Bushra Griffith
Camembert is a famous soft French cheese, often compared to Brie. It has a soft, buttery texture and a strong flavour. Cooking Camembert in the microwave is a quick and easy way to prepare this decadent treat. It can be ready in less than 5 minutes, making it a perfect snack or side dish when you're short on time. To cook Camembert in the microwave, you'll need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the cheese wheel. It's important to heat it in short bursts, checking frequently, to avoid overcooking and preserve its texture. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to cook Camembert in the microwave, including tips on adding flavours and achieving the perfect consistency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 3-5 minutes on average, depending on the size of the cheese |
| Power | Low to medium |
| Cooking technique | Short bursts of 30-60 seconds to avoid overcooking |
| Container | Wooden, with no metal staples, or a microwave-safe plate/shallow dish |
| Toppings | Honey, garlic, bacon, rosemary, crushed nuts, chilli flakes |
| Accompaniments | Bread, crackers, grissini breadsticks, carrot and cucumber slices, grapes, pear, strawberry slices, dried apricots, almonds, walnuts, charcuterie |
| Freezing | Not recommended, but possible for up to 6 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and power settings
The cooking time and power settings for microwaving Camembert cheese depend on the size, weight, and density of the cheese. On average, it takes around 3 to 5 minutes to cook Camembert in the microwave, but this can vary depending on the cheese's characteristics. It is recommended to heat the cheese in short bursts of 30 to 60 seconds to avoid overcooking it. Larger wheels of Camembert may take up to 2 minutes, while smaller ones melt faster.
It is important to use low to medium power settings to preserve the texture of the cheese and avoid overcooking. Checking the cheese frequently is crucial, as overheating can cause it to split and become oily. Microwaving in short intervals of 1 minute, for a total of 3 to 4 minutes, is a good approach to ensure the cheese is perfectly cooked without overdoing it.
Additionally, the cooking time may need to be adjusted to suit the specific microwave oven being used. Each microwave oven may heat food differently, so it is essential to keep a close eye on the cheese as it cooks. Checking the cheese halfway through the cooking process can help prevent overcooking. It is better to undercook the cheese than to risk overcooking it, as it can quickly turn from beautifully melted cheese into a rubbery block.
After microwaving, the Camembert can be placed under the grill for a minute or two to crisp up the exterior and give it a baked feel. However, this step is optional and does not alter the flavour of the cheese.
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Scoring and slicing the cheese
Scoring and slicing Camembert cheese is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer to slice off the top rind to access the gooey, melty cheese centre more easily. Others prefer to score the top lightly to allow heat to distribute more evenly and to keep as much rind as possible on the cheese for extra flavour.
If you are using Camembert slices as a filling for paninis or grilled cheese, the cheese is sliced before cooking. However, traditionally, Camembert is not sliced before cooking, as baking it whole is the most common way of cooking it.
If you are baking Camembert, it is important to use a complete cheese round with a cheese rind. If you use a sliced wedge, the cheese will escape from the bare edges.
When melting Camembert in the microwave, it is important to heat it in short bursts of 30 to 60 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. Smaller wheels melt faster, while larger ones may take up to two minutes. It is better to undercook the cheese than to risk overcooking it, as it only takes a few seconds for beautifully melted cheese to turn into a rubbery block.
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Adding flavours and toppings
Camembert is a versatile cheese that pairs well with many flavours and toppings. Here are some ideas for adding flavours and toppings to your microwaved Camembert:
Sweet Toppings
Camembert goes well with sweet toppings like honey. Drizzle honey over the melted cheese for a touch of sweetness. You can also pair honey with other toppings like garlic and thyme for a more complex flavour profile.
Savoury Toppings
If you prefer savoury toppings, try frying bacon with rosemary or garlic. Top your melted Camembert with the cooked bacon and herbs for a savoury and fragrant treat. You can also add crushed nuts or chilli flakes to your Camembert for some texture and spice.
Baked Goods
Camembert is often served with bread or crackers. Choose a sturdy variety that can hold up to the weight of the cheese. You can also serve it with breadsticks, crostini, or toasted baguette slices. For a healthier option, try dipping carrots or cucumber slices into the melted cheese.
Fruits and Vegetables
Pair your Camembert with fruits like grapes, strawberries, or sliced pears. Dried fruits such as apricots can also complement the cheese. As for vegetables, try herb-seasoned veggies like garlic cloves sautéed in olive oil or lightly charred mushrooms rubbed with garlic.
Meats
Camembert pairs well with a variety of meats. Try prosciutto, salami, or fried bacon. You can also use the melted Camembert as a topping for burgers or fries.
When adding flavours and toppings to your microwaved Camembert, remember to experiment and find the combinations that you enjoy the most!
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Accompaniments and serving suggestions
Baked Camembert is a great sharing starter for four or a simple rustic dinner for two. It is a comforting, thick, gooey, and delicious treat that can be cooked in a few minutes. It is best served with your favourite bread, such as crusty bread, baguette, ciabatta, sourdough, or toasted French bread. You can also serve it with breadsticks, crackers, or grissini breadsticks.
If you want a healthier option, you can serve it with vegetable crudités, such as slices of carrot and cucumber, celery sticks, sharp green apple slices, fresh figs, grapes, pear or strawberry slices, dried apricots, and nuts such as almonds and walnuts. You can also add your favourite charcuterie, such as prosciutto or salami.
For a fancier option, you can pair it with prawn cocktail canapes, smoked salmon canapes, sausage rolls, brie and cranberry bites, or slow cooker ham. You can also experiment with herbs and spices, such as rosemary, chilli flakes, or garlic.
For a sweet touch, you can serve it with a glass of wine, such as red wine or port.
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Storing and reheating
Storing Camembert Cheese
Camembert cheese is a soft, creamy French cheese with a delicate texture and a robust flavour. To maintain its quality, proper storage is essential. When storing Camembert, it is best to wrap it well and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps to contain its strong smell and prolongs its freshness. It is important to note that Camembert does not freeze well due to its high moisture content and delicate nature. Freezing can alter its texture, causing it to dry out and lose its structure. However, if you intend to freeze it to avoid waste, ensure it is wrapped very well and placed in a sealed storage bag. For optimal results, allow it to defrost in the fridge overnight before cooking and consuming it.
Reheating Camembert Cheese
When reheating Camembert cheese, it is crucial to use pasteurised cheese, as it has been sterilised and is safer for reheating. Unpasteurised cheese, though stronger in flavour, may pose safety concerns. Reheating Camembert can be done in the oven or microwave. In the oven, place the cheese in a baking pan and reheat it for 10-15 minutes, checking on it every few minutes to avoid overcooking. In the microwave, reheat in short bursts of 10-20 seconds until the cheese is melted to your desired consistency. It is important to note that reheating Camembert can cause it to dry out and lose flavour, so it should be done carefully. Leftover Camembert can be stored in the fridge for up to 4-5 days and is best consumed within 1-2 weeks. Additionally, when reheating, be mindful of signs that indicate the cheese has gone bad, such as changes in colour, texture, smell, and taste.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 45 seconds to 2 minutes to cook Camembert in the microwave. However, it's important to heat it in short bursts of 30 to 60 seconds and check frequently to avoid overcooking. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the cheese wheel, with smaller wheels melting faster.
It is recommended to use low to medium power settings to avoid overcooking and preserve the texture of the cheese.
Remove any plastic wrapping or metal staples if it's in a wooden container. You can slice off the top rind or score it lightly to allow heat to distribute more evenly. Place the cheese on a microwave-safe plate or shallow dish.
Microwaved Camembert goes well with crusty bread, crackers, grissini breadsticks, or slices of carrot and cucumber. For a more indulgent option, you can pair it with fried bacon, honey, and rosemary. You can also experiment with different herbs, spices, and toppings to find your favourite combinations.
