Fontina Cheese

N/A Dairy, Cheese

Fontina Cheese Dairy, Cheese

At a Glance

  • Category Dairy, Cheese

The Forktionary Angle

"Explore Fontina's rich heritage and culinary versatility."

Definition

A semi-hard Italian cow's milk cheese, known for its nutty, creamy flavor and excellent melting properties, ideal for gratins and fondues.

Fat Content 25-30%
Fridge Shelf Life (Opened) 1-2 weeks
Melting Point ~100-110°F (Exceptional for melting)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Fontina Cheese are:

Nutty earthy milky slightly fruity creamy

Chef’s Secret

For the best fondue, grate Fontina and let it come to room temperature before adding to the pot; this prevents clumping and ensures a smoother melt.

Best Substitutes

Gruyère

for melting
Ratio 1:1

Provolone

in sandwiches
Ratio 1:1

Taleggio

for richness
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for cheeses with a moist rind and consistent texture. Avoid any signs of mold other than the natural rind.

Recipes Using Fontina Cheese

Time To Make Time To Make Cuisine 60 Minutes Or Less

Baked Four Cheese Pasta With Tomatoes And Basil

Indulge in this irresistible Baked Four Cheese Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil! A creamy, cheesy masterpiece, perfect as a comforting side dish or a satisfying main course alongside a fresh salad. This recipe, inspired by Cook's Illustrated, delivers a restaurant-quality experience in under 40 minutes. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

See Complete Recipe
Dietary Dietary Number Of Servings For 1 Or 2

Bacon Rosemary Frittata

Warm up on a chilly morning with this delicious Bacon Rosemary Frittata! Born from a cold winter's day and a desire for comfort food, this recipe uses simple ingredients to create a hearty and flavorful breakfast or brunch. Customize it to your liking – add your favorite veggies, cheeses, or herbs! It's quick, easy, and perfect for using up leftover ingredients.

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make Pasta Penne Main Ingredient

4 Cheese Pasta Bake

Indulge in this creamy, cheesy 4 Cheese Pasta Bake – the ultimate comfort food for cheese lovers! Imagine adult mac and cheese elevated to a whole new level of deliciousness. This recipe features four decadent cheeses, perfectly baked to golden perfection with crispy breadcrumbs. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

See Complete Recipe
Served Hot Equipment Oven Presentation

Basil Bacon's Fontina Potatoes

Indulge in this decadent Basil Bacon & Fontina Potato Gratin! Crispy bacon, fragrant basil, creamy Fontina cheese, and perfectly tender potatoes combine in a rich and comforting casserole. Inspired by a beloved pet pig (yes, really!), this recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more!

See Complete Recipe
Eggs Main Ingredient Cheese Eggs Dairy

Baked Artichoke Frittata

This easy Florentine-style Baked Artichoke Frittata is a showstopper! Baked in a shallow casserole dish or individual ramekins, it puffs up beautifully, resembling a souffle. A delightful blend of creamy fontina (or jack cheese!), tender artichoke hearts, and a hint of nutmeg, this recipe makes a fantastic breakfast or dinner. Adapted from an old Sunset cookbook, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!

See Complete Recipe
One Dish Meal European High In Something One Dish Meal

Baked Rigatoni With Four Cheeses

This decadent Baked Rigatoni with Four Cheeses is a family-friendly twist on Giada De Laurentiis's famous Farmer's Pasta! Creamy four-cheese sauce, perfectly cooked rigatoni, and crispy breadcrumbs create a dish that's both comforting and impressive. Easily adaptable and perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

See Complete Recipe
Eggs Dairy European Italian Savory

Baked Penne With Roasted Vegetables Courtesy Giada De La

A crowd-pleasing vegetarian bake inspired by Giada De Laurentiis! This recipe, adapted from her Everyday Italian show, features perfectly roasted vegetables tossed with al dente penne, rich marinara, and melted cheeses. A family favorite, even picky eaters will love this hearty and flavorful dish. (Note: This version includes garlic, unlike Giada's original garlic-free recipe for her mother.)

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make European Pasta Rice And Grains Preparation

Baked Rigatoni With Cauliflower In A Spicy Pink Sauce

Impress your guests with this vibrant and flavorful Baked Rigatoni! A creamy, spicy pink sauce coats tender cauliflower and perfectly cooked rigatoni, creating a show-stopping dinner party dish. Inspired by Fine Cooking, this recipe is easier than you think!

See Complete Recipe
Cheese Pasta Rice And Grains Elbow Macaroni Preparation

5 Cheese Baked Macaroni And Cheese

Experience cheesy perfection with this 5-cheese baked macaroni and cheese recipe! Say goodbye to grainy textures – we've perfected the ultimate creamy, dreamy mac and cheese using a blend of five delicious cheeses that melt flawlessly. This recipe avoids sharp or aged cheeses, ensuring a smooth, satisfying experience. Get ready for a comforting classic elevated to new heights!

See Complete Recipe
Eggs Dairy Seasonal Vegetables Course

Asparagus Fontina Frittata W Sliced Tomato Red Onion

Capture the taste of summer with this light and vibrant Asparagus Fontina Frittata paired with a fresh tomato and red onion salad! Made with garden-fresh tomatoes (or the best from your local farmers market!), this surprisingly quick recipe is perfect for a light lunch or a delightful brunch. The creamy frittata and tangy salad complement each other beautifully – a taste of summer you'll crave all year round!

See Complete Recipe
Midwestern Meat Midwestern Cuisine

Antipasto Chicken Sandwich

Elevate your lunch game with this incredible Antipasto Chicken Sandwich! Adapted from a Cooking Light recipe, this flavorful sandwich is perfect for using leftover grilled or roasted chicken. Packed with artichokes, tomatoes, peppers, prosciutto, and creamy cheese, it's a taste sensation. Make ahead for easy picnics, camping trips, or school lunches – simply cut into wedges and wrap in foil for on-the-go goodness!

See Complete Recipe
North American Occasion Summer Main Ingredient

Baked Couscous With Summer Squash

This light and flavorful Baked Couscous with Summer Squash is a crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for any occasion! Featuring tender summer squash, herbs, and creamy cheese, this recipe is naturally low in fat and easily adaptable for vegetarians. Inspired by Cooking Light magazine, it's a delicious and healthy addition to your weeknight dinner rotation or summer barbecue.

See Complete Recipe
Cheese Cheese Eggs Dairy 30 Minutes Or Less

Asparagus Pizza

Celebrate spring with this vibrant Asparagus Pizza! This easy recipe from Canadian Living (May 2010) is perfect for a quick and delicious lunch or light dinner. The tender asparagus spears, combined with creamy cheese and a crispy crust, create a flavour explosion that screams springtime freshness. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dish!

See Complete Recipe
Easy Main Ingredient Greens Main Dish

Baked Rigatoni With Spinach Ricotta And Fontina

This cheesy, comforting baked rigatoni is a quick and easy weeknight meal inspired by Food & Wine magazine! Skip the stuffing and enjoy perfectly cooked rigatoni tossed in a creamy spinach and ricotta filling, topped with melted fontina, and baked to golden perfection. A faster, simpler take on classic cannelloni, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

See Complete Recipe
Course Preparation Meat Time To Make

Baked Pasta With Chicken Sausage

This incredible baked pasta recipe is a dream come true! Make two pans – enjoy one tonight, and freeze the other for a quick and delicious meal later. This hearty dish features tender chicken sausage, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping!

See Complete Recipe
Occasion Short Grain Rice Time To Make Side Dishes

Asparagus Risotto With Shiitake Mushrooms

A creamy and decadent Asparagus Risotto with earthy Shiitake Mushrooms, adapted from renowned chef Michael Chiarello! This recipe boasts vibrant asparagus and savory mushrooms in a perfectly cooked Arborio rice base. Elevate your weeknight dinner with this sophisticated yet surprisingly easy dish. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

See Complete Recipe
60 Minutes Or Less Course Side Dishes Pasta Rice And Grains

Baked Orzo With Fontina And Peas

Inspired by Giada De Laurentiis, this creamy baked orzo pasta dish is a comforting and flavorful masterpiece! Tender orzo pasta is baked with creamy fontina cheese, sweet peas, and a savory mushroom and marsala wine sauce. Topped with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, it's the perfect weeknight dinner or special occasion side dish. Get ready for a taste of Italy!

See Complete Recipe
Pasta Rice And Grains Time To Make Pasta North American

Baked Pasta With Tomato Cream And Five Cheeses

Indulge in this decadent Baked Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce and Five Cheeses! Inspired by Martha Stewart Living, this comforting dish is surprisingly quick to make. Perfect as a sophisticated appetizer or a satisfying main course (simply add grilled chicken or sausage and a fresh salad). The creamy tomato sauce, bursting with flavor, is layered with five incredible cheeses for an unforgettable taste experience. Get ready for bubbly, cheesy goodness in just 25 minutes!

See Complete Recipe