Are you a cheese lover looking for new ways to incorporate your favorite dairy delight into your meals? Look no further! Fontina cheese, with its rich, buttery flavor and creamy texture, is the perfect addition to any dish. From savory risottos to comforting mac and cheese, we’ve rounded up 18 of the creamiest Fontina cheese recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
Whether you’re in the mood for a decadent breakfast or a satisfying dinner, our collection of Fontina cheese recipes has got you covered. From classic comfort foods to innovative twists on old favorites, each dish is carefully crafted to showcase the unique characteristics of this beloved cheese. So go ahead, get creative, and indulge in the creamy goodness that only Fontina can provide!
Fontina Cheese and Mushroom Risotto
This rich and creamy risotto recipe combines sautéed mushrooms with the nutty flavor of fontina cheese, perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button), 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-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
2. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
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. Remove from heat; stir in fontina cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fontina-Stuffed Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this creamy Fontina-stuffed breast recipe. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup Fontina cheese, shredded
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together Fontina cheese, butter, garlic, and thyme.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the cheese mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Creamy Fontina Mac and Cheese
This comforting recipe combines the richness of fontina cheese with the creaminess of a velvety sauce, all wrapped up in a bed of al dente macaroni.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup grated fontina cheese
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper, to taste
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 medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
5. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
6. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove from heat and stir in fontina and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Transfer to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese (optional).
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Fontina and Prosciutto Panini
This simple yet elegant panini recipe combines the creamy richness of fontina cheese, the savory saltiness of prosciutto, and the crunch of fresh arugula for a delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread ( Ciabatta or Focaccia work well)
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 1/4 cup of fontina cheese, sliced
– 6 slices of prosciutto, thinly cut
– 1 handful of fresh arugula leaves
– 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. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, on the panini press or grill.
4. Top with a slice of fontina cheese, a few pieces of prosciutto, and a sprinkle of arugula leaves.
5. Place another slice of bread, butter-side up, on top.
6. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 3-4 minutes per panini
Fontina Cheese Fondue
Experience the rich flavors of Italy with this classic Fontina cheese fondue recipe. Perfect for a cozy gathering or a special occasion, this warm and creamy dip is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (250g) Fontina cheese, grated
– 1/2 cup (125g) Gruyère cheese, grated
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine Fontina and Gruyère cheese.
2. Gradually add vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and paprika, stirring until smooth.
3. Bring the mixture to 105°F (40°C) for the cheese to melt.
4. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Fontina and Spinach Stuffed Shells
This recipe adds a rich and creamy twist to the traditional stuffed shells, with the addition of fontina cheese and wilted spinach. The result is a dish that’s both familiar and excitingly new.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup grated fontina cheese
– 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, fontina cheese, ricotta cheese, egg, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stuff each pasta shell with the spinach mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
5. Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and top with mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Fontina Cheese and Caramelized Onion Pizza
This savory pizza combines the rich flavors of fontina cheese and caramelized onions on a crispy crust, perfect for a satisfying snack or dinner. With only a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create this delicious pizza in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fontina cheese, shredded
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough to desired thickness.
3. In a large skillet, cook onions over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes or until caramelized.
4. Spread olive oil on the pizza dough, leaving a small border around edges.
5. Add cooked onions, garlic, and fontina cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
8. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Fontina and Truffle Oil Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this rich and savory Fontina and Truffle Oil Grilled Cheese recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of artisanal bread (such as baguette or ciabatta)
– 1/4 cup of fontina cheese, sliced
– 1 tablespoon of truffle oil
– 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, butter-side down, on the grill.
4. Top with fontina cheese and drizzle with truffle oil.
5. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top of the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
8. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Fontina Cheese and Potato Gratin
Elevate your side dish game with this creamy, cheesy gratin that’s perfect for any occasion. Thinly sliced potatoes and rich Fontina cheese come together to create a comforting, golden-brown delight.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup (120g) Fontina cheese, grated
– 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– 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 sliced potatoes and enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Drain potatoes and layer them in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Dot the top of each potato slice with butter.
4. Sprinkle grated Fontina cheese evenly over the potatoes.
5. Pour heavy cream over the cheese, making sure to cover all the potatoes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until potatoes are tender and top is golden brown.
8. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Fontina and Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Elevate your mashed potatoes with the rich flavors of fontina cheese and roasted garlic. This creamy side dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 2 heads of garlic, separated into individual cloves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup fontina cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the garlic cloves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
2. Boil the chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender. Drain and return to the pot.
3. Add roasted garlic, fontina cheese, and whole milk to the potatoes. Mash with a potato masher or a fork until smooth and creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Fontina Cheese and Pear Salad
A sweet and savory combination of crispy greens, ripe pears, and melted fontina cheese makes for a perfect light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 ripe pear, diced
– 2/3 cup fontina cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced pear, and shredded fontina cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and white wine vinegar.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (including prep time)
Fontina and Sausage Stuffed Peppers
This recipe combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage and melted fontina cheese with the natural sweetness of bell peppers, creating a hearty and satisfying main course.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fontina cheese, shredded
– 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 the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the sausage mixture, filling to the top.
6. Sprinkle the fontina cheese over the peppers.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Fontina Cheese and Herb Focaccia
Elevate your snack game with this simple yet flavorful focaccia recipe, perfect for a quick lunch or as a accompaniment to your favorite soups.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup grated fontina cheese
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add remaining 2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, until dough becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
7. Punch down the dough, transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and shape into a rectangle.
8. Sprinkle fontina cheese, rosemary, and thyme evenly over the dough.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Fontina and Bacon Quiche
A savory quiche filled with the rich flavors of fontina cheese and crispy bacon, perfect for a brunch or light dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 cups of fontina cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup of heavy cream
– 4 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
3. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then set aside.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
5. Sprinkle the fontina cheese evenly over the pie crust, followed by the cooked bacon.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the filling and smooth out the top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Fontina Cheese and Asparagus Tart
A simple yet elegant tart that combines the sweetness of caramelized asparagus with the richness of fontina cheese, perfect for a springtime dinner party or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 1/4 cup grated fontina cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a large skillet, cook asparagus in butter until tender and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Arrange cooked asparagus on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
5. Sprinkle fontina cheese over asparagus.
6. Fold other half of pastry over filling to form a triangle or rectangle shape.
7. Brush edges with beaten egg and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fontina and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
This creamy pasta dish combines the rich flavors of fontina cheese with the tangy taste of sun-dried tomatoes, creating a perfect comfort food. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup fontina cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in fontina cheese until melted and smooth. Add sun-dried tomatoes and stir until well combined.
4. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with cheese mixture. If necessary, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fontina Cheese and Artichoke Dip
Elevate your snack game with this creamy, flavorful dip that combines the richness of fontina cheese with the tender sweetness of artichokes. Perfect for parties or gatherings!
Ingredients:
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 cup fontina cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: paprika for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine chopped artichoke hearts, fontina cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and garlic. Mix until smooth.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or ramekin.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm with crackers, chips, or veggies.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Fontina and Rosemary Flatbread
Elevate your snack game with this aromatic flatbread infused with the richness of fontina cheese and the herbal notes of rosemary. Perfect for a quick lunch or as a side to your favorite soups.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon sugar
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons fontina cheese, crumbled
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Sesame seeds or coarse black pepper for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Gradually add warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Divide the dough into 2 equal portions.
5. Roll out each portion to a thin sheet (about 1/8 inch).
6. Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with fontina cheese and chopped rosemary.
7. Cook in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Top with sesame seeds or coarse black pepper if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Indulge your love for creamy cheese with these 18 delectable Fontina cheese recipes. From comforting pasta dishes like Creamy Fontina Mac and Cheese, to savory paninis like Fontina and Prosciutto Panini, to decadent dips like Fontina Cheese and Artichoke Dip, there’s something for every cheese lover. With a range of international flavors and twists, including Italian-inspired risottos and French-style fondue, these recipes will satisfy your cravings and inspire you to get cooking.
