Baked Fontina

Warm, bubbly cheese brightened with garlic and fresh herbs on a thick slice of crusty bread, this Baked Fontina is an easy yet indulgent appetizer perfect.

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“It’s like fondue in a cast-iron pot–you just throw everything in and it’s ready in six minutes.”
~ Ina
Garten

When I received Ina’s new cookbook at Christmastime, I knew this would be one of the first recipes I’d try. I’m not much of a cheese person (remember the story about me, a weird kid, taking my cheese off my pizza?), but as soon as I saw the photo for Baked Fontina and read ingredients, I began looking for an opportunity to make this. I was not disappointed. I loved the herbs and slightly salty taste of the hot cheese. I loved that I could serve this family-style for an appetizer (first for Valentine’s Day and later for a cocktail party at our house). I love that it requires minimal-effort and is super-fast to cook. Really, what else could you ask for in an appetizer?

There were a few reviews on Food Network, with about half of them saying that the fontina was too salty. I didn’t think so at all. I’ve made this with both thyme and rosemary, and also with only thyme. Fantastic both ways. But feel free to adjust salt, pepper, and other herbs according to taste.

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Baked Fontina

Warm, bubbly cheese brightened with garlic and fresh herbs on a thick slice of crusty bread, this Baked Fontina is an easy yet indulgent appetizer perfect.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6
Author Liz

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. Italian Fontina Val d'Aosta cheese rind removed and cut into 1-in. dice
  • 1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 Tbs. minced fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp. minced fresh rosemary leaves
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. black pepper

Instructions

  1. Ensure a rack is 5-inches below the broiler. Preheat broiler.
  2. Spread cheese evenly across a 12-in. cast iron skillet. Drizzle on olive oil. Combine garlic, thyme, and rosemary and sprinkle over cheese. Sprinkle salt and pepper over cheese.
  3. Place under broiler for 5-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling. Cheese should be beginning to brown.
  4. Serve hot, right out of the pan with a warm, crusty baguette.

Recipe Notes

This recipe serves 6, as the sole appetizer. If you're serving multiple appetizers, this recipe would serve 12.

This recipe was adapted from Barefoot Contessa, How Easy Is That? (p. 97)

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2 thoughts on “Baked Fontina”

  1. This was so delicious! I would love to try this layered over prosciutto on the baguette. Talk about fantastic and easy!

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