Frederic Melton
Baked Camembert is a delicious, decadent treat that can be served as a starter or main course. It is a versatile dish that can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance its flavour. The cheese can be baked in its wooden box or a ceramic dish, making it an easy option for a dinner party or festive gathering. So, what are the best things to serve with this mouth-watering, melted cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Bring the cheese to room temperature before baking |
| Oven temperature | Preheat the oven to 180°C fan/200°C/400°F Gas Mark 6 |
| Toppings | Honey, garlic, thyme, rosemary, cranberries, almonds, Cointreau, sundried tomatoes, walnuts, pistachios, red onion chutney, sage, whiskey, maple syrup |
| Dipping options | Toasted French bread, crackers, breadsticks, rice cakes, corn cakes, gluten-free toasted baguette slices, roasted potato wedges, sweet potato rounds, polenta cubes, gluten-free pita chips, celery, apple, figs, grapes, crusty baguette |
| Accompaniments | Charcuterie board, fruit and nuts, cornichons, baguette, prawn cocktail canapes, smoked salmon canapes, sausage rolls, Brie and cranberry bites, slow cooker ham, puff pastry mince pies, black pudding and Guinness bread |
| Drinks | Champagne, Chenin Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, dry Riesling, Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, rustic saison, biere de garde, tart fruit-infused sour, Norman-style cider, French 75, Gin and Tonic, Moscow Mule |
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What You'll Learn
Bread, crackers, crudites, and breadsticks
Baked camembert is a delicious treat and is best enjoyed when shared. Bread, crackers, crudites, and breadsticks are classic accompaniments to this dish.
Bread is a versatile option, with crusty baguette, ciabatta, sourdough, and gluten-free toasted baguette slices all pairing well with the creamy cheese. For an extra special touch, try black pudding and Guinness bread. Breadsticks can also be wrapped in streaky pancetta for a savoury, salty bite.
Crackers are another simple yet effective choice, providing a neutral base to showcase the camembert's flavour. Rice or corn cakes are a lighter, gluten-free alternative that won't overpower the cheese.
Crudites offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the baked cheese. Celery sticks, sharp green apple slices, fresh figs, grapes, and berries all make excellent dipping options.
Whether enjoyed as part of a charcuterie board or as the star of the show, baked camembert is a decadent and indulgent dish, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
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Fruits, nuts, and honey
Baked camembert is a delicious treat that can be served with a variety of fruits, nuts, and honey. Here are some ideas to elevate your cheese dish:
Fruits
Fresh, juicy fruits complement the rich and creamy flavour of baked camembert. Seasonal fruits such as raspberries, apricots, and strawberries can be served as a side or turned into preserves to accompany the cheese. For a touch of acidity, consider pickled fruits like blueberries. Other fruits that pair well include sharp green apples, fresh figs, and grapes, which can be dipped into the molten cheese for a delightful contrast of textures.
Nuts
Nuts provide a satisfying crunch and enhance the flavour of baked camembert. Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and pecans are excellent choices to offer alongside the cheese. For an extra indulgent touch, try spiced or flaked almonds, or even bake the camembert with nuts sprinkled on top for a golden, toasted finish.
Honey
Honey and cheese are a classic combination, and drizzling runny honey over baked camembert adds a beautiful touch of sweetness. Whether you opt for a simple drizzle or get creative with honey-based sauces, the natural sweetness of honey balances the savoury notes of the cheese.
When serving baked camembert with fruits, nuts, and honey, remember to let the cheese come to room temperature before serving to ensure the best flavour and texture. Enjoy your decadent, cheesy creation!
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Charcuterie and cured meats
Baked Camembert is a great addition to a charcuterie board, and cured meats are the perfect pairing. The saltiness and savouriness of cured meats complement the rich, creamy, and mild flavour profile of Camembert.
When preparing a charcuterie board with baked Camembert, it is important to consider the balance of flavours and textures. Cut the Camembert into medium bite-sized pieces and arrange them on the board, leaving space for the other ingredients. For a pleasing presentation, arrange triangular slices of cheese by alternating the direction of each slice. For rectangular blocks, cut into slices and layer them, alternating directions with each row.
For cured meats, roll up individual slices and assemble them in a row on the board. Salami, prosciutto, and other cured meats will add a rustic, savoury element to the board. The saltiness of the meat will contrast nicely with the sweetness of the Camembert.
In addition to cured meats, a charcuterie board with baked Camembert can include fresh fruits such as grapes, berries, and dried fruits. Nuts, crackers, olives, and pickles are also excellent choices to round out the board and provide a variety of textures and flavours.
When serving baked Camembert, it is best to let the cheese come to room temperature before serving. This enhances the flavours and aromas and softens the texture, ensuring the most delicious eating experience.
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Olives, mushrooms, and potatoes
For olive lovers, baking olives with olive oil, chilli flakes, dried oregano, and fresh rosemary enhances the flavour of the olives and creates a tasty topping for the baked Camembert. This combination is a simple yet impressive dish to serve to guests, especially when accompanied by toasted bread and a glass of red wine.
When it comes to mushrooms, a wild mushroom fricassee is an excellent pairing with baked Camembert. This dish involves baking the Camembert and serving it with a mixture of sautéed wild mushrooms and walnuts, which provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavour. The mushroom fricassee can be spooned over the Camembert and enjoyed with toasts on the side.
Potatoes also make a great partner for baked Camembert. One option is to create a potato and Camembert bake by layering sliced, baked potatoes with Camembert, sliced mushrooms, spring onions, and butter. This dish combines the creaminess of the Camembert with the heartiness of the potatoes and the earthy flavour of the mushrooms. It's a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for a rainy day.
Whether you choose to focus on one of these ingredients or combine them in creative ways, olives, mushrooms, and potatoes all provide a wonderful range of flavours, textures, and presentation options to enhance the enjoyment of baked Camembert cheese.
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Wine, cocktails, and cider
When it comes to wine, a classic choice to pair with baked Camembert is dry, bubbly Champagne or any nice, dry sparkling white. White wines like Chenin Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, or a dry Riesling also work well. If you prefer red wine, opt for light or medium-bodied reds such as Pinot Noir and Beaujolais. To enhance the subtle funk of this soft-ripened cheese, pair it with a rustic saison or biere de garde. For a tart and fruity option, choose a sour beer.
If you're in the mood for something stronger, consider a cider or a cocktail. An off-dry Norman-style cider, made in the same region of France as Camembert, is an excellent choice. For cocktails, go for something fizzy and citrusy, such as a French 75, Gin and Tonic, or Moscow Mule.
For a non-alcoholic option, try chilled cranberry juice, which is a great drink to serve with baked Camembert.
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Frequently asked questions
Simple side dishes to serve with baked Camembert cheese include crackers, breadsticks, crudites, and toasted baguette slices.
More indulgent side dishes to serve with baked Camembert cheese include bacon-wrapped breadsticks, sausage rolls, puff pastry mince pies, and roasted potato wedges.
Gluten-free side dishes to serve with baked Camembert cheese include rice cakes, corn cakes, gluten-free pita chips, and polenta cubes.
Sweet side dishes to serve with baked Camembert cheese include honey, cranberry jelly, dried cranberries, fig jam, and fresh or dried fruits.
Bright, acidic beverages with a lot of fizz pair well with baked Camembert cheese. Dry, bubbly Champagne is a classic choice. Other options include dry sparkling white wines, light or medium-bodied red wines, and off-dry Norman-style cider.
