Andy Montoya
Baked Camembert is a simple, delicious, and flavourful dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. It is a soft ripened cheese from Normandy, France, with a creamy texture and a rich, slightly tangy flavour. The cheese can be baked in its wooden box or wrapped in foil and baked in an oven-proof dish. Before baking, the cheese is scored and stuffed with flavourings such as garlic, thyme, and honey. It is then baked until gooey and served with bread, crackers, or fresh fruit. Camembert can also be deep-fried, added to pasta, or used in sandwiches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Camembert |
| Cheese origin | Normandy, France |
| Cheese texture | Soft, creamy, gooey |
| Cheese flavour | Rich, tangy |
| Oven temperature | 180-200°C |
| Oven temperature (Fahrenheit) | 350-400°F |
| Cooking time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cheese preparation | Score, season, drizzle with olive oil |
| Cheese accompaniments | Bread, crackers, fruit, honey, nuts, wine |
| Reheating | Microwave gently, checking every 10 seconds |
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What You'll Learn
How to bake Camembert
Baked Camembert is a simple yet elegant dish that can be made in several ways. Here is a guide on how to bake Camembert to gooey perfection.
Preparation
Let the Camembert sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This ensures even melting.
Oven-baking
Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan) / 200°C / 350°F / Gas Mark 4 or 6.
Unwrap the Camembert completely and check it for any stickers. If you are using a wooden box, remove any plastic or paper wrapping from the cheese but keep it in its box. If the box isn’t oven-safe, wrap it in aluminium foil for added stability, or place the cheese in a small, oven-proof dish or a specialist ceramic Camembert baker.
Using a sharp knife, cut a circle into the top of the cheese, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Carefully remove and discard the rind to expose the creamy cheese underneath. Dot the surface with fresh herbs for added flavour. If desired, insert thin slices of garlic or sun-dried tomato into the cheese for an extra burst of taste.
Drizzle olive oil over the top, then sprinkle with black pepper. Place the cheese in its box or dish on a baking tray. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the centre is molten and gooey.
Air-frying
Arrange the bread skewers around the cheese, drizzle with oil and cook in the air fryer for 12 minutes at 180ºC, or until the cheese is melty in the middle and the bread is golden.
Serving
Baked Camembert is best served immediately. It can be served with crusty bread, crackers, breadsticks, or fresh fruits like apple or pear slices. It can also be paired with a crisp white wine, Champagne, or sparkling cider to complement the creamy texture and rich flavour.
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How to prepare Camembert for freezing
Camembert is a soft French cheese with a short shelf life, so freezing is a good option to prevent waste. However, it's important to note that freezing will alter the texture and taste of the cheese. It will become dry, crumbly, and less flavoursome.
To prepare Camembert for freezing, start by checking the quality of the cheese. Ensure it is within its best-before date and has no external cracks or dry patches. If the cheese is very soft, let it ripen and harden in the fridge for a few days before freezing.
Next, portion the Camembert into wedges. Each wedge should weigh roughly 200 grams. Wrap each piece tightly in a layer of foil, followed by a layer of cling film to prevent the cheese from taking on the odours of other frozen items. Place the wrapped wedges into a freezer bag, ensuring the bag is perfectly sealed to maximise the cheese's longevity.
Camembert can be frozen for up to three months. The longer it is frozen, the more degraded the texture and flavour will become. To defrost, place the wedges in a bowl in the fridge overnight. It is not recommended to use a microwave or oven, as this will further dry out the cheese.
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How to deep fry Camembert
Deep-fried Camembert is a quick and easy dish to make. It is crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside, and it goes well with condiments, as part of a meal, or even on its own. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to deep fry Camembert:
First, cut the Camembert into wedges or chunks. If you are using a wheel of Camembert, cut it into eighths, or cut the cheese into 2cm chunks. Next, prepare three separate bowls. In the first bowl, pour some plain flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second bowl, beat two eggs. In the third bowl, pour some breadcrumbs. Now, toss the cheese in the flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally, coat the cheese with the breadcrumbs.
You can add some extra herbs and spices to the crumbing mixture if you would like to add more flavour. Freeze the coated cheese wedges for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, heat oil in a deep fryer or a large saucepan to 180°C (350°F) or 375°F (190°C). You will know the oil is hot enough when breadcrumbs start to sizzle and bubble in it.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded cheese wedges into the oil. You can cook them for 30-45 seconds or until golden brown. You can also fry them for 2-3 minutes per side. Place the fried cheese on some paper to drain any excess oil. Serve with cranberry sauce, a slice of toasted buttered bread, or a green salad.
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How to make a grilled Camembert sandwich
A grilled Camembert sandwich is a delicious, indulgent treat that is perfect for lunch or as a snack. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this mouth-watering sandwich.
Ingredients:
- Camembert cheese
- Bread (rustic, brown, corn, or artisan bread)
- Butter
- Cranberry sauce or caramelized apple butter
- Walnuts (optional)
- Balsamic vinegar (optional)
Method:
Firstly, prepare your ingredients. If your Camembert is refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using it to ensure even melting. If you are using cranberry sauce, you can spread it directly onto the bread. If you are using caramelized apple butter, you can spread it onto the bread or use it as a dip for your sandwich. Roughly chop the walnuts, if desired, for added texture.
Next, assemble your sandwich. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of one slice, spread a generous amount of Camembert cheese. If using, drizzle a small amount of balsamic vinegar over the cheese and top with a thin layer of cranberry sauce. Place the second slice of bread on top, with the buttered side facing outwards.
Now, it's time to grill your sandwich. Heat a skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and the cheese has melted. If using a skillet, you may need to press down on the sandwich gently with a spatula to ensure even grilling. If you are using a sandwich maker or toaster, follow the manufacturer's instructions for cooking times and temperatures.
Finally, enjoy your grilled Camembert sandwich! Cut the sandwich in half and serve immediately. This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, as the cheese can solidify as it cools, affecting the texture.
Tips and Variations:
- If you don't have Camembert, you can use Brie or another soft cheese as a substitute.
- For an extra indulgent twist, try adding other toppings or fillings such as fresh herbs, sliced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or honey.
- To make this sandwich in a toaster, assemble it as instructed, and then place the sandwich in the toaster for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
- Serve your sandwich with a side of crusty bread, crackers, or fresh fruit like apple or pear slices for dipping into any leftover cheese.
Now you have all the knowledge to create this decadent grilled Camembert sandwich. Enjoy the ultimate comfort food and impress your taste buds!
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Camembert accompaniments
Camembert is a creamy cheese with a rich, slightly tangy flavour. It is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of accompaniments to enhance its flavour and texture. Here are some ideas for Camembert accompaniments:
Fruits and Preserves
The sweetness and acidity of fruits and preserves can complement the creaminess of Camembert. Fresh, in-season fruits such as apples, pears, and berries are excellent choices. You can also try raspberry, apricot, or strawberry preserves. Dried fruits like cranberries and candied walnuts also pair well with Camembert.
Crackers and Breads
Crackers or biscuits provide a crunchy texture that contrasts with the softness of the cheese. Simple, lightly salted crackers or buttery biscuits are ideal, such as water crackers, oat biscuits, or toasted rye bread. A fresh baguette or crusty bread is also a classic pairing, providing a crunchy exterior and soft interior that complements the creamy texture of the cheese.
Meats and Charcuterie
Cured meats, such as prosciutto, provide a bold, savoury contrast to the creaminess of Camembert. A charcuterie board with a variety of cured meats and sausages can be a delightful accompaniment.
Savoury Options
Camembert also pairs well with savoury options such as sautéed mushrooms, especially crimini, oyster, or king trumpet varieties. Buttery olives, such as Castelvetrano olives, are another savoury pairing that complements the cheese. Cornichons or other pickled vegetables can also add a bright, acidic bite.
Drinks
When it comes to drinks, Camembert pairs well with bright, acidic, and fizzy beverages. Dry, bubbly Champagne is a classic choice, as are dry sparkling whites such as Chenin Blanc, Gewürztraminer, or Cabernet Sauvignon. Light or medium-bodied reds like Pinot Noir and Beaujolais can also complement the cheese.
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