The Perfect Pairings For Camembert Cheese

Camembert is a French cheese with a rich texture and buttery, earthy flavour notes. It is a versatile cheese that can be eaten raw or baked and served as a starter or a main course. When it comes to what to serve with camembert, there are several options. For drinks, dry, bubbly champagne or sparkling white wine are classic choices. For food, camembert goes well with cured meats, sautéed mushrooms, olives, and fresh fruits and preserves. It can also be served as part of a classic French cheese board or baked and served with a crusty baguette.

Drinks: Champagne, sparkling white, light/medium-bodied reds, cider, cocktails

The rich, buttery, and earthy flavour of Camembert cheese is best complemented by bright, acidic, and fizzy drinks. Here are some drink options that go well with Camembert cheese:

Champagne

Champagne is a classic pairing for Camembert cheese. The lightness and bubbles of the Champagne balance out the creamy richness of the cheese. The bright acidity of the Champagne cuts through the buttery texture of the Camembert, refreshing the palate between bites. The fruity and slightly toasty notes in Champagne, such as apple and citrus, also complement the mushroomy flavour of the cheese rind.

Sparkling White

If you're looking for a more affordable option, sparkling wines like Prosecco or Cava work just as well as Champagne. Their crisp bubbles create a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of the cheese.

Light/Medium-Bodied Reds

When it comes to red wines, light or medium-bodied options like Pinot Noir and Beaujolais are recommended. These wines have a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the cheese.

Cider

Cider is a natural partner for Camembert, especially when it comes from the same region in Normandy, France. A crisp, dry cider brings a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy cheese. The slightly sweet and tart flavour of cider cuts through the fattiness of the Camembert, while the apple notes enhance the earthy undertones of the cheese. Sparkling cider adds a fun, effervescent element to the pairing.

Cocktails

Fizzy, citrusy cocktails made with gin and vodka pair beautifully with Camembert. Drinks like the French 75, Gin and Tonic, or Moscow Mule can elevate the cheese experience. The bubbles and bright flavours of these cocktails provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy cheese.

Fruits: Berries, apples, apricots, pickled blueberries

Camembert is a soft, creamy French cheese with a rich and earthy flavour. It is often served as part of a charcuterie board or melted as a dip and pairs well with a variety of fruits, including:

Berries

Sweet, juicy berries are a delicious match for Camembert. Fresh berries of any kind are a good choice, but you could also try them jammed or pickled. Raspberry, strawberry, and apricot preserves are classic pairings, but you could also get creative and experiment with other berries. The sharp tang of pickled blueberries can also add a nice acidic contrast to the rich cheese.

Apples

The crisp, slightly tart taste of apples creates a refreshing balance to the creaminess of Camembert. Try sliced apples with Camembert on a crusty baguette, or dip apple slices into melted Camembert.

Apricots

Apricots are another fruit that pairs well with Camembert. Try them fresh or dried, or as apricot preserves spread on a cracker or bread alongside the cheese.

Pickled blueberries

Pickled blueberries add a tangy, acidic kick to Camembert. They can be a great way to cut through the richness of the cheese, especially if it is a ripe, runny Camembert.

Vegetables: Mushrooms, olives, pickles, crudités

Mushrooms

Sauteed mushrooms are a perfect pairing with Camembert. The earthy, mushroomy notes of the cheese are enhanced by the savouriness of the mushrooms. Crimini, oyster, or king trumpet mushrooms are ideal varieties to accompany Camembert.

Olives

Olives, especially the mellow, buttery Castelvetrano variety, are another great match for Camembert. Their buttery flavour and texture will complement the rich, creamy Camembert.

Pickles

Pickles, such as cornichons or other pickled vegetables, provide a bright, acidic contrast to the rich texture of Camembert. Pickled blueberries could also be a fun, unique addition, bringing both sweetness and acidity to the pairing.

Crudités

Crudités, such as carrot, celery, or pepper sticks, are a simple, fresh option to serve with Camembert. They provide a crunchy texture and a neutral flavour that won't overwhelm the cheese, allowing its unique flavour to shine.

Breads: Baguette, ciabatta, focaccia, toasted pitta, breadsticks

Bread is a great option to serve with Camembert cheese, and there are several types that pair well with this creamy French cheese. Here are some bread options to consider:

Baguette

A baguette is a classic French bread that goes well with Camembert. It has a crisp crust and a soft, fluffy interior, making it perfect for dipping into the melted cheese. An authentic French baguette, with its light golden colour and airy texture, is the ideal choice. You can cut it into thin slices, either lengthwise or widthwise, to provide the perfect ratio of crispy exterior and soft interior. For added flavour, you can even get a garlic or herb-infused baguette to complement the cheese.

Ciabatta

Ciabatta is an Italian bread with a soft and chewy texture. It is an excellent choice for serving with Camembert due to its large size and light, airy texture. Its absorbent nature means it won't become soggy or fall apart easily, even when paired with oily or wet toppings. Ciabatta can be served as a side or an appetizer, and it goes well with saucy dishes as it can soak up the extra sauce. It also works wonderfully in sandwiches, providing a soft and tender base without being weak or dense.

Focaccia

Focaccia is another Italian flatbread that pairs well with Camembert. It is made with olive oil, salt, and flour, resulting in a light, fluffy interior and a crunchy, golden exterior. Focaccia lends itself well to toppings, especially savoury ingredients such as olives, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various cheeses. It is typically cut into thick slices or cubes, brushed with butter or olive oil, and grilled to a golden brown before being topped. This bread provides a rustic and flavourful base for your Camembert.

Toasted Pitta

Pitta bread is a light and airy option that pairs well with Camembert. It is important to slice it into slightly thicker slices to ensure it stays crisp and doesn't get soggy under the weight of the cheese. Toasted pitta triangles are a great vessel for dipping into melted Camembert, providing a crunchy texture and a mild flavour that complements the cheese.

Breadsticks

Breadsticks are a fun and tasty option to serve with Camembert. They can be baked and served plain or, for an extra indulgent treat, try wrapping them in bacon before baking. Breadsticks provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy cheese and are perfect for dipping or spreading. They can also be served alongside other bread options, such as a baguette or ciabatta, to provide a variety of textures and flavours for your guests to enjoy.

Meats: Cured meats, bacon, saucisson sec, pork pâté

Camembert is a soft, creamy cheese with a rich, earthy flavour. It is named after the village of Camembert in Normandy, France, where it was first produced. Its versatility means it can be enjoyed in many different ways, including baked, fried, or melted into sauces.

When it comes to meat, there are several options that pair well with Camembert. Cured meats, in particular, make an excellent companion to this cheese. The saltiness and savouriness of cured meats such as prosciutto or serrano ham provide a rustic contrast to the milder, creamy Camembert.

For a more indulgent option, try Camembert with bacon. Smoked bacon, combined with green onions and creamy Camembert, makes for a delicious side dish to steak or pork chops. Wrapping Camembert in thin slices of ham and searing it in a skillet is another tasty way to enjoy this cheese.

Saucisson sec, a type of French dry sausage, is another cured meat that complements Camembert. Its savoury flavour and chewy texture make it a delightful pairing. Rich pork pâté is also a perfect match for Camembert, adding a touch of decadence to your charcuterie board.

When creating a charcuterie board with Camembert, remember to include some fresh baguette slices, crisp apple slices, or a drizzle of honey to balance the savoury flavours of the meats. You can also add olives and nuts for extra texture and flavour.

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