna
This recipe combines the creamy richness of fontina cheese with the sweet, comforting flavor of roasted butternut squash, all wrapped up in a classic lasagna dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 12 lasagna noodles
– 2 cups fontina cheese, shredded
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the butternut squash for 45 minutes, or until tender.
3. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
4. In a large bowl, combine fontina and Parmesan cheese.
5. In a separate saucepan, heat tomato sauce with garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Assemble the lasagna by layering noodles, squash puree, and cheese mixture, finishing with a layer of tomato sauce on top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Fontina and Asparagus Pasta Bake
This comforting pasta bake combines the earthy flavors of fontina cheese with the sweetness of asparagus, all wrapped up in a golden-brown crust. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., pappardelle, fettuccine)
– 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fontina cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add asparagus and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, asparagus mixture, fontina cheese, Parmesan cheese, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Fontina and Chorizo Empanadas
These empanadas combine the creamy richness of fontina cheese with the spicy kick of chorizo, wrapped in a flaky pastry crust. Perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup fontina cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup chopped chorizo sausage
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a small bowl, mix together fontina cheese and chorizo sausage.
4. Spoon a small amount of the cheese-chorizo mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
5. Fold the other half of the pastry over filling to form a triangle or square shape. Press edges together with a fork to seal.
6. Brush tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Fontina and Fig Crostini
Elevate your gathering with these sweet and savory bites, featuring rich fontina cheese and caramelized figs on toasted baguette slices.
Ingredients:
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 ounces fontina cheese, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 1/4 cup caramelized figs (see note)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned.
3. Spread a small amount of softened butter onto each toasted slice.
4. Top with a slice of fontina cheese, a sprinkle of thyme, and a few pieces of caramelized figs.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including toasting time)
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Fontina cheese! This article features 18 delicious recipes that showcase the rich flavor and versatility of Fontina. From classic comfort foods like Mac and Cheese and Grilled Cheese to more adventurous dishes like Risotto and Empanadas, there’s something for every palate. Plus, try your hand at creative applications like Fondue, Quiche, and Crostini. Whether you’re a cheese lover or just looking for new recipe ideas, this article is sure to satisfy!
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