The Coziest Ina Garten Baked Fontina Cheese Recipe for All

Baked fontina cheese transforms ordinary gatherings into memorable culinary adventures.

Melted cheese lovers understand the magnetic pull of this irresistible appetizer.

Gooey, fragrant, and impossibly rich, this dish beckons hungry guests with its alluring aroma.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together, creating a sensory experience that feels both rustic and elegant.

Skilled home cooks recognize how simple ingredients can elevate an entire meal’s atmosphere.

Robust herbs and premium cheese collaborate to craft something truly spectacular.

You’ll want to serve this immediately while the cheese remains molten and inviting: Get ready for instant appetizer adoration.

Fun Variations on Baked Fontina to Try Tonight

• Mediterranean Herb Symphony: Replace thyme and rosemary with oregano, basil, and a sprinkle of za'atar for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Pepper Fusion: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, and a dash of smoked paprika to create a zesty, heat-packed cheese experience.
• Truffle Elegance Edition: Drizzle white truffle oil over the melted Fontina and garnish with finely chopped chives for a luxurious gourmet touch.
• Smoky Bacon Crumble: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits and green onions over the melted cheese for a rich, savory enhancement that elevates the traditional recipe.

Baked Fontina Cheese Wrap-Up

Ina Garten’s Baked Fontina emerges as culinary magic, transforming simple ingredients into an irresistible experience.

Molten cheese becomes an invitation to gather, connect, and savor each luxurious bite.

Mediterranean herbs dance through golden cheese, creating sensory poetry on your plate.

Cast-iron pans provide dramatic presentation, ensuring maximum flavor and theatrical dining drama.

Rustic French baguette chunks provide perfect companions for this melted cheese masterpiece.

Passionate palates will find pure delight in this effortless, elegant dish – share this recipe, comment below, and spread delicious inspiration with fellow cheese enthusiasts!

Why Baked Fontina Is the Ultimate Cheesy Dish

• Melt and Dip Delight: This recipe transforms simple Fontina cheese into a luxurious, gooey appetizer that invites interactive eating with crusty bread for dunking.
• Herb-Infused Flavor Explosion: Fresh thyme and rosemary create an aromatic profile that elevates the rich, creamy cheese with vibrant Mediterranean-inspired notes.
• Speedy Gourmet Experience: With just 6 minutes of broiling and minimal prep, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive but requires minimal culinary skill.
• One-Pan Wonder: The cast-iron skillet makes this recipe incredibly easy to prepare, serve, and clean up, perfect for casual gatherings or spontaneous cheese cravings.

What You’ll Need for Baked Fontina Magic

• Fontina Cheese: A rich, creamy Italian cheese that melts beautifully and provides the main flavor profile of the dish.

• Garlic, Thyme, Rosemary: Fresh herbs and garlic that add depth and aromatic complexity to the melted cheese.

• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps distribute herbs evenly across the cheese.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the cheese and herbs.

• French Baguette: A crusty bread perfect for dipping into the warm, melted cheese.

How to Make It Melt and Bubble Perfectly

Step 1: Gather Your Cheese Adventure Ingredients

• Fontina cheese
• Fresh garlic cloves
• Thyme sprigs
• Rosemary leaves
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• French baguette

Step 2: Prepare Cheese Canvas

Slice Fontina cheese into even, bite-sized cubes and spread them generously across a cast-iron skillet.

Step 3: Create Flavor Explosion

Finely slice garlic and chop fresh thyme and rosemary leaves. Mix these aromatic herbs together in a small bowl.

Step 4: Season and Drizzle

Sprinkle herb mixture evenly over cheese cubes. Gently drizzle olive oil across the surface. Dust with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 5: Unleash The Broiler Magic

Position oven rack 5 inches from broiler. Set broiler to high heat. Slide skillet under broiler for 6-7 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Remove skillet carefully using oven mitts. Place on a heat-resistant surface. Slice crusty French baguette into chunky pieces.

Smart Tips for Baked Fontina Cheese Success

• Select Premium Fontina: Choose authentic Italian Fontina Val d'Aosta for superior melting and rich, creamy flavor that transforms the entire dish.
• Trim the Cheese Carefully: Remove the entire rind before cutting to ensure smooth, even melting and a more appealing texture.
• Mince Herbs Finely: Chop fresh thyme and rosemary into tiny pieces to distribute aromatic flavors evenly throughout the melted cheese.
• Monitor Broiling Closely: Keep a watchful eye during broiling to prevent burning, removing the dish when cheese becomes bubbly and develops a light golden-brown color.
• Serve Immediately: Prepare all accompaniments in advance and present the baked fontina straight from the oven to enjoy its maximum warmth and gooey consistency.

How to Store Your Baked Fontina Without Drying Out

• Cool Completely: Let the baked Fontina rest at room temperature until it reaches ambient conditions. Cooling prevents condensation and maintains the cheese's delicate texture, ensuring maximum flavor preservation.
• Airtight Storage: Transfer the cooled cheese to a sealed glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Glass containers prevent flavor absorption and help maintain the cheese's original taste profile better than plastic alternatives.
• Refrigeration Window: Consume the stored Fontina within 48 hours for optimal taste and quality. Discard any leftovers beyond this timeframe to prevent potential bacterial growth and maintain food safety standards.

Ina Garten Baked Fontina Cheese Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s baked fontina elevates simple cheese into a luxurious Italian-inspired appetizer with irresistible herbs and garlic. Melted to golden perfection, this cheesy delight invites friends to gather and savor each rich, aromatic spoonful straight from the skillet.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Cheese:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) italian fontina val d’aosta cheese, rind removed and 1-inch-diced

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) minced fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) minced fresh rosemary leaves
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) freshly ground black pepper
• 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

Accompaniment:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) good olive oil
• 1 crusty french baguette

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Arrange the oven rack approximately 5 inches beneath the broiler element and activate the broiler to its highest temperature setting, ensuring even heat distribution.
2. Select a 12-inch cast-iron skillet and carefully distribute fontina cheese cubes across its surface, creating an even layer that will melt uniformly.
3. Prepare a fragrant herb mixture by finely chopping fresh garlic cloves, delicate thyme leaves, and aromatic rosemary sprigs in a small preparation bowl.
4. Generously drizzle extra virgin olive oil (about or 30 milliliters) over the cheese cubes, ensuring complete coverage and enhanced flavor infusion.
5. Sprinkle the prepared herb mixture evenly across the cheese surface, followed by a precise seasoning of kosher salt (or 2.5 grams) and freshly ground black pepper (or 1 gram) to elevate the dish’s taste profile.
6. Carefully position the cast-iron skillet under the broiler, allowing the cheese to transform for approximately 6 to 7 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and bubbly texture that indicates perfect melting.
7. Remove the skillet immediately using heat-resistant gloves, presenting the molten fontina directly at the table alongside crusty French baguette slices cut into rustic chunks for an interactive and indulgent appetizer experience.

Notes

• Carefully select authentic Italian Fontina Val d’Aosta for the most luxurious melting experience.
• Completely remove the cheese rind to ensure smooth, even melting without unwanted texture.
• Finely chop fresh thyme and rosemary to elevate the herb-infused flavor profile.
• Monitor the cheese closely under the broiler, removing it at the precise moment it becomes bubbly and golden brown.
• Prepare all accompaniments beforehand to serve the melted cheese immediately while it’s piping hot and perfectly creamy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 547 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 339 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 89 mg