The Best Baked Fontina Recipe: Ina Garten’s Cozy Comfort Dip

Baked fontina offers melted, gooey cheese with aromatic herbs and rustic charm.

It’s simple, comforting, and designed to be shared.

Garlic and rosemary add warmth and complexity without overpowering.

The dish comes together quickly yet feels thoughtfully crafted.

Tear into it with crusty bread and savor the cheesy layers.

You’ll want this on repeat for casual dinners and gatherings.

How to Store Baked Fontina and Keep It Melty

• Vacuum Sealing: Preserve the rich, melty goodness by vacuum sealing individual portions. Press out all air to prevent freezer burn and maintain the cheese's original texture. This method extends shelf life up to 2 months, keeping the fontina's flavor intact.
• Freezer Storage: Carefully portion the cooled baked fontina into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Freeze for maximum 1 month to retain the cheese's creamy consistency and prevent flavor degradation.
• Refrigerator Transfer: Allow the baked fontina to cool completely at room temperature for 30 minutes. Gently slide into an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator for optimal freshness, consuming within 3 days for the best taste and texture.

Fun Variations to Try With Ina’s Baked Fontina

• Rustic Mediterranean Blend: Swap Fontina with a mix of creamy goat cheese and tangy feta, then add sun-dried tomatoes and oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Replace Fontina with pepper jack cheese, add chopped jalapeños, sprinkle cumin, and serve with warm tortilla chips for a zesty kick.
• Truffle Mushroom Fusion: Incorporate diced wild mushrooms like porcini and chanterelles, drizzle with truffle oil, and use a blend of gruyère and Fontina for an earthy, luxurious experience.
• Alpine Herb Garden: Combine Fontina with raclette cheese, include fresh chives and dill, and garnish with crispy pancetta bits for a mountain-inspired appetizer that celebrates herbal complexity.

One Cheesy Goodbye to Ina Garten’s Baked Fontina

Cheese enthusiasts rejoice!

Ina Garten’s baked fontina delivers Mediterranean magic straight to dining tables.

Cast-iron skillet magic transforms simple ingredients into culinary poetry.

Mediterranean herbs dance through melted cheese landscapes, creating irresistible flavor symphonies.

Warm baguette chunks become perfect companions for this molten cheese masterpiece.

Garten’s recipe whispers Italian comfort with French cooking elegance.

Passionate palates will crave this dish: share its deliciousness, comment with your cheesy experiences, and spread delectable inspiration across social platforms!

Why Baked Fontina Is Gooey, Golden, and Crowd-Pleasing

• Melt Instantly: This baked fontina delivers rapid, restaurant-quality appetizer magic in just 6 quick minutes under the broiler, perfect for spontaneous gatherings or sudden cheese cravings.
• Herb-Infused Decadence: Fresh thyme and rosemary transform ordinary cheese into an aromatic, luxurious experience that elevates simple ingredients into a gourmet moment, creating complex flavor layers.
• One-Pan Wonder: The cast-iron skillet method ensures effortless preparation, minimal cleanup, and a dramatic tableside presentation that makes guests feel like they're experiencing something special without complicated cooking techniques.
• Textural Cheese Bliss: The broiling process creates a dreamy combination of molten, bubbling cheese with delicate golden edges, offering an irresistible contrast between creamy interior and crispy top that begs for crusty bread dipping.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Baked Fontina Success

• Fontina: Rich and creamy Italian cheese that melts beautifully, ideal for creating a luxurious and gooey appetizer.

• Garlic, Thyme, Rosemary: Fresh herbs and aromatics that add depth and fragrant notes to the melted cheese, enhancing its overall flavor profile.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that provide balanced and essential seasoning to the cheese.
• Olive Oil: High-quality oil that helps distribute heat and adds a subtle fruity undertone to the dish.

• Crusty Baguette: Traditional bread perfect for dipping into the warm, melted cheese, providing a crisp textural contrast.

How to Bake Fontina With That Melty Pull

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your broiler to high and position the rack about 5 inches from the heat source. Ensure your oven is ready for cheesy magic.

Step 2: Cheese Preparation

Grab a cast-iron skillet and generously spread diced Fontina across the surface. Drizzle with silky olive oil to create a luscious base.

Step 3: Herb Garden Sprinkle

• Minced garlic
• Chopped thyme leaves
• Crumbled rosemary sprigs

Scatter this aromatic mixture over the cheese. Shower with kosher salt and cracked black pepper for extra zest.

Step 4: Melting Moment

Slide the skillet under the broiler. Watch the cheese transform into a bubbling, golden masterpiece in about 6 minutes. The cheese should look irresistibly molten and slightly caramelized.

Step 5: Dive Right In

Bring the sizzling skillet straight to the table. Surround it with chunks of crusty baguette for epic dipping adventures. Invite friends to gather and enjoy this communal cheese experience immediately while it’s hot and gooey.

Pro Tip: Serve with a crisp white wine or light red to complement the rich, melted Fontina.

Tips for Baked Fontina That’s Perfectly Bubbly

• Select Premium Fontina: Opt for authentic Italian Fontina Val d'Aosta to guarantee an exceptional, rich flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Cube Cheese Uniformly: Precise 1-inch / 2.5cm cubes ensure consistent melting, creating a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture throughout the skillet.
• Master Broiler Technique: Fully preheat the broiler before adding your skillet to achieve perfect golden-brown cheese without risking uneven or dried-out results.
• Monitor Melting Closely: Cheese can quickly transform from golden perfection to burnt disaster, so watch the skillet attentively during those crucial broiling moments.
• Serve Piping Hot: Timing is everything—have warm crusty bread ready to dive into the bubbling, molten cheese the instant it emerges from the oven for maximum deliciousness.

Ina Garten Baked Fontina Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 38 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s baked fontina delivers Italian comfort with melted cheese drama. Rustic cast-iron skillet magic brings garlic, herbs, and creamy cheese together for an effortless appetizer that wows dinner guests and sparks instant conversation.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Cheese Ingredient:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) Italian Fontina Val d’Aosta cheese, rind removed and 1-inch-diced

Fresh Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

Bread and Oil:

• ¼ cup good olive oil
• 1 crusty French baguette

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Position the oven rack approximately 5 inches (12.5 centimeters) beneath the broiler element and activate the broiler to its highest setting, ensuring the oven reaches optimal temperature for melting cheese.
2. Select a 12-inch (30-centimeter) cast-iron skillet and uniformly distribute diced Fontina cheese across its surface, gently drizzling extra virgin olive oil to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.
3. Finely mince fresh garlic cloves and delicate herb leaves of thyme and rosemary, creating an aromatic blend that will infuse the melted cheese with robust, earthy undertones.
4. Sprinkle the minced herb and garlic mixture evenly over the cheese, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to elevate the overall taste profile.
5. Carefully slide the prepared skillet under the preheated broiler, monitoring closely as the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-kissed surface over approximately 6 minutes.
6. Remove the skillet using heat-resistant gloves, transferring it immediately to the table for a rustic, communal dining experience with crusty baguette chunks ready for indulgent dipping.

Notes

• Cheese Quality Matters: Select premium Fontina Val d’Aosta or an exceptional alternative to unlock the dish’s ultimate flavor profile and creamy potential.
• Precision in Cutting: Create uniform 1-inch / 2.5cm cheese cubes for consistent melting and that irresistible bubbling texture everyone craves.
• Broiler Mastery: Fully heat the broiler before sliding in the skillet, guaranteeing rapid melting without compromising moisture or taste.
• Vigilant Monitoring: Stay eagle-eyed during broiling—golden perfection can transform into burnt disaster in mere moments.
• Instant Gratification: Serve piping hot directly from the oven, ensuring bread is primed for immediate, delectable dipping.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 of 6 servings
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 120mg