Randy Chandler
Camembert is a soft, pungent cheese with a robust earthy flavour and aroma. It is often served as an appetiser or as a popular party food recipe. The cheese can be served cold, at room temperature, or warm and melty. To serve Camembert warm, it is recommended to bake it in its wooden box, which helps the cheese retain its shape and adds a rustic touch. The cheese can be baked in the oven or microwaved, and various toppings can be added, such as honey, rosemary, cranberries, walnuts, or crispy bacon. It is usually served with bread or crackers for dipping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Room temperature or warm and melty |
| Best served with | Bread, crackers, cured meats, fruits, honey, nuts, jam, wine |
| Baking temperature | 350°F (180°C) |
| Baking time | 12-20 minutes |
| Baking method | Oven, air fryer, or microwave |
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What You'll Learn
Baked camembert with honey, cranberries and walnuts
Baked Camembert with honey, cranberries, and walnuts is a tasty way to elevate your fall and holiday gatherings. It is a creamy cheese dish infused with seasonal flavors and is incredibly simple to prepare. It is perfect for sharing during the holidays.
To make this recipe, you will need a wheel of Camembert cheese, which you can find in small wooden boxes at grocery stores. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Remove all the packaging from the cheese, including any paper or plastic wrap. Put the cheese back into its box and place it on a sheet pan. Scoring the cheese before baking is optional but recommended. Use a knife to make a crisscross pattern on the top rind of the cheese, being careful not to cut all the way to the edge, as this will help contain the cheese during baking.
Now, it's time to add the toppings. Sprinkle dried cranberries and chopped walnuts on top of the cheese. It's okay if a few pieces fall off. You can also add other ingredients like rosemary, thyme, or a drizzle of honey before baking for enhanced flavour. Once you're happy with your toppings, place the Camembert in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 20 minutes, depending on your preference and the softness of the cheese. Keep in mind that you don't want to overbake it, as the cheese can harden again.
Finally, serve the baked Camembert hot. Place the cheese in its box on a serving platter, surrounded by crackers or toasted bread for dipping. You can also toast some bread slices in the oven alongside the cheese. Enjoy this delicious, indulgent, and comforting dish with your loved ones during the colder months.
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Camembert with pear
Baked Camembert with pear is a perfect winter dish, especially for cheese lovers. It is a comforting dish for cold months and can be prepared in just 5 minutes. It can be served as a gorgeous appetizer for parties or as a main dish.
To make this dish, you will need a wheel of Camembert of about 250g (8.8 oz). If you're using a larger wheel, simply increase the topping quantities. Some Camemberts are sold in wooden boxes, which are ideal for baking. If that's the case, simply remove the plastic wrap and place the cheese back into the wooden box for baking. The box helps the Camembert retain its shape once it melts and adds a rustic touch for serving. However, if your Camembert came in a cardboard box, be sure to remove both the plastic wrap and the box to avoid any fire hazards. Instead, use an oven-safe dish that is slightly larger than the Camembert to hold it in place. This prevents the cheese from spreading too much when you dip into it. If you don't have a baking dish of the right size, you can use aluminium foil. Wrap several layers of foil around the bottom and sides of the Camembert to mimic the support of a box or dish. This will keep the cheese contained as it bakes.
Once you have prepared the Camembert, score the top rind in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to go all the way to the edge so that the cheese doesn't ooze out during baking. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of honey. Dice a pear and place it on top of the cheese. Sprinkle some walnuts and chopped rosemary on top, then drizzle with another tablespoon of honey.
Bake the Camembert at 180°C/350°F for 20 minutes in a conventional oven. If using an air fryer, bake at 180°C/350°F for 15 minutes. Serve the warm, gooey Camembert with bread or crackers for dipping. You can also serve it with a side of arugula tossed with olive oil and warm pear halves topped with chestnut relish.
To reheat any leftovers, place the Camembert in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
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Camembert with herbs and fruity olive oil
Camembert is a versatile cheese that can be served in many ways, one of which is warm. Warm camembert is a fantastic appetizer, especially during the winter months. It is best to remove the cheese from the fridge 30 minutes to an hour before serving to allow it to come to room temperature and enhance its flavours and aromas.
To prepare warm camembert with herbs and fruity olive oil, start by removing the paper wrapping from the cheese wheel and placing it back into its wooden box, if available. If your camembert did not come with a wooden box, use a metal baking pot or an oven-safe dish that is slightly larger than the cheese. This will prevent the melted cheese from spreading too much. Make sure the wooden box is held together with staples and is specifically designed for baking, as glue or plastic may melt in the oven.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). With a sharp knife, carefully cut a crosshatch pattern on the top rind of the camembert, without cutting all the way to the edge to avoid leakage. Drizzle the cheese with olive oil, which has a fruity flavour that complements the earthiness of the camembert. Sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs over the cheese, along with some freshly ground black pepper. You can also add a pinch of sea salt if desired.
Place the prepared camembert in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes. Smaller wheels of camembert may take around 12 minutes. While the cheese is baking, prepare the hot honey by whisking together honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and fleur de sel in a small saucepan over medium heat until it reaches a loose, liquidy consistency.
Once the camembert is baked, serve it warm with a generous drizzle of the hot honey and a sprinkle of additional herbs. Accompany the melted cheese with toasted garlic bread crostinis or crackers for dipping. Enjoy this delicious appetizer with a glass of your favourite white wine or a refreshing cocktail.
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Camembert with sweet chilli sauce and shallots
Baked Camembert with sweet chilli sauce and shallots is a quick and easy dish to prepare and makes for a great appetizer. Here is a step-by-step guide to making this delicious treat:
Firstly, take your Camembert out of the fridge 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to serve it. This is important as cold temperatures mute flavours and keep textures firm. You can store your cheese in a container on your kitchen counter so that it's ready to serve at room temperature when you need it.
When you're ready to start, preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F. If your Camembert comes in a wooden box, remove the plastic wrap and place the cheese back into the box for baking. If it's in a cardboard box, remove the box and wrap, and use an oven-safe dish to hold the cheese in place.
Next, score the top rind of the Camembert in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut all the way to the edge so that the cheese doesn't ooze out during baking. Then, carefully cut along the top rim of the cheese to create a lid. Do not pull off the top.
Now it's time to add your toppings. Drizzle the top of the cheese with honey and add your choice of fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme, and black pepper. Then, place the lid back on and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese has softened and turned gooey.
Once the Camembert is out of the oven, carefully move it to a serving platter and remove the lid. Swirl over the top a bold, slightly spicy, sweet chilli sauce. Then, add some caramelised or sautéed shallots.
Serve with fresh fruit, crackers, or slices of baguette for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish. Enjoy!
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Camembert with cured meats, sautéed mushrooms and olives
Camembert cheese is a versatile treat that can be served in many ways, one of which is warm. To serve warm Camembert cheese with cured meats, sautéed mushrooms, and olives, follow these steps:
First, remove the cheese from the fridge 30 minutes to an hour before serving to bring it to room temperature. This will ensure the best flavour and texture. If your Camembert is in a wooden box, simply remove the plastic wrap and place the cheese back into the box for baking. If it's in a cardboard box, remove both the plastic wrap and the box, and use an oven-safe dish slightly larger than the cheese to hold it. You can also wrap several layers of aluminium foil around the Camembert to support its shape.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Score the top rind of the Camembert in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut all the way to the edge so that the cheese doesn't ooze out during baking. Drizzle the cheese with olive oil, and top with fresh rosemary and thyme, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Bake for about 12-20 minutes, until melted.
While the cheese is baking, prepare your accompaniments. For the sautéed mushrooms, you can use crimini, oyster, or king trumpet mushrooms. Simply sauté them in a pan with some olive oil and seasonings of your choice. For the cured meats, opt for something funky and loaded with umami, such as crispy bacon or salami.
Once the cheese is melted and your accompaniments are ready, it's time to plate. Invert the Camembert onto a platter and stir in the mushrooms and meats. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and serve with a crusty baguette, crackers, or toasts for dipping. Enjoy your warm, oozy Camembert!
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Frequently asked questions
Bake the cheese at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes. If you're baking in an air fryer, 15 minutes should be enough.
Warm camembert cheese can be served with crackers, toasted bread, baguette slices, or crusty bread for dipping. You can also serve it with fruits like berries, apples, or pear slices.
Some popular toppings include honey, rosemary, cranberries, walnuts, crispy bacon, and thyme. You can also try bold sweet chili sauce, balsamic reduction, or bourbon glaze.
