Golden Chestnut Fontina Spoon Bread: A Unique Holiday Delight 🌰🧀

Chestnut Spoon Bread with Fontina Cheese Recipe 🍽️

Overview:

Prepare to impress your guests with this delightful Chestnut Spoon Bread with Fontina Cheese, a unique dish perfect for your Thanksgiving table or any winter gathering. With the warm flavors of roasted chestnuts, fragrant thyme, and creamy Fontina cheese, this dish will surely become a new holiday favorite. Plus, it’s ready in under an hour, making it a convenient option for busy occasions.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Calories per Serving: 325.8
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (based on 1 review)

Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 jar of chestnuts
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup golden semolina flour (or regular semolina or all-purpose flour)
• 1 1/4 cups grated Fontina cheese
• 5 large eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

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2. Prepare Baking Dish: Butter an 11×7-inch glass baking dish generously to prevent sticking.

3. Prepare Chestnuts: In a heavy medium skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chestnuts and fresh thyme. Sauté until heated through, breaking chestnuts into 1/2-inch pieces with the back of a spoon, approximately 4 minutes.

4. Heat Milk: In a heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the milk just to a simmer. Add salt, then gradually whisk in the pasta flour. Reduce the heat to medium. Cook until the mixture is very thick, stirring constantly, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

5. Incorporate Butter and Cheese: Add the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter to the flour mixture, followed by 1 cup of grated Fontina cheese. Whisk until the cheese melts into the mixture.

6. Add Egg Yolks and Chestnuts: Whisk in the egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the sautéed chestnuts.

7. Beat Egg Whites: In a separate large bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff but not dry.

8. Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the warm flour mixture in two additions, ensuring thorough incorporation but being careful not to deflate the egg whites.

9. Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of grated Fontina cheese on top.

10. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the spoon bread until puffed and beginning to brown, approximately 35 minutes.

11. Serve: Allow the spoon bread to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious flavors of this unique dish!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 325.8
• Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 13.2g
• Cholesterol: 191.4mg
• Sodium: 289.9mg
• Carbohydrates: 16.7g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Sugar: 5.4g
• Protein: 13g

Tips and Variations:

• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the spoon bread mixture in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply remove from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before baking as directed.
• Herb Variation: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or sage for added flavor depth.
• Cheese Variation: Feel free to substitute Fontina cheese with other melting cheeses like Gruyère or Emmental for a different flavor profile.
• Garnish: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Chestnut Spoon Bread with Fontina Cheese, a delightful addition to your holiday spread that will have everyone coming back for seconds! 🌰🧀✨