Bushra Griffith
Baked Camembert is a delicious dish that can be made in a variety of ways. It is a simple, elegant meal that can be served with a salad and a glass of wine. The cheese can be baked in the oven, turning it into a fondue, or cooked in an air fryer. There are many ways to season Camembert, including honey, chilli flakes, rosemary, thyme, garlic, and olive oil.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 350°F/180°C or 400°F |
| Baking time | 12-15 minutes or 15-20 minutes or 8-10 minutes |
| Container | Wooden box, kitchen foil, small baking pot, Camembert baker, aluminium foil, small baking dish, or baking tray |
| Toppings | Honey, chilli flakes, rosemary, thyme, garlic, olive oil, nuts, jam, salt, pepper, bacon bits, or fruit |
| Accompaniments | Bread, toast, salad, grapes, apples, pears, or wine |
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What You'll Learn
Baking camembert in the oven
Preparation
Firstly, preheat your oven to 350˚F/180˚C. Remove the Camembert from its wooden or cardboard casing and plastic wrapper. Cut a square of parchment paper to the size of the Camembert wrapper, and place the cheese on top. Then, put the cheese back into the bottom half of its casing. If your Camembert doesn't have a casing, use a small oven-safe baking dish, around 4-5 inches in size.
Baking
Place the cheese in its casing on a baking sheet to avoid any cheese spillage. Using a sharp knife, cut small slits into the top rind of the cheese. You can then add flavourings, such as pressed-in garlic cloves, thyme, rosemary, honey, or olive oil. Bake the cheese for 15-20 minutes, or until the rind looks puffy and dry. Do not bake for longer than this, or the cheese will harden.
Serving
Serve the baked Camembert immediately with bread, steamed or roasted vegetables, or your choice of accompaniments. Enjoy!
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How to season camembert
To season Camembert, the first step is to remove the cheese from its wooden or cardboard casing and plastic wrapper. Cut a square of parchment paper to the size of the Camembert wrapper, place the cheese on top, and put it back into the bottom half of its casing or a small baking dish. Using a sharp knife, cut small slits into the top rind of the cheese.
For a simple seasoning, press garlic cloves into the slits and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the cheese before or after baking. If you want to get more creative, you can add honey, rosemary, red chilli flakes, sea salt, black pepper, or bacon bits.
Bake the Camembert in the oven for 12 to 20 minutes at 180°C/350°F. If you're baking it in its wooden box, wrap the box in foil and place it on a baking sheet to avoid any cheese spillage.
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How to serve camembert
Baked Camembert is a delicious dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some tips on how to serve this indulgent treat:
Choosing the Right Camembert:
Start by choosing a good-quality Camembert cheese, preferably made from cow's milk, with a soft and slightly dense texture. The flavour of Camembert is similar to Brie, with earthy and nutty notes.
Baking the Camembert:
Preheat your oven to the desired temperature, ranging from 350°F to 400°F (180°C). Remove the cheese from its wrapping and, optionally, its wooden box or casing. Score a deep cross or create a crosshatch pattern on the top rind using a sharp knife. This step allows the air to escape while baking. You can also stud the Camembert with flavourful ingredients like garlic and thyme before baking.
Place the cheese back into its box or a small baking dish, and put it on a baking sheet to catch any potential cheese drippings. Bake for 12 to 20 minutes, keeping an eye on it to avoid overcooking. The cheese is ready when it's soft and oozing.
Serving Suggestions:
Baked Camembert is best served warm and can be a tasty fondue for two. Here are some ideas for serving:
- Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the baked Camembert and serve with crusty French bread or toasted bread for dipping.
- Add honey and chilli flakes for a touch of sweetness and spice, pairing well with toasted bread and grapes.
- Sprinkle fresh rosemary over the baked cheese and drizzle with honey for an adventurous flavour combination.
- Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables, such as bread, toast, and a green salad.
- Offer a selection of nuts, fruit jams, and sliced fruits like apples and pears on the side.
- Enjoy with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Bordeaux, for the ultimate indulgent experience.
Get creative and experiment with different toppings and accompaniments to find your favourite way to serve this delicious baked Camembert!
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How to choose the right camembert
When choosing the right Camembert, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, Camembert is a soft-ripened cheese made from cow's milk, with a flavour similar to Brie—earthy and nutty—but a denser texture. It is native to Normandy, France, and the most highly prized Camemberts bear the stamp Camembert de Normandie Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée au Lait Cru, indicating superior milk quality from a strictly controlled area within Normandy. Thus, when choosing a Camembert, look for this stamp to ensure the best quality.
Secondly, Camembert typically reaches its peak in four to five weeks, with a brief window of five days during this period when it is at its best. When buying Camembert, check the date stamp, and if you want it fully ripe, consume it within the last five days. Additionally, the flavour of Camembert changes during its 45-day life. Initially, it has a drier, lighter texture and a tangy flavour. Midway through its life, the cheese becomes creamier and stronger, and in the last two weeks, it develops its strongest flavour, becoming almost runny with a mild ammonia smell. Therefore, depending on your preference, choose a Camembert that aligns with the desired stage of flavour development.
Thirdly, Camembert is a bloomy cheese with an edible rind. While consuming the rind is a matter of preference, most people enjoy the additional flavour it contributes to the cheese. To customise the flavour, you can experiment with eating the rind or leaving it uneaten. Furthermore, when storing Camembert, ensure you wrap it properly to prevent the rind from drying out.
Lastly, Camembert is versatile and pairs well with various foods. It complements tart and crisp fruit, sweet jams, and fruity white wines. Apples are a classic pairing, but the cheese's mildness also suits zippier acidic flavours like apricots, figs, or fruit preserves. If you're looking for a smoother taste, opt for a Triple Cream Camembert, which is richer and creamier.
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How to avoid overcooking camembert
To avoid overcooking Camembert, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to preheat your oven to the right temperature. Most recipes recommend baking Camembert at 350°F (180°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. However, some recipes suggest a slightly higher temperature of 375°F (190°C) for a shorter duration of 15 to 20 minutes. It is crucial not to exceed the recommended baking time, as overcooking will cause the cheese to dry out and lose its creamy texture.
Secondly, the size of the Camembert wheel matters. Recipes typically specify timings for an average-sized Camembert, which is about 250 grams. If your cheese is significantly smaller or larger, adjust the baking time accordingly. A smaller wheel may require less time, while a larger one may need a few extra minutes.
Thirdly, it is recommended to score the top of the cheese before baking. Use a sharp knife to create a crosshatch pattern or small slits on the rind. This technique allows the heat to escape and prevents the cheese from overheating and curdling. It also provides spaces to insert flavourful ingredients like garlic and thyme.
Additionally, consider the type of Camembert you are using. Pasteurised Camembert can be reheated gently in the microwave if you have leftovers, checking it every 10 seconds to avoid overcooking. On the other hand, unpasteurised Camembert may have different cooking requirements, so be sure to follow specific instructions if using this variety.
Lastly, for even melting, it is suggested to let the Camembert sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. Starting with chilled cheese directly from the refrigerator can impact the cooking process and potentially lead to uneven melting. By bringing it to room temperature, you reduce the risk of overcooking certain parts of the cheese while trying to melt others.
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Frequently asked questions
The oven temperature should be set to 180ºC/350ºF/Gas 4 (fan oven 160C), and not above that.
Bake the cheese for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and oozing. If you bake it for more than 15 minutes, the cheese will re-harden.
You can bake Camembert in a wooden box, wrapped in kitchen foil, or in a small baking pot or a Camembert baker.
Camembert cheese can be served with bread, vegetables, nuts, fruits like apples and pears, and a glass of wine.
