Randy Chandler
Baked Camembert is a delicious, decadent, and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. It is a simple dish with extraordinary results and can be served as an appetizer or a side dish. The cheese can be baked in its wooden box or without one, and this article will focus on the latter. The key steps to cooking Camembert without a box include removing the plastic wrapping, scoring the top of the cheese, seasoning with garlic and herbs, and baking it in the oven until molten and gooey.
How to cook Camembert cheese without a box
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 180°C fan/200°C/400°F Gas Mark 6 or 350°F or 375°F (190°C) |
| Cheese preparation | Remove any plastic or paper wrapping |
| Cheese placement | Place on a baking sheet or in a small, oven-proof dish |
| Scoring the cheese | Cut a circle into the top of the cheese, leaving a 1/2-inch border or score in a crosshatch pattern |
| Toppings | Insert toppings like garlic, thyme, honey, dried cranberries, walnuts, chilli flakes, black pepper, olive oil, or sun-dried tomatoes |
| Baking time | 15-18 minutes or 15-20 minutes, or until the centre is molten and gooey, and the top is golden |
| Serving | Let set for 2-3 minutes before serving with crostini or garlic bread |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the oven to 350-400°F (180-200°C)
To cook Camembert without a box, you'll need to preheat your oven to 350-400°F (180-200°C). This temperature range is ideal for baking Camembert, ensuring that the cheese melts evenly and retains its creamy texture.
Before placing the cheese in the oven, it's important to prepare it properly. Start by removing any plastic or paper wrapping from the cheese. If you're using a wooden box, keep the cheese in it, but ensure that the box is oven-safe. If you're unsure about the safety of the box, you can wrap it in aluminium foil for added protection. Alternatively, place the cheese in a small oven-proof dish.
The next step is to score the top of the cheese. Use a sharp knife to create a crosshatch pattern or a circular cut with a 1/2-inch border, being careful not to cut too deeply. This scoring allows for the addition of flavours and helps the cheese bake evenly.
After scoring, it's time to enhance the flavour. You can add various ingredients, such as wedges of garlic, fresh thyme, honey, or olive oil. These toppings not only add taste but also create a delightful aroma. Place the cheese, with its toppings, on a baking sheet.
Now, you're ready to bake! Place the baking sheet with the prepared cheese in the preheated oven and let it bake for around 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as you want the centre to be molten and gooey, but not burnt. The baking time may vary depending on the size of the cheese, so adjust accordingly.
Once done, remove the baked Camembert from the oven and let it set for a couple of minutes. This resting period ensures the cheese is not too runny when served. Finally, enjoy your delicious creation! Serve it with crostini, garlic bread, or any toasted bread of your choice.
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Remove cheese from packaging and wrap in foil
To cook Camembert cheese without a box, you'll need to start by removing the cheese from its original packaging. This will likely be a plastic or paper wrapper, which should be discarded.
Once the cheese is free from its wrapper, it's time to prepare it for baking. This involves wrapping the cheese in foil. You can use either baking paper or aluminium foil for this step. Create a tight parcel around the cheese, ensuring no gaps are left for the cheese to escape while baking. This foil wrapping will serve as a substitute for the traditional wooden box, providing stability and structure during the baking process.
When wrapping the cheese, consider leaving the top exposed. This will allow you to add toppings and seasonings directly to the cheese before baking. A variety of toppings can be used, such as garlic slices, honey, thyme, or olive oil. You can also create a crosshatch pattern on the top of the cheese with a knife and poke the garlic into the cuts for a more aesthetic and flavourful presentation.
After wrapping the cheese and adding your desired toppings, it's ready to be placed on a baking sheet and put into the oven. Preheat your oven to the desired temperature, typically between 180°C and 375°F, depending on your preference and the specific recipe you are following. The baking time will vary, but on average, it should take around 15 to 20 minutes for the Camembert to reach a molten and gooey consistency.
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Score the top of the cheese
Scoring the top of the cheese is an important step in the process of cooking Camembert without a box. This technique not only enhances the flavour and texture of the dish but also ensures that the cheese melts evenly. Here is a step-by-step guide to scoring the cheese effectively:
Firstly, it is essential to use a complete cheese round, sealed with an intact cheese rind. The rind acts as a natural container for the molten cheese during baking, preventing it from leaking out. Therefore, ensure that the cheese has no bare edges before proceeding.
Once you have confirmed that your Camembert is sealed within its rind, retrieve a sharp knife. A paring knife or a small, sharp knife will suffice. With the knife, carefully create a crosshatch pattern on the top surface of the cheese. Be gentle and precise to avoid cutting too deeply into the cheese, which could cause it to leak during baking.
The crosshatch pattern you create will provide the perfect crevices for adding flavourful ingredients. After scoring, you can insert flavour enhancers such as garlic slices, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs. These ingredients will nestle into the cuts, infusing their flavours into the melting cheese.
If you're feeling creative, you can also experiment with other toppings. Some suggestions include dried cranberries, walnuts, chilli flakes, or a drizzle of honey. These toppings not only add flavour but also provide a delightful texture contrast to the creamy cheese.
In summary, scoring the top of the cheese is a crucial step that not only ensures even melting but also transforms your Camembert into a flavourful masterpiece. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a decadent and elegant dish that's sure to impress.
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Add toppings like garlic, thyme, honey, or olive oil
There are several ways to add toppings to Camembert cheese, with garlic, thyme, honey, and olive oil being popular choices.
First, unwrap the cheese and discard the plastic wrap. Place it back into its box or a small baking dish. Using a sharp knife, score a crosshatch pattern on the top of the cheese. If you don't like the rind, you can remove it.
For garlic, slice a clove into thin pieces and poke them into the cuts. You can also mix garlic with honey and drizzle it over the cheese. If you're not a fan of garlic, simply omit it.
For thyme, take fresh thyme sprigs and place them in the crevices of the cuts on the cheese. You can also finely chop rosemary and sprinkle it on top.
Drizzle honey over the cheese, especially in the crevices, for a sweet touch.
Finally, pour olive oil over the cheese, ensuring it seeps into the cuts and crevices.
Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and put it in the oven. Baking times vary depending on the size of the cheese and the desired consistency, but on average, it should take around 10-20 minutes.
Serve with crostini, crackers, breadsticks, crudites, grapes, or fruit.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes
Once your oven is preheated and your Camembert is prepared, it's time to bake! Place your cheese in the oven and set a timer for 15 to 20 minutes. The exact baking time will depend on your oven temperature and the size of your cheese—a larger Camembert will need a little longer to bake. You are looking for a molten, gooey centre, with the cheese turning golden on top.
While your cheese is baking, you can prepare your dippers. Camembert goes well with any kind of bread, especially when it's buttered and toasted. You could try crostini or garlic bread, or even some crudités for a healthier option. If you want to get creative, you can experiment with different toppings to add to your baked cheese. Try dried cranberries, walnuts, or a sprinkle of chilli flakes for an extra kick.
If you're serving your Camembert as an appetiser, it's a great way to get your family and friends involved in the kitchen. They can help prepare the dippers and toppings while the cheese is baking, and everyone can gather around to dip, spread, and savour the delicious, molten cheese. It's the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it's a casual gathering or a special celebration.
Once the timer goes off, carefully remove your baked Camembert from the oven. It should be nice and golden on top, with a gooey centre. Let it set for a couple of minutes before serving. Then, simply dip and enjoy!
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