Description
Melted fontina cheese dip promises pure Italian comfort in Tuscan-style appetizer perfection. Garlic, herbs, and olive oil meld into a creamy sensation that draws friends closer around steaming skillets, inviting you to savor each luxurious spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Cheese Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) fontina cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and preheat the oven to a sizzling 375F (190C), ensuring an optimal temperature for melting cheese.
- Create a flavor foundation by gently sautéing minced garlic in butter over medium heat for approximately one minute, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Slowly introduce heavy cream to the saucepan, allowing it to simmer and create a smooth base for the cheese mixture.
- Gradually incorporate Fontina and Parmesan cheeses, stirring consistently until they transform into a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Enhance the dip’s complexity by blending in fragrant thyme, rosemary, and seasoning with salt and pepper for a harmonious flavor profile.
- Carefully transfer the molten cheese mixture into an oven-safe baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform heating.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a golden, effervescent surface that signals perfect doneness.
- Extract the dip from the oven and optionally embellish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant visual and aromatic touch.
- Serve the piping hot dip immediately alongside an array of accompaniments like rustic bread, crisp crackers, or crunchy vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- Choose high-moisture Fontina cheese for maximum creaminess and smooth texture.
- Grate the cheese yourself instead of buying pre-shredded to ensure better melting and richer flavor.
- Use fresh herbs directly from the stem for more intense aromatic qualities in the dip.
- Allow the cheese to rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to stabilize and prevent immediate separation.
- Low-carb alternative: Swap bread for cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or crispy bacon bits as dippers.
- Dairy-free modification: Replace Fontina and Parmesan with cashew-based cheese alternatives for similar creamy consistency.
- Prevent burning by using a shallow, wide baking dish that promotes even heating and golden browning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently in the microwave or oven to maintain original texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 332
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 232 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 81 mg