Fontina

Fontina is an Italian cheese that has been traditionally produced in Val d'Aosta for hundreds of years. This cheese is highly prized for its smooth, buttery flavor and creamy texture. It is made from a combination of cow's milk, sheep's milk, and goat's milk, giving it a unique flavor profile that is unlike most other cheese varieties.

Fontina


When freshly made, Fontina has a pale ivory color and a soft, almost spreadable consistency. As the cheese ages, however, it develops a more yellow hue and a firmer texture. No matter the age of Fontina, the flavor is always full-bodied, nutty, and savory with subtle earthy notes.

Fontina works wonderfully as an addition to dishes like risotto, pasta, pizzas, or grilled vegetables. Alternatively, it can be melted on top of steak sandwiches or folded into omelets for a luxurious breakfast meal. The cheese is also well-suited for fondue, where it gets especially gooey and melty when heated.

Lovers of this piquant cheese will find delight in the fact that Fontina is used in traditional dishes all around the world. In Italy, it is often served alongside cured meats, olives, and focaccia bread while Swiss families often add it to their signature fondueFondue. The British are also fans of this cheesy delicacy, and it is often paired with chutney, pickles, and crackers for an incredibly indulgent snack.

In terms of pairings, Fontina goes excellently with mostly anything from the vine. Wines like Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon are particularly fetching options. When it comes to beer, try a Belgian-style ale or a tart wheat beer to bring out the sweetness of this grandiose cheese.

All in all, Fontina is an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their cooking to the next level. Its decadent flavor and opulent texture make it an unbeatable favorite for cheese connoisseurs around the world.

Fontina recipes

Amazing Fontina recipes sourced from the web.

The origin of Fontina

The dish Fontina has been delighting diners for centuries. The origins of this delightful cheese and pasta dish are steeped in time and shrouded in mystery, but modern day interpretations ensure that we can enjoy its unique flavor in all its glory.

The most popular origin story suggests that the dish was created in the 13th century in a small town called Fontina in the Piedmont region of Italy. It is said that peasants in the area took to turning their meager dairy products into something more palatable by combining them with local pastas and vegetables. This began a tradition that has been passed down through generations and is still enjoyed today.

The cheese used in the original Fontina was made of cow’s milk, and was aged for many months until it achieved its unique flavor profile. This delightful combination of tartness, sweetness, and nuttiness was well-loved by the people of Fontina, and they would often serve their cheese-and-pasta dishes as part of the family meal.

Over the years, Fontina has found its way around the world. The French have their own version of the dish, while North Americans use a combination of cheddar and Jack cheeses to create something closer to the original. As with most dishes, the ingredients vary depending on who is making it, but the spirit of the dish remains the same.

Fontina has come a long way since its humble beginnings, but its popularity continues to grow in its native Italy and beyond. Nowadays, you’ll find the dish on menus in restaurants all over the world, no matter what kind of cuisine they specialize in. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family meal or a delicious dinner party dish, Fontina is sure to please.

This savory, cheesy dish is sure to remain a favorite for years to come, so don’t be afraid to give it a try!

FAQs about Fontina

Is Fontina cheese similar to mozzarella?

No, fontina cheese is not similar to mozzarella. Fontina cheese is an Italian semi-soft cow's milk cheese with a nutty, earthy, and slightly mushroom-like flavor. Mozzarella cheese, on the other hand, is a soft, white Italian cheese that is often used on pizza.


Is Fontina the same as Gruyere?

No, Fontina and Gruyere are two different types of cheese. Fontina is a semi-soft cheese from Italy, while Gruyere is a hard Swiss cheese.


What does fontinella cheese taste like?

Fontinella cheese has a slightly salty and nutty taste, with a gooey texture that melts in your mouth. It also has a creamy and mild flavor that makes it great for adding to dishes or eating on its own.


What is fontina cheese similar to?

Fontina cheese is similar to Gruyère, Emmental, and Appenzeller cheeses. All of these cheeses are semi-hard, alpine cow's milk cheeses with a mild but slightly sweet flavor.


Types of Fontina

Fontina is a delectable cheese that has been around for centuries. It hails from the Aosta Valley of Italy, where it was given its name after the nearby town of Fontinaz.

Fontina can be categorized into two distinct types: Fontina D'Aosta and Fontina Val d'Aosta. The main differences between them are milk source and maturing process.

Fontina D'Aosta is made from the milk of cows who graze in the lush mountain pastures of the region. This semi-soft cheese is aged for at least two months, giving it a mild yet pungent flavor. It has a rich and creamy texture, with a slightly acidic tang. The flavor also develops a subtle nutty taste as it matures.

Fontina Val d'Aosta, on the other hand, is made from partially skimmed cows' milk which is first curdled and then molded into wheels. The wheels are steamed and then aged for at least three months, resulting in an even firmer and denser texture with a more intense flavor. The taste is still quite mild, but with a sharper and pungent kick.

Both varieties of Fontina are extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They are perfect for grating over salads, breads, and pastas; as well as providing a savory addition to gratins and pizzas. Fontina is also a great melting cheese and pairs wonderfully with fruits such as figs and apples, or vegetables like mushrooms or eggplants.

No matter which type you choose, Fontina is sure to bring a unique and delicious dimension to your kitchen. Its versatility allows it to be used in both traditional and non-traditional ways, making it the perfect cheese for any occasion.