Frederic Melton
Baked camembert with honey is a delicious dish that can be prepared in just 20 minutes. It is a great appetizer and can be served with a variety of toppings and sides, such as crackers, bread, fruit, charcuterie, or even dipped into with vegetables. The soft cheese is melted in the oven and then drizzled with honey, creating a sweet and savory combination. Camembert, a French cow's milk cheese, has a creamy texture and earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of honey. The addition of herbs like rosemary and thyme also enhances the flavor and makes it a tasty treat for any occasion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking time | 10-20 minutes |
| Oven temperature | 350°F (180°C or Gas Mark 6) |
| Ingredients | Camembert, honey, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, black pepper, chilli flakes |
| Accompaniments | Bread, crackers, fruit, charcuterie, grapes, berries, pickles, deli meats, raw vegetables, breadsticks, grilled vegetables, baguettes, crostinis, garlic bread |
| Wine pairing | Shiraz, Zinfandel, Malbec, Carménère, dry rosé, Champagne, Cava, dry apple cider |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the cheese
To prepare the cheese, first, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Then, remove the plastic wrapping from the cheese and place it back in its wooden box or transfer it to a small round baking dish. If you are using the wooden box, line it with foil.
Next, score a deep crosshatch pattern or slits on the top rind of the cheese to allow the air to escape while cooking. You can also remove the top rind entirely if you prefer a milder flavour and a smoother texture. If you want your Camembert to have a stronger flavour, you can leave it on the kitchen counter for a few hours before baking.
After scoring the cheese, drizzle it with honey. You can use runny honey or thicker, harder honey, depending on your preference. You can also use maple syrup if you like. If you want to add more flavour, you can insert slices of garlic and sprigs of rosemary into the slits or sprinkle on some chilli flakes and sea salt.
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Choosing the right honey
Honey is a fantastic ingredient to cook with, providing a natural sweetness and flavour to your dish. When cooking camembert cheese with honey, you can choose from a variety of honey types, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some tips to help you select the right honey for your baked camembert:
Flavour Profile
Firstly, consider the flavour profile you want to achieve. Honeys can range from light and mild to dark and rich. If you want the honey to be a supporting flavour, opt for a lighter variety. For example, orange blossom honey tends to be milder and can complement the earthy notes of camembert nicely. On the other hand, if you want the honey to be the standout flavour, choose a darker, richer variety such as buckwheat honey, which has strong notes of malt.
Texture
The texture of honey can vary, and this can impact the final presentation of your dish. Runny honey will easily drizzle over the camembert, creating a beautiful glaze. Thicker, harder honey may be more challenging to drizzle but can still be used, providing a more substantial coating.
Local and Seasonal Varieties
Using local honey is a great way to support local farmers and beekeepers. Local honey is also believed to help with allergies as it contains pollen from local plants. Additionally, consider seasonal varieties. For example, watermelon honey, made by bees that pollinate watermelon blossoms, is a unique option with a flavour reminiscent of Swedish Fish candy.
Health Benefits
Different types of honey offer various health benefits. For instance, avocado honey has a less sweet, robust flavour and is known for its health properties. It is often used in baked goods but also pairs well with savoury dishes like roasted vegetables or gamey meats.
Experimentation
Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of honey. Try using a variety of honeys in your baked camembert until you find the one that suits your taste preferences. You can also combine honey with other toppings, such as rosemary, thyme, or chilli flakes, to create unique flavour combinations.
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Baking the camembert
Baking camembert cheese with honey is a simple and delicious dish that can be prepared in just 20 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect baked camembert:
Preparing the Cheese:
First, select a good-quality camembert cheese. It should be ripe but not overly soft. Look for cheese that gives slightly when pressed but still retains some firmness. Remove the cheese from its paper wrapping and place it on a baking sheet or tray. If your camembert comes in a wooden box, you can choose to bake it in the box to help the cheese keep its shape. Alternatively, transfer the cheese to a small round baking dish or cheese baker.
Scoring the Cheese:
Using a sharp knife, carefully score a deep crosshatch pattern or slits on the top rind of the cheese. This step is important as it allows the air to escape while the cheese is baking and makes it easier to dip into once melted. You can also choose to remove the top rind entirely if you prefer a milder flavour and a smoother texture.
Adding Toppings:
Now it's time to add your desired toppings. Drizzle the camembert with honey, ensuring it seeps into the slits or crosshatch pattern. You can use flavoured honey, such as orange or raspberry, or opt for a classic runny honey. Additionally, you can insert slices of garlic into the slits and add herbs like fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for extra flavour. A sprinkle of sea salt or black pepper can also enhance the taste.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the prepared camembert in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Smaller wheels of cheese may take closer to 12 minutes, while larger ones will need a few extra minutes. Keep a close eye on the baking time to avoid overcooking, as this will result in hard cheese. The camembert is ready when the surface is solid but the inside is completely molten and oozy.
Once the desired baking time has been reached, carefully remove the camembert from the oven. It is now ready to be served! Baked camembert is best enjoyed hot, straight out of the oven. You can garnish it with additional herbs and a drizzle of extra honey for an even more decadent dish.
Serving Suggestions:
Baked camembert is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. It pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Consider serving it with toasted bread, crackers, fresh fruit, berries, charcuterie, or raw vegetables for dipping into the molten cheese. A glass of wine, such as a bold Shiraz or a dry apple cider, can also complement the flavours of the dish.
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Selecting accompaniments
Baked Camembert with honey is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments to enhance its flavour and presentation. Here are some ideas for selecting accompaniments to impress your guests:
Bread and Crackers: The melted Camembert pairs perfectly with toasted bread, such as sourdough, baguette, or crusty bread. You can also serve it with crackers for a crunchy contrast to the creamy cheese.
Fruits and Spreads: Fresh or dried fruits, such as berries, apples, or grapes, provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. You can also offer various sweet or savoury spreads, including fruit jams, cranberry sauce, or fig jam.
Meats: Deli meats, such as cured meats or smoked salmon, can add a savoury element to the dish. Crispy bacon, either crumbled or sliced, is also a popular choice to pair with the sweetness of honey.
Vegetables: Raw or grilled vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or caramelised onions, can provide a crunchy and healthy option. Pickles are also a great choice to cut through the richness of the cheese.
Nuts: Toasted almonds or other nuts can add a crunchy texture and a subtle flavour to the dish.
Wine: A glass of wine, either red or white, can complement the flavours of the baked Camembert with honey. Some popular choices include Shiraz, Zinfandel, Malbec, or Carménère. However, feel free to experiment with different wines to find your favourite pairing.
Other Accompaniments: For a more indulgent option, consider serving the Camembert with garlic bread, breadsticks, or baguettes. Prawn cocktail canapés, sausage rolls, or puff pastry mince pies can also elevate your spread. Don't forget to include some charcuterie board classics, such as olives or Brie and cranberry bites.
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Serving suggestions
Baked Camembert with honey is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a light meal, or a snack. It pairs well with various accompaniments, such as:
- Bread and Crackers: Camembert with honey can be served with fresh bread, toasted bread, baguettes, crostini, or crackers. You can also dip pieces of bread directly into the molten cheese. For a more interactive experience, create a camembert-sized hole in a round loaf of bread and bake the cheese inside.
- Fruits and Nuts: Fresh or dried fruits such as berries, grapes, strawberries, and nuts complement the sweetness of the honey.
- Savory Spreads and Meats: For a heartier meal, serve the baked Camembert with charcuterie, deli meats, grilled vegetables, garlic, prosciutto, or fried bacon.
- Sweet Toppings: Enhance the sweetness of the honey by drizzling the Camembert with maple syrup, cranberry sauce, or fig jam.
- Spicy Notes: Add a kick to the dish with chili flakes, black pepper, or hot sauce.
- Herbs: Garnish the Camembert with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives.
- Wine: For the perfect pairing, serve the baked Camembert with a glass of your favourite red or white wine.
The versatility of this dish makes it an excellent choice for gatherings, allowing your guests to customise their accompaniments. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, Baked Camembert with honey is sure to impress.
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Frequently asked questions
Preheat your oven to 350°F/180°C. Remove the cheese from its paper/wooden box and place it in a small round baking dish or back in its box. Score a crosshatch pattern on the top of the cheese. Drizzle with honey and add any additional toppings. Bake for 12-20 minutes.
You can add rosemary, chilli flakes, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, cranberry sauce, jam, maple syrup, or olive oil.
Camembert with honey is often served with toasted bread, crackers, fruit, grapes, berries, or crostini. It can also be served with deli meats, charcuterie, or a charcuterie board.
A dry rosé, dry sparkling wine, Champagne, or Cava are all good options. If you want something bolder, try a Shiraz.
It takes 12-20 minutes to cook camembert with honey. Be careful not to overcook it, as it will become hard and you won't be able to salvage it.
