Baking Camembert: Timing For Cheese Baker Perfection

Baked camembert is a popular dish, especially around Christmas time. It's easy to make and can be ready in as little as 12 minutes. But how long you bake it for depends on the size of the cheese and the type of baker you use.

If you're using a cheese baker, it's important to make sure it's the right size for your camembert so that it doesn't collapse. You can also bake camembert in its box, in foil, or in a small, shallow oven-proof dish.

Most sources recommend baking camembert in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 180ºC/350ºF/Gas 4-6. However, one source suggests a lower temperature of 160ºC/320ºF for 15 minutes in an air fryer.

It's also important not to over-bake camembert, as this will result in the cheese drying out and becoming lumpy.

Prep time: 2 minutes

Preparing a Camembert for baking takes about 2 minutes. Here's what you need to do:

Take the cheese out of the fridge about an hour before you are ready to cook, so it is at room temperature when you put it in the oven. If you forget, however, it really doesn’t make that much difference.

Remove the Camembert from its waxed paper wrapping and then flip the lid of the box over. Stand the base in the lid. Put the camembert back in the box. If your cheese comes wrapped rather than boxed, you will need a dish in which to bake it.

If you are using a wooden box, wrap some foil around the box to prevent any leaks and to keep its shape. Turn the lid so the joins on the lid and base of the box are well away from each other. The box can start to spring apart when baking, because the wood dries out.

With a sharp knife, cut the top of the Camembert into a diamond pattern. This allows the steam to escape and the flavours to soak in.

Now your Camembert is ready for baking!

The whole process of baking Camembert is quite straightforward. It is usually sold in a little wooden box and can be baked in it. If your cheese didn't come in a box, you can use a small baking pot, a Camembert baker, a cast-iron skillet, or kitchen foil.

Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/Gas 4 (fan oven 160C).

When the oven is ready, place the box on a baking sheet and bake for 12-20 minutes, or until the cheese is turning golden on top and is very soft within. Be careful not to overcook!

You can also bake Camembert in an air fryer. Set the temperature to 160ºC / 320ºF and bake for 15 minutes. Make sure you use an air fryer-safe container.

Cook time: 15-20 minutes

How long to bake Camembert in a cheese baker

Baking Camembert in a cheese baker is a simple and delicious way to prepare this French cheese. The process is straightforward and only requires a few key steps to ensure your cheese turns out perfectly. Here is a detailed guide on how to bake Camembert in a cheese baker, with a focus on a cook time of 15-20 minutes.

Preparing the Camembert

Before baking, it is recommended to remove the Camembert from its plastic or waxed paper packaging and place it back into its box, leaving the lid off. If your Camembert did not come with a box, you can use a small camembert baker, a shallow oven-proof dish, or even wrap it in foil and place it in a small baking dish.

Once the cheese is in its box or baking dish, use a sharp knife to pierce or slash the top of the cheese in a few places. This step is important as it allows the steam to escape and for flavours to soak into the cheese. You can simply pierce the cheese a few times, or create a more intricate diamond or crosshatch pattern.

Adding Toppings

After piercing the cheese, it's time to add your desired toppings. A classic combination is to add slivers of garlic and sprigs of fresh thyme into the slits on the cheese. You can also drizzle the cheese with a teaspoon of olive oil, honey, or a combination of both. A sprinkle of sea salt, black pepper, and chilli flakes can also enhance the flavour.

Baking the Camembert

With your oven preheated to 180-200°C, it's time to bake your prepared Camembert. Place the cheese in its box or baking dish on a baking tray and into the oven. The ideal bake time for Camembert is 15-20 minutes. This timing will ensure a gooey and bubbly consistency without overcooking the cheese. Overbaking Camembert will result in a dry and hard cheese, so it is crucial not to exceed the recommended time frame.

Serving the Baked Camembert

Once your Camembert is baked to perfection, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. You can serve the cheese in its box or baking dish, or transfer it to a serving platter. Fresh herbs can be added as a final garnish. Baked Camembert is typically served with bread, crackers, or breadsticks for dipping. Toasted baguette slices, French bread, or garlic bread are all excellent choices. For a healthier option, you can also serve it with raw vegetables or fresh fruit, such as apples or grapes.

Oven temperature: 180°C /350°F

To bake Camembert in a cheese baker at 180°C/350°F, you should first remove the cheese from its waxed paper wrapping and place it back in its box. If your Camembert came wrapped in paper rather than boxed, you will need to bake it in a dish. You can also use a dedicated camembert baker, or a small, shallow oven-proof dish about the same size as the cheese. Wrap some foil around the box or dish to prevent leaks.

Next, with a sharp knife, cut the top of the Camembert into a diamond or crosshatch pattern. This allows the steam to escape and the flavours to soak in. You can then add your chosen toppings. Many recipes suggest a drizzle of honey, a sprig of thyme, a pinch of chilli flakes, and some sliced garlic.

Place the Camembert on a baking tray and bake for 12-20 minutes, until gooey and bubbly. It should feel fluid and runny inside, like a filled water balloon. Do not be tempted to cook it for longer, as this will cause the cheese to dry out and harden.

Remove the foil and transfer the cheese to a serving platter. Remove the herb sprig and replace it with a fresh one. Serve with a selection of dippers, such as bread, crackers, breadsticks, or crudités.

Toppings: honey, garlic, herbs, chilli flakes, nuts, fruit

Honey

Honey is a popular topping for baked Camembert, providing a sweet contrast to the savoury cheese. It can be drizzled over the cheese before baking, or mixed with olive oil, chilli and garlic to create a more complex flavour profile. If you don't have honey, maple syrup can be used as a substitute.

Garlic

Garlic adds a savoury kick to the cheese and can be used in a variety of ways. Fresh garlic cloves can be thinly sliced and pressed into cuts in the cheese, or mixed with honey, olive oil and chilli flakes to create a flavourful topping.

Herbs

Herbs like rosemary and thyme complement the flavour of baked Camembert. Fresh sprigs can be placed in the crevices of the cheese, or chopped and mixed with other toppings.

Chilli Flakes

Chilli flakes add a spicy kick to the cheese and can be sprinkled on top or mixed with other toppings like honey and olive oil.

Nuts

Nuts such as almonds, walnuts and pecans can be added to the baked Camembert for extra texture and flavour.

Fruit

Fruit like apples, pears, grapes and strawberries can be served on the side or used as a dip for the cheese. They provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, savoury flavours of the baked Camembert.

Serving suggestions: bread, crackers, crudités

Baked camembert is a delicious treat that can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some ideas to elevate your baked camembert experience:

Bread

Toasted French bread, baguette, or pitta bread cut into small pieces or fingers is perfect for dipping into the gooey cheese. You can also try breadsticks or a crusty loaf of your choice. For an extra indulgent treat, you can bake the camembert surrounded by bread or brioche and use that for dipping as well.

Crackers

Crackers are a classic pairing with cheese and are an excellent option for serving with baked camembert. Choose your favourite variety, such as cheese crackers or plain crackers, and arrange them around the baked cheese for easy access.

Crudités

For a healthier option, serve your baked camembert with crudités—raw or lightly cooked vegetables. Some options include carrots, celery, bell peppers, or broccoli florets. These provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy cheese.

Other Accompaniments

In addition to bread, crackers, and crudités, you can offer a variety of dips and condiments to enhance the flavour of your baked camembert. Chutney, cranberry sauce, dukkah, or alcohol-soaked fruit can add a burst of flavour to your cheese experience. You can also serve it as part of a charcuterie board, accompanied by fruits, nuts, and other savoury treats.

Frequently asked questions