Every year, we share a holiday recipe that celebrates what we love most: simple, beautiful ingredients meant to be enjoyed together.
This baked fontina is our 2025 pick — warm, gooey, and perfect for gathering around.
Because the best things in life are meant to be shared.
Baked Fontina Recipe
Ingredients
- Fontina cheese: 1 to 1½ pounds, rind removed and cut into 1/4” inch cubes.
- Garlic: 2–6 cloves, thinly sliced or minced.
- Fresh herbs: Such as thyme and rosemary, minced.
- Olive oil: Extra-virgin
- For serving: Crusty bread or baguette, sliced.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°.
- Combine ingredients: Place the cubed fontina in a small cast iron skillet or other oven-safe baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle the minced garlic and herbs over the cheese.
- Bake: Place the skillet on top rack of oven for 6–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Then turn the oven on a low broil for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is golden brown. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Carefully remove the pan from the oven and serve immediately with crusty bread or fresh crostinis for dipping.
Variations and serving suggestions: the classic version is delicious on its own, you can customize it with additional flavors.
- Fig jam: A spoon full of sweet topping that pairs well with fontina.
- Carmelized onions or shallots: a savory sweet topping
- Hot honey and red pepper flakes: For a spicy kick that complements the cheese.
- Other cheeses: Consider mixing in other excellent melting cheeses, like Gruyère or Swiss.
- Dippers: Serve with different dipping options such as pita chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables like carrots and celery.