If you’re looking for the "social butterfly" of the deli case, it’s the Danish Fontina Mammen. While its Italian cousin is a bit more earthy and rugged, this Danish Fontina is all about that soft, creamy, and approachable lifestyle.
It is a mild semi-soft cheese with a distinctive red wax rind and an interior that is as pale and welcoming as a Nordic morning. It’s famously "springy"—if you press it, it bounces back, which is exactly how your taste buds will feel after a bite.
This is the best melting cheese for family meals because it doesn't get "stringy" or oily; it just becomes a velvety, gooey pool of dairy goodness. It’s the "people’s cheese"—not too sharp for the kids, not too plain for the adults. It’s the essential deli staple for anyone who believes that a sandwich isn't finished until the cheese is oozing out the sides.
The Recipes
Recipe #1:
The "Gooeyest" Mac & Cheese Ever
Mix equal parts Danish Fontina and sharp cheddar for your next family mac and cheese.
The Fontina acts as the "glue," creating a silky-smooth texture that keeps the sauce perfectly emulsified. Top with buttery crumbs and bake; it’s a kid-friendly comfort meal that reaches restaurant-level quality.
Recipe #2:
Fontina & Herb Stuffed Meatloaf
Hide a long "log" of Mammen Fontina in the center of your family's favorite meatloaf recipe.
When you slice it at the dinner table, the cheese will flow out of the center like a delicious lava stream.
It’s a fun family dinner surprise that adds a massive boost of moisture and flavor to a classic dish.
The Appetizers
Appetizer #1:
Fontina & Ham "Sliders"
Use small Hawaiian rolls, add a slice of ham and a thick slab of Danish Fontina, and brush with garlic butter before baking for 10 minutes.
These warm party sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game days or holiday gatherings.
Appetizer #2:
Fontina-Wrapped Asparagus Fries
Wrap asparagus spears in a slice of Fontina, then a thin slice of ham or prosciutto, and bake until the cheese is crispy on the edges.
It’s a quick, savory appetizer that makes eating vegetables feel like a total treat for your guests.
