Creative Ways To Use Up Camembert Cheese

Camembert is a soft, buttery French cheese with a white, bloomy rind. It is best enjoyed at room temperature, as cold temperatures mute its flavour and aroma. When it comes to how to use up Camembert cheese, the options are endless. You can enjoy it on its own, baked, fried, or melted into your favourite recipes. It can be served as an appetizer, a snack, or a fancy dinner. It goes well with bread, crackers, fruits, nuts, cured meats, and more. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to create unique flavour combinations. While Camembert can be frozen, it is not recommended due to its high moisture content and delicate structure.

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Baked Camembert

Ingredients:

• Camembert cheese (a wheel or round, preferably with a wooden box)
• Fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or other aromatic herbs)
• Spices (such as chili flakes, black pepper, or sea salt)
• Honey or maple syrup
• Olive oil
• Optional toppings: dried cranberries, walnuts, sliced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or fruit preserves

Step 1: Preparing the Cheese

Let the Camembert cheese come to room temperature before baking. Remove any plastic or paper wrapping, but keep the cheese in its wooden box. If the box is not oven-safe, wrap it in aluminium foil or place the cheese in an oven-proof dish.

Step 2: Seasoning the Cheese

Using a sharp knife, score the top of the cheese, creating a circle with a 1/2-inch border. Carefully remove the rind to expose the creamy cheese underneath. Dot the surface with fresh herbs and drizzle with olive oil. You can also add thin slices of garlic or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavour.

Step 3: Baking

Preheat your oven to a temperature between 160°C and 375°F (depending on your oven and container). Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the cheese and sprinkle with your desired spices. Place the cheese (in its box or dish) on a baking tray and bake for 12 to 20 minutes. The baking time will depend on the size of your cheese and your desired level of gooeyness.

Step 4: Serving

Camembert in salads

Camembert is a delicious French cheese with a buttery interior and a white, bloomy rind. It can be a great addition to salads. Here are some ideas for using Camembert in salads:

Baked Camembert Salad

This salad involves baking Camembert cheese encased in pastry until the pastry is flaky and the cheese is warm and runny. It is then placed on a serving plate and surrounded by salad. The salad can include sautéed mushrooms, red peppers, onions, fennel, and bacon, with a splash of crème balsamico for sweetness. The pastry adds a nice contrast to the richness of the cheese.

Apple, Cider Salad with Melted Camembert Dressing

This salad features a dressing made by melting Camembert and blending it with crème fraîche. The dressing is then poured over a bed of salad leaves, apple slices, and croutons. The apple slices are prepared by sprinkling them with cider, patting them dry, and then arranging them over the salad. The piquancy of the apple combines superbly with the cheese.

Camembert with Spicy Greens

This salad involves adding slices of Camembert to a mix of spicy greens like arugula. You can also add apple or pear slices, and a handful of nuts such as pecans or walnuts. For a more flavorful finish, sliced onions can be added, along with a vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing.

Pairings and Accompaniments

When using Camembert in salads, consider pairing it with fruity, sweet, or acidic ingredients to complement its earthy, mushroomy, or barnyard-like notes. Fresh, jammed, or pickled berries go well with Camembert, as do sautéed mushrooms and olives. As for drinks, a classic choice is dry, bubbly Champagne or a dry sparkling white wine. Light or medium-bodied reds like Pinot Noir can also work well.

Remember to bring Camembert to room temperature before serving, as cold temperatures mute its flavors and keep its texture firm.

Camembert in grilled cheese sandwiches

Camembert grilled cheese sandwiches are a great way to use up leftover Camembert cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make them:

Ingredients

• Camembert cheese
• Bread (rustic, sourdough, seeded multigrain, cheddar raisin, or French bread)
• Butter
• Condiments (optional): cranberry sauce, chutney, caramelized onions, red pepper jelly, jam, honey, balsamic vinegar
• Additional fillings (optional): greens, ham, tomato slices, basil, gruyere cheese, balsamic onions

Instructions

• Start with good-quality bread. While classic grilled cheese uses "wonder" white bread, a gourmet version calls for something special. Sourdough, seeded multigrain, cheddar raisin, or rustic bread are excellent choices.
• Cut the bread slices to a moderate thickness. Thicker slices may hinder the melting process of the cheese.
• Use at least two types of cheese for added flavour and texture. Camembert has a creamy and mild taste, so pairing it with a sharp, nutty cheese like Gruyere creates a delightful contrast.
• Spread butter on the outer sides of the bread slices. This will give the sandwich a golden, crispy exterior when grilled.
• Layer the fillings:

• Spread a generous amount of Camembert cheese on one bread slice. Remove the rind if desired, especially if you want the cheese to melt more easily and ooze out of the sandwich.
• Add your choice of condiments and additional fillings. Popular options include a thin layer of cranberry sauce, caramelized onions, and a drizzle of honey. You can also add sliced tomatoes, basil, or greens (served on the side or inside the sandwich).

• Top the sandwich with another bread slice.
• Heat a skillet or griddle to medium heat. You can melt butter in the pan instead of spreading it directly on the bread.
• Place the sandwich in the hot skillet or griddle and cook until golden brown. This should take around 2-3 minutes per side or 4 minutes, depending on your heat source.
• If the sandwich turns golden before the cheese fully melts, reduce the heat to low and cook a little longer, flipping once or twice.
• Slice the sandwich in half and serve immediately. Enjoy the delicious combination of melted Camembert and complementary flavours!

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of bread, cheese, and condiments to create your ultimate Camembert grilled cheese sandwich.

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Camembert as a substitute for cream or milk

Camembert is a soft, creamy French cheese with a rich flavour and a buttery texture. It is made from cow's milk and has a distinctive white, bloomy, edible rind. Its earthy, tangy notes make it a versatile ingredient in many dishes.

Camembert can be used as a substitute for cream or milk in cooking. Its creamy texture means it melts well and can be added to pasta dishes, such as mac and cheese, or a simple mushroom pasta. It can also be used in mashed potatoes; simply add room-temperature Camembert before mashing. For a smooth sauce, it is best to cut off the rind and only use the inside of the cheese.

Camembert can also be used in grilled cheese sandwiches or paninis, adding a creamy texture and a tangy flavour. For a simple snack, try dipping toasted bread into melted Camembert.

When using Camembert in cooking, it is important to note that it has a high-fat content, so it can burn easily. It should be cooked gently and kept an eye on to avoid overcooking or drying out.

Camembert has a strong flavour, so it can also be served simply with bread or crackers, or with fruits such as apples, pears, or berries to dip into the cheese. It pairs well with cured meats, sautéed mushrooms, and olives, and can be enjoyed with a glass of champagne or white wine.

Freeze Camembert

While it is possible to freeze Camembert, it is not recommended as it can alter the cheese's texture and flavour. Freezing Camembert can result in a grainy texture and a loss of flavour. The longer it is frozen, the more degraded the texture will become.

If you do decide to freeze your Camembert, it is important to prepare it properly to ensure the best possible outcome. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Portion the Camembert: Cut the cheese into wedges weighing around 200 grams each. This allows you to easily grab a portion from the freezer as needed.
• Wrap the wedges: Wrap each wedge in a layer of foil, followed by a layer of cling film. This helps to preserve the cheese and prevent the freezer from smelling like cheese.
• Bag and freeze: Place the wrapped wedges into a freezer bag, ensuring it is sealed tightly. This provides an extra layer of protection and helps prevent the cheese from getting crushed by other items in the freezer.
• Label and date: Label the bag with the date of freezing. Camembert can be frozen for up to 3 months, but it is best to use it within this time frame to minimise texture degradation.
• Defrost: When ready to use, defrost the Camembert slowly in the fridge overnight. It is recommended to cook the cheese after defrosting for better results.

Remember, freezing Camembert is not ideal, and you may experience changes in texture and flavour. It is always best to plan and purchase only what you can consume within the recommended timeframe.

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