This recipe is all about highlighting the natural goodness of Fontina cheese, enhanced by the subtle smokiness of the wood and the luxurious aroma of black truffle. It's a simple dish, but one that's sure to impress your friends and family. Imagine this: the warm, melty cheese, its subtle smoky notes mingling with the intense earthy fragrance of the truffle oil, the slight crunch of the freshly grated truffle shavings... I'm practically drooling already. But this isn't just about looks; it's also about texture—that irresistible creaminess, melting in your mouth.
Trust me, this is an experience you don't want to miss! This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it an easy appetizer or a sophisticated addition to any cheese board. I've prepared this for several get-togethers and, trust me, it always vanishes in minutes. The secret? It's not that complicated. It's the quality of the ingredients and the attention to detail that takes this recipe to the next level. Even the simple act of carefully selecting your cheese makes a difference.
Required Equipments
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Grill pan or skillet
Smoked Fontina with Black Truffle
A surprisingly simple yet sophisticated recipe, this Smoked Fontina with Black Truffle is an experience for your taste buds. The smoky cheese, enhanced by the earthy aroma of black truffle, will leave you craving more.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 1 servings
Preparation Time: 1 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). If using wood chips, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the smoker.
- While the smoker preheats, prepare your cheese. Cut the Fontina into 1/2-inch thick slices. Make sure to use a sharp knife for clean cuts; jagged edges won't melt as well.
- Place the Fontina slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Smoke the Fontina for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is softened and slightly melted. Keep a close eye on it—Fontina melts quickly! I've had some over-smoked batches, so please don't repeat my mistakes!
- Remove from smoker and let the cheese cool slightly. Don't let them cool down completely. You want the cheese still somewhat pliable to drizzle the truffle oil.
- Once slightly cooled, drizzle generously with black truffle oil. It's worth splurging; truffle oil adds a rich, luxurious flavour. Use a good quality one. You won't regret it.
- Grate some fresh black truffle shavings over the smoked Fontina; a sprinkle of fresh parsley also adds a nice touch and color contrast to the dish. Truffle shavings are a luxury, but they will definitely make your friends envious.
- Serve immediately. The best way to enjoy this cheese is warm with a nice glass of wine. I recommend a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Noir.
- Optional: Serve with crusty bread or crackers. The warm, smoky Fontina pairs perfectly with a good bread.
- Troubleshooting: If the cheese smokes too quickly and browns unevenly, reduce the temperature or move the cheese to a cooler part of the smoker. Patience is key here. If you see the cheese getting brown, it's probably a sign that the heat is too high!
📝 Notes
- For a stronger smoky flavor, increase smoking time. But watch it closely, it can easily burn.
- If you don't have fresh black truffles, truffle-infused olive oil is a good alternative. But you'll get a little bit less of that incredible aroma. If you're a truffle fanatic, I don't recommend any substitiution.
- Adjust the amount of truffle oil to your preference. Start with a teaspoon and add more if desired. But don't go overboard! You don't want to drown the beautiful smokiness of the Fontina.
- A glass of wine is great for pairing but maybe not for the kids; check local laws about alcohol consumption!
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 250kcal
Protein: 10g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Calcium: 200mg
