Baking Camembert: Timing For Cheesy Deliciousness

Baked Camembert is a quick and easy dish to make, and it's perfect for any occasion, whether you're looking for an appetizer for a dinner party or a cozy winter treat. The baking time for Camembert varies depending on the size of the cheese and the desired level of creaminess, but it typically ranges from 12 to 20 minutes in an oven or air fryer. It's important not to over-bake Camembert as it can dry out and harden, so keep an eye on it and remove it from the heat when it's gooey and bubbly.

How to bake camembert without a box

If your camembert doesn't come in a box, or the box is made of cardboard, don't worry—you can still bake it! Here are some alternative ways to prepare your camembert for baking:

• Baking dish: Choose a shallow, round baking dish that is slightly larger than the cheese.
• Camembert ramekin: This is a small baking dish designed specifically for baking camembert.
• Kitchen foil: Place the cheese on a sheet of kitchen foil and wrap it around to make it look like a box.
• Cast-iron skillet: You can use a small cast-iron skillet to bake the camembert. It is recommended to line the skillet with tin foil.

Once you've chosen your baking method, follow these steps:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4 (for a fan oven, use 160°C).
• Remove the plastic packaging from the cheese.
• Score the top of the cheese with a sharp knife. This will allow the air to escape while cooking.
• Season the cheese with your desired toppings, such as honey, garlic, rosemary, or chilli flakes.
• Place the cheese in your chosen baking dish/foil/skillet.
• Bake in the oven for 12-20 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey and bubbly. Be careful not to over-bake, as this will dry out the cheese.
• Serve immediately while the cheese is still hot and creamy. Enjoy with your favourite dippers!

How to serve camembert

Baked camembert is a great dish to serve at a dinner party or as a festive treat. It's also incredibly easy to make. Here's how to do it, along with some serving suggestions.

How to Bake Camembert

First, remove the cheese from its packaging and place it back into its box. If your camembert didn't come with a box, you can wrap it in foil and place it in a small, shallow oven-proof dish, a Camembert ramekin, or a cast-iron skillet. Score the top of the cheese with a sharp knife and add your desired toppings.

Toppings

You can add a variety of toppings to your camembert, including honey, maple syrup, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, chilli flakes, and vermouth.

Baking

Place the camembert on a baking tray in the middle of the oven and bake for 12 to 20 minutes at 180°C to 200°C. The cheese should be gooey and bubbly when ready. Be careful not to overcook it, as this will cause it to dry out.

Serving

Camembert is best served with bread or crackers for dipping. You can use toasted baguette slices, breadsticks, cheese crackers, or raw vegetables. You can also serve it with accompaniments such as chutney, cranberry sauce, or dukkah.

Drinks

When it comes to drinks, champagne, Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc, and sparkling cider all pair well with baked camembert.

How to store baked camembert

Baked camembert is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. To store leftover camembert, wrap it well in an airtight container or cheese paper and place it in the coldest part of your refrigerator.

If you want to freeze leftover camembert, it is possible but not recommended as the delicate cheese can dry out and its texture will alter. If you do choose to freeze it, make sure to wrap it very well and then place it in a sealed storage bag. Defrost it in the fridge overnight and cook it for the best results.

When storing leftover camembert, make sure to check the colour, texture, and smell before consuming it. It is also important to reheat it carefully to prevent it from drying out and becoming flavourless.

How long to bake camembert

Baking camembert is a simple and delicious way to prepare this French cheese, and it can be ready in as little as 12 minutes. However, there are a few important factors to consider when determining the ideal baking time.

Firstly, the size of the camembert wheel will impact the baking time. Most recipes suggest a baking time of 15-20 minutes for an average-sized camembert, which typically weighs around 250g. If your camembert is larger or smaller than this, you will need to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Secondly, it is important not to over-bake camembert, as this will result in the cheese drying out and becoming lumpy. The camembert should be baked until it is gooey, bubbly, and melted in the centre, but not so long that it becomes hard and dry. This fine line means that it is crucial to keep a close eye on the cheese while it is in the oven.

Another factor to consider is the baking vessel. Camembert is often baked in its wooden box, but if it does not have one, it can be baked in a small oven-proof dish, a camembert ramekin, or wrapped in foil. The type of baking vessel used may impact the baking time, as a thicker material like a ceramic dish may require a slightly longer baking time.

Finally, the desired texture of the camembert will also determine the baking time. Some people prefer their baked camembert to be very soft and gooey, while others prefer it to have a little more structure. If you prefer your camembert on the softer side, err on the side of a shorter baking time, as the cheese will continue to cook and firm up slightly as it cools.

In summary, the ideal baking time for camembert will depend on the size of the cheese, the desired texture, the baking vessel used, and the individual oven. However, as a general rule, baking camembert for 12-20 minutes at 180°C/350°F should result in a delicious, gooey cheese that is perfect for dipping.

What to serve with baked camembert

Baked camembert is a versatile dish that can be served as a starter, a side, or a main course. It goes well with a variety of accompaniments, including:

• Fresh bread, such as baguette, ciabatta, sourdough, or French bread, for dipping into the melted cheese.
• Crackers, breadsticks, or crostini for a crunchier texture.
• Bread or brioche baked around the cheese, providing a built-in vessel for dipping.
• Crudites like celery, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, or apple slices for a healthier option.
• Nuts and dried fruits, such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, dried apricots, figs, or dates, for added texture and flavour.
• Pickles, such as pickled onions or cornichons, for a tangy contrast.
• Jams, chutneys, or honey for a sweet touch—try onion jam, chilli jam, cranberry chutney, spiced apple chutney, fig jam, or cranberry jelly.
• Alcoholic beverages like red wine, port, Champagne, Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc, sparkling cider, brandy, apple brandy, or white wine.

For a more substantial meal, baked camembert can be served with:

• Prawn cocktail canapes, smoked salmon canapes, sausage rolls, brie and cranberry bites, or slow cooker ham.
• A charcuterie board with meats, cheeses, and other savoury delights.
• Sweet treats like puff pastry mince pies or other desserts.

Frequently asked questions