Looking for comfort food recipes that will warm your heart and fill your belly? Look no further! Fontina cheese, with its rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture, is the perfect ingredient to add a layer of depth and indulgence to any dish. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty main course, a satisfying side, or a decadent dessert, we’ve got you covered with our collection of 18 creamy fontina cheese recipes.
From classic comfort foods like grilled cheese sandwiches and macaroni and cheese, to more sophisticated dishes like risottos and fondue, these recipes showcase the versatility and deliciousness of fontina cheese. And the best part? Each one is packed with flavor and can be easily customized to suit your tastes.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the world of creamy fontina cheese, highlighting some of our favorite recipes that are sure to become new family favorites. So grab a fork, get cozy, and let’s dive in!
Fontina and Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast
Elevate your dinner game with this rich and savory recipe that combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms and fontina cheese with tender chicken breast. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup fontina cheese, shredded
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, sauté mushrooms and garlic in butter until tender.
3. Stuff each chicken breast with the mushroom mixture, fontina cheese, and parsley.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Creamy Fontina Cheese Risotto with Truffle Oil
This rich and creamy risotto is elevated by the earthy flavor of truffle oil, making it a perfect dish for special occasions or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup Fontina cheese, grated
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon truffle oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add Arborio rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes or until lightly toasted.
5. Add warmed broth, one cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
6. After 20-25 minutes of cooking, stir in Fontina and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Remove from heat and stir in truffle oil.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fontina and Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese
Elevate the classic grilled cheese with sweet caramelized onions and nutty fontina cheese. This recipe is perfect for a cozy evening or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of artisanal bread (such as baguette or ciabatta)
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fontina cheese, shredded
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large skillet, cook the sliced onions over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.
3. Butter one side of each bread slice.
4. Place one bread slice, butter-side down, on the grill.
5. Top with caramelized onions, fontina cheese, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
6. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Baked Fontina Cheese Dip with Garlic and Herbs
Transform your next gathering into a cheesy delight with this rich and flavorful baked fontina cheese dip infused with garlic and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) block of fontina cheese, cubed
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine fontina cheese, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish or ramekin.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fontina and Prosciutto Stuffed Shells
This recipe elevates the traditional stuffed shell by incorporating the rich flavors of fontina cheese and prosciutto. The result is a decadent, creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 cup fontina cheese, shredded
– 6 slices prosciutto, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
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 fontina, prosciutto, Parmesan, ricotta, and egg. Mix well to combine.
4. Stuff each cooked shell with the cheese mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
6. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until shells are golden brown.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Fontina Cheese Fondue with Crusty Bread
A warm and inviting Swiss-inspired fondue recipe, perfect for sharing with friends and family on a cozy evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Fontina cheese, grated
– 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
– 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Chardonnay)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Crusty bread, for dipping
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the Fontina and Gruyère cheese.
2. Add the white wine, lemon juice, garlic, and paprika. Stir until the cheese is melted and smooth.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve warm, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Fontina and Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Elevate your dinner game with these earthy, cheesy, and spinach-filled mushrooms.
Ingredients:
– 4 large Portobello mushrooms, stems removed and caps cleaned
– 1/2 cup Fontina cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together Fontina cheese, chopped spinach, and minced garlic.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the cheese-spinach mixture, dividing it evenly among the four mushrooms.
4. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fontina Cheese and Potato Gratin
A creamy and comforting side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This Fontina cheese and potato gratin is a simple yet impressive recipe that combines the rich flavors of fontina cheese with the natural sweetness of potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large potatoes, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated fontina cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced potatoes and softened butter. Mix until the potatoes are well coated.
3. Transfer the potato mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Pour the heavy cream over the potatoes, then sprinkle with grated fontina cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
7. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Fontina and Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Elevate your mashed potato game with the rich flavors of fontina cheese and roasted garlic. This creamy side dish is perfect for accompanying your favorite comfort foods.
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 chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss garlic cloves with olive oil and season with salt. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
3. Boil potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Drain potatoes and return to the pot. Add roasted garlic, fontina cheese, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Mash with a potato masher or a fork until smooth and creamy.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Fontina and Sausage Stuffed Peppers
Savory bell peppers filled with creamy Fontina cheese, sweet Italian sausage, and fragrant herbs make for a delightful main course or impressive appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1/2 cup Fontina cheese, shredded
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with spoon as it cooks.
4. Add chopped onion, garlic, and oregano to the skillet; cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stuff each pepper with the sausage mixture, followed by Fontina cheese.
6. Place peppers in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fontina Cheese and Pear Flatbread Pizza
Elevate your pizza game with this sweet and savory combination of caramelized pears, creamy fontina cheese, and crispy flatbread crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 pre-made or homemade flatbread crust
– 2 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou), sliced into thin wedges
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup caramelized sugar (see note)
– 1/2 cup fontina cheese, shredded
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the flatbread crust to desired thickness.
3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced pears and cook until caramelized, about 5 minutes.
4. Spread caramelized sugar on the flatbread crust, leaving a small border around edges.
5. Top with cooked pear slices, fontina cheese, and fresh thyme leaves.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Fontina and Bacon Macaroni and Cheese
Elevate your macaroni and cheese game with the creamy richness of Fontina cheese and crispy bacon.
Ingredients:
• 8 oz macaroni
• 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
• 2 cups grated Fontina cheese
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 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 large skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add flour and whisk to combine with any remaining bacon fat. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Gradually pour in milk while whisking constantly. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
6. Stir in Fontina and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, bacon, and cheese sauce. Mix well to coat.
8. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese if desired.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Fontina Cheese and Herb Focaccia
Create a savory and aromatic flatbread with the rich flavors of fontina cheese and fresh herbs. Perfect as a side dish or used as a base for sandwiches.
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 cup fontina cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
Instructions:
1. In a large 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 flour, fontina cheese, rosemary, and thyme. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until elastic and smooth.
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). Punch down the dough and shape into a rectangle. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Fontina and Butternut Squash Ravioli
This autumn-inspired ravioli filling combines the rich flavors of fontina cheese with roasted butternut squash, perfect for a cozy fall dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup grated fontina cheese
– 1/2 cup roasted and mashed butternut squash (see note)
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– Salt to taste
– Fresh parsley or sage leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, milk, fontina cheese, and roasted butternut squash. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.
4. Roll out the dough to desired thickness for ravioli.
5. Cut into squares or circles using a cookie cutter.
6. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each piece, then fold and press edges together to seal.
7. Cook in boiling salted water for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
8. Serve with your favorite sauce and garnish with fresh herbs.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fontina Cheese and Tomato Tart
This savory tart combines the rich flavors of fontina cheese with fresh tomatoes and herbs, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend brunch. The flaky crust and gooey cheese make it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fontina cheese, grated
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
3. Arrange tomato slices on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
4. Sprinkle fontina cheese over tomatoes, followed by garlic and thyme.
5. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, pressing edges to seal. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fontina and Asparagus Quiche
Elevate your brunch game with this creamy and flavorful quiche, featuring fontina cheese and tender asparagus.
Ingredients:
– 1 9-inch pie crust
– 2 cups fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup fontina cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and place in a 9-inch tart pan.
3. In a skillet, sauté asparagus with salt and pepper until tender. Set aside.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, fontina cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Arrange cooked asparagus in the pie crust, then pour in the egg mixture.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the quiche is golden brown and set.
7. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Fontina Cheese and Walnut Stuffed Dates
Elevate your appetizer game with these rich and indulgent Fontina cheese and walnut stuffed dates. The creamy cheese, crunchy walnuts, and sweet dates create a perfect harmony of flavors.
Ingredients:
– 12 pitted Medjool dates
– 1/2 cup crumbled Fontina cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut a slit down one side of each date, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3. Stuff each date with about 1/4 teaspoon of crumbled Fontina cheese and 1-2 chopped walnuts.
4. Drizzle honey over the dates and sprinkle with salt to taste.
5. Place the stuffed dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dates are tender.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Fontina and Rosemary Skillet Cornbread
This savory cornbread combines the nutty flavor of Fontina cheese with the herbaceousness of rosemary, perfect for a rustic dinner or brunch. The skillet cooking method adds a crispy crust to this moist and flavorful bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup crumbled Fontina cheese
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in the crumbled Fontina cheese and chopped rosemary.
6. Pour the batter into a 10-inch cast-iron skillet coated with cooking spray.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of fontina cheese! This collection of 18 mouth-watering recipes is perfect for comfort food lovers. From classic grilled cheese sandwiches to decadent risottos and savory stuffed shells, these dishes showcase the versatility of fontina cheese. Try pairing it with caramelized onions, mushrooms, or roasted garlic for added depth of flavor. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of mac ‘n cheese or a sophisticated flatbread pizza, there’s something for everyone in this creamy fontina cheese recipe roundup.
