Best 15 Baked Fontina Recipes

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**Baked Fontina: A Journey of Creamy Delights**

Baked fontina is a delectable dish that showcases the rich flavors of melted fontina cheese. This culinary masterpiece is a symphony of textures and tastes, with a crispy breadcrumb topping and a gooey, molten center. Prepare to embark on a delightful journey as we explore two enticing recipes that elevate baked fontina to new heights.

**Baked Fontina with Spinach and Artichoke Dip:**
This recipe artfully combines the classic flavors of spinach and artichoke dip with the creamy indulgence of baked fontina. A vibrant filling of sautéed spinach, tender artichoke hearts, and a creamy cheese sauce is nestled atop toasted bread and crowned with a generous layer of fontina cheese. As it bakes, the fontina cheese melts and bubbles, creating an irresistible golden crust.

**Baked Fontina with Roasted Red Pepper and Sausage:**
This variation introduces a delightful savory twist to baked fontina. Succulent Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, and a blend of herbs and spices create a flavorful filling that pairs perfectly with the creamy fontina cheese. The roasted red peppers add a vibrant touch of sweetness, while the sausage provides a hearty and satisfying texture.

Both recipes are culinary adventures waiting to be savored. Whether you prefer the classic combination of spinach and artichoke or the bold flavors of sausage and roasted red pepper, these baked fontina dishes will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's embark on this delectable journey together!

Let's cook with our recipes!

BAKED FONTINA



Baked Fontina image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     appetizer

Time 21m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 1/2 pounds Italian Fontina Val d'Aosta cheese, rind removed and 1-inch-diced
1/4 cup good olive oil
6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 crusty French baguette

Steps:

  • Preheat the broiler and position the oven rack 5 inches from the heat.
  • Distribute the cubes of Fontina evenly in a 12-inch cast-iron pan. Drizzle on the olive oil. Combine the garlic, thyme, and rosemary and sprinkle it over the cheese and olive oil. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper and place the pan under the broiler for 6 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and starts to brown.
  • Serve the baked Fontina family-style-right out of the oven in the cast-iron pan with crusty chunks of bread for everyone to dip.

BAKED RIGATONI WITH SPINACH, RICOTTA, AND FONTINA



Baked Rigatoni With Spinach, Ricotta, and Fontina image

I found this in an old issue of Food and Wine. It sounds quick and good. Here's how the magazine describes it. A quick take on spinach and ricotta cannelloni, this baked pasta is fast because there's nothing to stuff. The filling is simply tossed with cooked rigatoni that's then topped with fontina and baked to a golden brown.

Provided by lazyme

Categories     Spinach

Time 45m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb rigatoni pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed
2 cups ricotta cheese (about 1 pound)
5 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, grated
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
6 ounces Fontina cheese, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Oil a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
  • In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the rigatoni until almost done, about 12 minutes.
  • Drain.
  • Put the pasta in the prepared baking dish and toss with 1 tablespoon of the oil.
  • Meanwhile, squeeze as much of the water as possible from the spinach.
  • Put the spinach in a food processor and puree with the ricotta, 3 tablespoons of the Parmesan, the nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  • Stir in half the fontina.
  • Stir the spinach mixture into the pasta.
  • Top with the remaining fontina and Parmesan.
  • Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons oil over the top.
  • Bake the pasta until the top is golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • VARIATION:.
  • You can substitute another chunky pasta, such as penne rigate, penne, ziti, or fusilli. Boil all of these one or two minutes less.

POLENTA PASTICCIATA CON SALSA DI FUNGHI (BAKED POLENTA CASSEROLE WITH CREAMY MUSHROOM SAUCE AND FONTINA)



Polenta Pasticciata con Salsa di Funghi (Baked Polenta Casserole with Creamy Mushroom Sauce and Fontina) image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 ounce dried porcini
3/4 cup hot water
1/2 pound fresh cultivated white mushrooms
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly milled white pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream
Olive oil or vegetable oil for oiling boards and baking dish
1 recipe Basic Polenta
1-1/2 cups cornmeal, 6 cups water, and 2 teaspoons salt
1/2 pound (2 cups) shredded fontina
1/3 cup freshly grated parmigiano

Steps:

  • To begin to prepare the sauce, in a small bowl combine the dried porcini and hot water and let stand for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove the porcini and squeeze out excess water. Using scissors, cut them into pieces about the size of your thumbnail. Set aside. Strain the mushroom liquor through a paper towel or a fine sieve; reserve. Lightly oil an 8-by-11-inch baking pan and set it aside. Lightly oil two large pastry boards or baking sheets, or a very large scratchproof counter surface. Make the polenta and when it is cooked, turn it directly out onto the boards, counter, or baking sheets. Use a large knife or rubber spatula, first dipped in cold water, to spread out the polenta to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Allow it to cool and harden, about 20 minutes. Cut it into approximate 3-inch squares.
  • Meanwhile, preheat an oven to 400 degrees F. Continue to make the sauce. Using a soft brush or clean kitchen towel, remove any dirt from the fresh mushrooms. Don't wash them because water will alter their texture. Separate the stems from the caps, discarding the stems if they are tough. Slice the mushroom caps and tender stems thinly. In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter with the oil. Add the onion and saute until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the porcini and saute for another 5 or 6 minutes to marry the flavors. Add the cultivated mushrooms and continue to saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the mushroom soaking liquid, salt, and pepper. Allow to simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then stir in the cream, and allow the mixture barely to reach a simmer. Immediately remove the skillet from the heat.
  • Place half of the polenta squares in a layer on the bottom of the prepared dish. Spread half of the sauce in a layer over them, then sprinkle with half of the cheeses. Place another layer of polenta squares over the cheeses. Spoon the remaining sauce on top and sprinkle with the remaining cheeses. Place on the middle rack of the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and golden and the pasticcio is bubbling, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let settle for 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve hot.

BAKED PENNE WITH FONTINA



Baked Penne With Fontina image

A friend of mine gave me this recipe (from Tastes of Italia) and I made it for the first time last night for guests. It was a HUGE hit. It's simple and easy to put together. I browned 1# of sweet Italian sausage and added that to the sauce while simmering. I'm a fan of fire roasted tomatoes, so I used those for the small can. The pasta cooking directions were "conflicting" so I modified those. Some of the pine nuts tend to "sneak" into the pasta tubes and you get a delightful little crunch. The only thing I would do different next time is add more red chili pepper flakes for more heat. Made Cheese and Rosemary Breadsticks (#85257) as a side. It was a perfect meal!

Provided by Beaner 2

Categories     Penne

Time 38m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 lb penne
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
1/4 cup olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pinch salt
1 pinch of red chile chili pepper flakes
1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes, with half of the juices drained
1 (14 ounce) can whole tomatoes, with half of the juices drained
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
6 -8 slices Fontina cheese
chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 9x12-inch baking dish with nonfat cooking spray. Set aside.
  • Put on a large pot of water to boil for the pasta.
  • Toast the pine nuts in a large skillet over medium heat. When pine nuts are golden brown, add olive oil, garlic, salt, and red chile pepper flakes. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. Add tomatoes (break up with a spoon) and oregano. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until sauce thickens.
  • While sauce is simmering, cook pasta to according to package directions for "firm". Drain and pour pasta into prepared baking dish. Stir in butter to coat. Add sauce and Parmesan cheese and stir well. Top with Fontina cheese and parsley and place in oven.
  • Cook, uncovered, for 8 to 9 minutes or until cheese melts.

BAKED SPINACH WITH FONTINA



Baked Spinach with Fontina image

Categories     Onion     Side     Bake     Sauté     Vegetarian     High Fiber     Spinach     Fontina     Bon Appétit     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Serves 4 main-course or 6 side-dish servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 large eggs
2 10-ounce packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed dry
3 cups grated Fontina cheese (about 11 ounces)
1/3 cup chopped drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tablespoons oil reserved
2 cups chopped onions
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon (scant) pepper
1 cup finely crushed crackers

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 8 x 8 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Beat eggs in large bowl to blend. Mix in spinach, then cheese and tomatoes.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons oil reserved from tomatoes in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic; sauté until onions begin to brown, about 8 minutes. Add to spinach mixture. Mix in salt and pepper. Transfer to prepared dish. Sprinkle with cracker crumbs.
  • Bake spinach mixture until set in center, about 40 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes and serve.

BAKED FONTINA ORZO



Baked Fontina Orzo image

The pasta orzo makes a nice alternative to rice. If you like, use 1/2 cup blanched, diced asparagus for the roasted peppers.-Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 45m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 tablespoon butter, softened
1-1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
1-1/2 cups shredded fontina cheese
1/2 cup chopped roasted sweet red peppers
1/2 cup sliced ripe olives, drained
2 large eggs
1-1/2 cups whole milk
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Grease six 10-oz. ramekins or custard cups with butter; set aside. , Cook orzo according to package directions; drain. In a large bowl, combine orzo, cheese, peppers and olives. Spoon into prepared ramekins. , In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk and nutmeg; pour over orzo mixture. Place ramekins on a baking sheet. , Bake 25-30 minutes or until a thermometer inserted in the center reads 160°.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 391 calories, Fat 16g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 115mg cholesterol, Sodium 463mg sodium, Carbohydrate 42g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 18g protein.

BAKED ORZO WITH FONTINA AND PEAS



Baked Orzo With Fontina and Peas image

Make and share this Baked Orzo With Fontina and Peas recipe from Food.com.

Provided by CIndytc

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 55m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

4 cups chicken broth
1 lb orzo pasta
3 tablespoons butter, plus more to grease the baking dish
1 onion, chopped
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
1 cup marsala wine
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 ounces shredded Fontina cheese (about 1 cup)
4 ounces diced fresh mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup)
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried thyme

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter a 9 X 13 baking dish.
  • Bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan. Add the orzo and cook until almost tender, about 7 minutes. Pour the orzo and the broth into a large bowl. Set aside.
  • Meanwhile, melt the butter over medium heat in a medium skillet. Add the oinions and saute until tender, about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and continue to saute until the mushrooms are beginning to turn golden around the edges, about 7 minutes. Add the Marsala. Scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pan and cook unti lthe Marsala has reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add the mushroom mixture to the orzo in the large bowl. Add the cream, fontina, mozzarella, peas, salt & pepper. Stir to combine. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  • In a small bowl combine the bread crumbsd, Parmesan, and dried thyme. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture on top of the pasta. Bake until golden, about 25 to 30 minutes.

BAKED POLENTA WITH MUSHROOMS AND FONTINA



BAKED POLENTA WITH MUSHROOMS AND FONTINA image

Categories     Corn

Yield 4 main course servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup polenta
4 cups water
Salt
Butter
6 ounces crimini mushrooms, sliced
4 ounces shimeji mushrooms, bottoms removed
2 fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1/4 pound Fontina cheese, sliced

Steps:

  • Total time: 1 hour, 10 minutes Servings: 6 as appetizer, 4 as main course. Note: Inspired in part by a recipe in Yotam Ottolenghi's "Plenty"; the polenta technique comes from Golden Pheasant polenta. 1 cup polenta 4 cups water Salt 1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Put the polenta in a 2-quart gratin dish, and stir in the water and 1 teaspoon salt. Bake for 45 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons butter and return the polenta to the oven for 15 more minutes. 2. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and sprinkle with one-fourth teaspoon salt, or to taste. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms give up their moisture, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and the rosemary and continue cooking until the mushrooms are dry, 3 to 4 more minutes. 3. When the polenta is done, taste and add more salt if necessary. Tear the soft Fontina slices into shreds and distribute them over the top of the polenta. Scatter the cooked mushrooms over the top and return the pan to the oven until the cheese has melted and begins to brown, about 5 minutes.

BAKED PENNE W/ SAUSAGE, SPINACH AND FONTINA



BAKED PENNE W/ SAUSAGE, SPINACH AND FONTINA image

Categories     Pasta     Dinner

Yield 6 PEOPLE

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 MEDIUM ZUCCHINI
1 TBLSP. OLIVE OIL
1/2 OLB HOT ITALIAN SAUSAGE
1 CHOPPED ONION
SALT, PEPPER
1 CUP WHIPPING CREAM
1 TSP DRIED OREGANO
1/2 LB FONTINA CHEESE GRATED
1/2 LB PENNE PASTA

Steps:

  • PREHEAT OVEN TO 375 GREASE A 2 1/2 OR 3 QUART CASSEROLE HEAT OIL IN HEAVY SKILLET ON MEDIUM HEAT AND ADD SAUSAGE. WHEN SAUSAGE IS DONE COOKING DRAIN AND TRANSFER TO BOWL. ADD ONION AND LET COOK FOR ABOUT 5 MIN. ADD ZUCCHINI, SALT AND PEPPER AND SAUTEE ABOUT 8 MIN. RETURN SAUSAGE TO PAN. ADD CREAM AND OREGANO. BRING TO BOIL AND ADD 1/2 OF FONTINA. STIR UNTIL MELTED. ADD SAUCE TO COOKED PASTA. TRANSFER TO CASSEROLE AND TOP WITH REAMING CHEESE. ADD PARMESIAN CHEESE. BAKE IN OVEN UNTIL HEATED THROUGH ABOUT 15 MINUTES.

BAKED PENNE WITH SAUSAGE, ZUCCHINI, AND FONTINA RECIPE - (4.1/5)



Baked Penne with Sausage, Zucchini, and Fontina Recipe - (4.1/5) image

Provided by mytastytreasures

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound HOT Italian sausage, casings
removed
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
Salt and Pepper
1 cup whipping cream
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 pound fontina cheese,grated
1/2 lb penne pasta

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375. Grease a 2 1/2 to 3 quart deep casserole. Cut each zucchini half in thirds lengthwise, then crosswise into 1 1/2 inch long pieces. Heat oil in large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until no longer pink, breaking up with a fork. Transfer to bowl using slotted spoon. Add onion and red pepper to skillet and cook until beginning to soften, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add zucchini. Season with salt and pepper and saute until almost tender about 8 minutes. Return sausage to skillet. Add cream and oregano and bring to a boil. Add half of fontina cheese and stie until just melted. Meanwhile, cook penne in a large pot of boiling salted water, stir occasionally, until just tender but still firm to the bite. Drain well; return to pot. Add your sauce mixture and stir to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning to your taste. Transfer to prepared caserole. Top with remaining cheese. (Can be prepared through here up to one day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temp before continuing.) Bake until heated thrugh, about 15 minutes. Serve hot. Can be doubled.

BAKED CAVATAPPI WITH SMOKED HAM AND FONTINA



Baked Cavatappi with Smoked Ham and Fontina image

An upscale macaroni and cheese. Delicate flavor, has been popular with kids and adults. Recipe is from an Antonio's pasta bag.

Provided by DJM70

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 ounces fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon sherry wine
1 lb cavatappi pasta
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk (may use low fat)
1 pinch grated nutmeg
salt and pepper
5 ounces Fontina cheese, in julienne strips
8 ounces smoked ham, coarsely chopped

Steps:

  • Bring 6 quarts of salted water to a boil.
  • Meanwhile, saute mushrooms in 1 tbs.
  • butter over medium heat for two minutes.
  • Add Sherry, stir for 1 minute and remove mushrooms from heat.
  • Cook the cavatappi in the boiling water until al dente and drain.
  • While pasta is cooking, melt 3 tbs.
  • butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
  • Gradually add milk and continue whisking.
  • Stir over heat until sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and add sauteed mushrooms, nutmeg, salt and pepper.
  • Butter a large ovenproof dish, and arrange 1/3 of the cavatappi in the dish.
  • Top with 1/3 of the cheese and ham and spoon on 1/3 of the sauce.
  • Repeat the layers two more times, ending with sauce.
  • Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven until heated through and bubbly, about 20 to 30 minutes minutes.
  • (Casserole may also be refrigerated and baked later. Increase baking time to 30 minutes for a chilled casserole.) (DJM notes: use a dish smaller and a little deeper than a basic 9x13.).

BAKED ORZO WITH FONTINA AND PEAS



BAKED ORZO WITH FONTINA AND PEAS image

Categories     Pasta     Side

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients
4 cups chicken broth
1 pound orzo pasta
3 tablespoons butter, plus more to grease the baking dish
1 onion, chopped
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
1 cup Marsala wine
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 ounces shredded fontina cheese (about 1 cup)
4 ounces diced fresh mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup)
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon dried thyme

Steps:

  • Directions Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan. Add the orzo and cook until almost tender, about 7 minutes. Pour the orzo and the broth into a large bowl. Set aside. Meanwhile, melt the butter over medium heat in a medium skillet. Add the onions and saute until tender, about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and continue to saute until the mushrooms are beginning to turn golden around the edges, about 7 minutes. Add the Marsala. Scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pan and cook until the Marsala has reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add the mushroom mixture to the orzo in the large bowl. Add the cream, fontina, mozzarella, peas, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, and dried thyme. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture on top of the pasta. Bake until golden, about 25 minutes.

BAKED FONTINA WITH GARLIC, OLIVE OIL, AND THYME



Baked Fontina With Garlic, Olive Oil, and Thyme image

a lovely appetizer from the Red Cat Cookbook, rather like a fondue without all the paraphenalia needed..just a skillet and good crusty bread! Use italian fontina, not dutch because the dutch won't melt properly for this

Provided by MarraMamba

Categories     Cheese

Time 13m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 1/2 lbs italian fontina, soft brown rind trimmed and discarded, cut into 1-inch dice
1/4 cup olive oil
6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon thyme
1 teaspoon chopped rosemary
salt
fresh ground black pepper
sliced country bread or roll

Steps:

  • Preheat the broiler.
  • For individual servings, divide the fontina among four 6-inch cast-iron pans.
  • Drizzle with olive oil and scatter the garlic, thyme, and rosemary over the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. For one large pan, use a 12-inch cast-iron skillet and follow the same directions.
  • Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, 6 to 7 minutes.
  • Serve each person an individual pan, setting it on a trivet or napkin, or serve from the 12-inch pan set in the center of the table, with the bread alongside for dunking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 791.5, Fat 66.8, SaturatedFat 34.7, Cholesterol 198.3, Sodium 1368.6, Carbohydrate 4.2, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 2.7, Protein 44.1

BAKED RIGATONI WITH SPINACH, RICOTTA, AND FONTINA



BAKED RIGATONI WITH SPINACH, RICOTTA, AND FONTINA image

Categories     Bake

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound rigatoni
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed
2 cups (about 1 pound) ricotta cheese
5 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
6 ounces fontina cheese, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 450 degrees F. Oil a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the rigatoni until almost done, about 12 minutes. Drain. Put the pasta in the prepared baking dish and toss with 1 tablespoon of the oil. Meanwhile, squeeze as much of the water as possible from the spinach. Put the spinach in a food processor and puree with the ricotta, 3 tablespoons of the Parmesan, the nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir in half the fontina. Stir the spinach mixture into the pasta. Top with the remaining fontina and Parmesan. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons oil over the top. Bake the pasta until the top is golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Variation You can substitute another chunky pasta, such as penne rigate, penne, ziti, or fusilli. Boil all of these one or two minutes less.

BAKED FONTINA



BAKED FONTINA image

Number Of Ingredients 8

1.5 lbs Italian Fontina Cheese, 1" dices (I used Fontel Italian from Whole Foods)
1/4 c EVOO
6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced (I used garlic press)
1 T minced thyme, fresh
1 t minced rosemary, fresh
1 t. kosher salt (I used table salt and not quite a tsp)
1 t. ground black pepper
1 crusty French baguette

Steps:

  • Preheat broiler - rack 5" from heat Distribute evenly the fontina cubes in 12" cast-iron pan. Drizzle on the EVOO Combine garlic and spices - sprinkle over cheese and EVOO. Place under broiler for 6 min until cheese is melted and bubbling and starts to brown. Serve with crusty French bread for everyone to dip.

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Fontina: Opt for a high-quality, aged Fontina with a nutty and flavorful profile.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh bread, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic garlic will elevate the overall taste.
  • Slice the Bread Thinly: This ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.
  • Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Bake in batches if necessary, to prevent steaming and ensure even browning.
  • Broil for a Golden Finish: Keep a close eye on the dish to prevent burning.
  • Use Room Temperature Cheese: This allows for even melting and a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Basil and oregano add a refreshing touch and enhance the flavors.
  • Serve Immediately: Baked Fontina is best enjoyed hot and bubbly, straight out of the oven.

Conclusion:

Baked Fontina is a delightful and versatile dish that showcases the rich flavors of the namesake cheese. Whether served as an appetizer, a main course, or a side dish, it's sure to impress. With its crispy bread, melted cheese, and vibrant toppings, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Experiment with different bread types, cheeses, and toppings to create your own unique variations. Indulge in the creamy goodness of Baked Fontina and savor every bite of this delectable dish.

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