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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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