Randy Chandler
Camembert is a French cheese that is often baked or roasted to create a gooey, fragrant, and creamy cheese dish. It is a popular dish at parties and during the holidays, as it is easy to prepare and can be served as an appetizer or fondue. There are several ways to bake Camembert, including in the oven, on a pan, or on a grill. When baking Camembert in the oven, it is recommended to preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the cheese for 15-30 minutes. For pan-baked Camembert, it is suggested to score the cheese with a knife, drizzle it with olive oil, add herbs and garlic, wrap it in foil, and bake it in a pan over medium heat for about 15 minutes on each side. Baked Camembert can be served with a variety of sides, such as bread, crackers, baguettes, crostini, honey, jam, or wine.
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What You'll Learn
Oven-baking Camembert
To begin, preheat your oven to 180º C (350º F). If your Camembert is not in a wooden box, you can wrap it in parchment paper or aluminium foil. If the exterior of the cheese is damaged, wrapping it in parchment paper will prevent the melted cheese from escaping. Place the cheese in its box on a baking sheet or tray.
Using a sharp knife, score the top of the cheese. You can cut a crosshatch pattern or simply drizzle olive oil over the cheese and push in your chosen flavorings. Fresh rosemary, garlic, and thyme are popular herb choices, while honey, maple syrup, and jam create a sweeter version. You can also add bacon bits or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Place the Camembert in the oven and bake for 15-30 minutes. The baking time will depend on your desired consistency. For a fondue-like texture, bake for around 20 minutes. If you prefer a thinner consistency, bake for closer to 30 minutes. Keep a close eye on the cheese, as a minute too long can cause the cheese to re-solidify.
Once you remove the Camembert from the oven, you can make a cut to check its consistency. If it is melted, you can make a cross on the top and serve it as a dip with bread, crackers, or crostini. If it is still solid, carefully slice it and serve it with bread or crackers for spreading.
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Pan-baking Camembert
First, gently score the top of the cheese with a knife. This will allow any toppings to permeate the cheese and enhance its flavour. Next, drizzle olive oil over the cheese. You can then add your choice of herbs and aromatics. Fresh rosemary is a popular choice, but dried rosemary or thyme can also be used. For extra flavour, add some peeled and sliced garlic to the cheese.
Wrap the cheese in aluminium foil and place it in a thick-bottomed pan. A grill pan or frying pan with a thick bottom works well. Heat the pan over medium heat for about 15 minutes on both sides. The Camembert is ready when it is golden on top and soft underneath.
Serve the pan-baked Camembert with fresh bread, such as a baguette or crostini. For a sweet twist, pair it with something like chutney or jam, for example, cranberry. This dish also goes well with wine, especially sparkling wine.
If you want to get creative, you can also use pan-baked Camembert in sandwiches or as a topping for brioche buns.
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Choosing the right cheese
The type of Camembert cheese you choose can have a significant impact on the melting process and the final texture of the melted cheese. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right Camembert cheese for melting:
Pasteurised vs Unpasteurised
You can choose between pasteurised and unpasteurised Camembert cheese. Both types can melt well, contrary to the belief that only unpasteurised Camembert melts properly. Pasteurised Camembert may have a higher coagulation capacity, so it needs to be cooked properly to achieve a gooey centre. If you plan to reheat the melted cheese, pasteurised Camembert is a better option as it can be gently reheated without drying out or losing flavour.
Maturity of the Cheese
The maturity of the cheese also plays a role in its melting ability. Fresh, young cheeses with a chalkier texture may not melt as smoothly. Opt for a more mature Camembert, preferably within 20 days of its expiration date, as it will melt better and develop a gooey consistency.
Vegetarian Options
If you have dietary preferences or restrictions, be aware that not all Camembert cheeses are vegetarian. However, vegetarian options are available, so choose accordingly if this is a requirement for you or your guests.
Size and Presentation
When selecting your Camembert, consider the size and presentation of the cheese. Choose a whole cheese round rather than a sliced wedge to ensure it stays sealed and doesn't melt everywhere. Also, select a cheese that fits snugly into your baking dish to prevent it from collapsing and creating a mess.
Brand and Price
While brand and price may not be the primary criteria, they can still influence your choice. If you've had success melting a particular brand of Camembert in the past, stick with it. More expensive Camembert may offer better quality, but it's not a guarantee that it will melt better.
Remember, the key to choosing the right Camembert is to consider your specific needs and preferences, as well as the intended preparation and serving method.
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Dipping foods
Once you've melted your camembert, it's time to think about what to dip into it. The classic choice is bread—a baguette, focaccia, crostini, or crusty French bread are all excellent options. You could also try something sweet like a brioche bun, or something more savoury like crackers.
If you're after something a little more indulgent, garlic bread is a great option. You could also try bread with dried tomatoes, sourdough, or garlic rolls. If you're serving a crowd, you might want to provide a variety of options so that everyone can find something they like.
If you're looking for something a little different, apples, pears, and nuts are all great choices to dip into melted camembert. You could also try a simple oil and vinegar dressing on the side.
Don't forget to serve your camembert at room temperature to ensure you and your guests enjoy it as the cheesemaker intended!
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Customisation
Customising your melted Camembert is a fun and easy way to elevate this simple dish. You can customise your melted Camembert in a variety of ways, from the type of cheese you use to the toppings and sides you serve it with.
Cheese
If Camembert is not your favourite cheese, you can easily substitute it with another variety. Brie, for example, is a French cheese that has a similar taste and texture to Camembert and can be baked using the same methods. Another option is Baron Bigod, an English Brie-style cheese that can be baked like Camembert but also works well in other dishes such as pastas, salads and burgers.
Toppings
Customising your melted Camembert with toppings is a great way to add flavour and make the dish your own. A popular option is to top the cheese with garlic and rosemary, either fresh or dried. You can also experiment with other herbs such as thyme, or add some sweetness with honey, maple syrup, or jam. If you're feeling fancy, try a drizzle of honey and a handful of raspberries, or go for a more savoury option with bacon bits.
Sides
The sides you serve with your melted Camembert can also be customised to your taste. A fresh and warm baguette or crostini is a classic choice, perfect for dipping into the melted cheese. For a more substantial side, try a green salad and a glass of wine, or get creative with wheat bread, rolls with dried tomatoes, sourdough bread, or garlic rolls. If you're serving your Camembert as part of a cheese platter, include some soft and hard cheeses, such as Pont L’Évêque, Comté, or Gruyère, along with a strong blue cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Preheat your oven to 180º C (350º F). Score the top of the cheese with a knife, drizzle with olive oil, and add rosemary and garlic. Wrap the cheese in aluminium foil and place it in a thick-bottomed pan. Bake for 15-30 minutes.
You can use honey, maple syrup, thyme, bacon bits, or fig jam.
You can serve melted Camembert with a baguette, crostini, crackers, or toasted bread.
Melting Camembert cheese is a great appetiser to serve before a meal, and it goes well with wine or sparkling wine.
A wheel of Camembert cheese is enough for two people to share.
