Baked Cheese—the most romantic appetizer ever
User Reviews
3.4
Baked Cheese—the most romantic appetizer ever
Description
Baked Cheese combines cubes of fontina and gruyere cheeses in a small cast iron pan with olive oil and Kirschwasser or a substitute like brandy or sherry, topped with fresh thyme and chive. The mixture is broiled until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and browning on top, creating a creamy and slightly crusted surface.
The bread is sliced on the bias and grilled to develop a charred surface, then rubbed with a halved garlic clove to impart mild garlic flavor. Serving the warm melted cheese with these toasted baguette slices allows for a contrast between warm, gooey cheese and crisp bread.
This appetizer suits intimate occasions where the melted cheese can be enjoyed immediately, paired with the fragrant herbs and lightly toasted bread to balance richness and provide texture.
The broiling time varies depending on oven setup and distance from the heat source, so close attention is needed to avoid overcooking. Serving without delay preserves the cheese's optimal melted texture.
Ingredients
- 1/4 lb fontina cheese
- 1/4 lb gruyere cheese
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp Kirschwasser you can use white wine, brandy, or sherry in its place
- thyme fresh
- chive fresh
- baguette fresh
- 1 clove garlic sliced in half
Instructions
- Slice the bread, I like to do it on the bias to get more surface area. You'll need approximately 8 to 10 slices. Heat a grill pan over medium to high heat and toast the slices until they are browned and slightly charred, about 4-5 minutes per side. Watch them carefully. While the bread is still warm, run the cut side of the garlic along the surface, this will give it a nice subtle flavor. Set aside.
- Remove the rinds and cut the cheese into cubes, about 1/2 to 1 inch. Put them in a small cast iron pan, or other small broiler-friendly pan, about 5-6 inches in diameter. Add the oil and Kirsch. Sprinkle the herbs across the cheese.
- Broil about 5 inches from the broiler for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is browned and bubbly. The time will depend on your pan, your oven, and how far your pan is from the heating element. I put my rack on the highest position and it took 10 minutes. Watch it like a hawk.
- Serve right away with the grilled bread.
Notes
- Use fresh baguette and toast slices on a grill pan for extra surface area and char.
- Rub warm toasted bread with a halved garlic clove to add subtle garlic flavor.
- Watch cheese carefully while broiling; times vary depending on oven and pan placement.
- Serve immediately to enjoy melted cheese at its best texture.
- Kirschwasser can be substituted with white wine, brandy, or sherry for similar effect.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
3.4
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