Baked Camembert Recipe

I absolutely love this baked Camembert recipe because it’s the ultimate comfort food, with gooey cheese oozing out in perfect harmony with the aromatic rosemary and garlic. Plus, dipping crusty bread into creamy, melted cheese feels like an indulgent treat that can turn any day into a cozy celebration.

I adore making recipes that highlight uncomplicated, vibrant flavors, and my baked Camembert is a case in point. I take an entire wheel of Camembert and dress it with very thinly sliced garlic and rosemary chopped almost to a paste.

Then I drown the whole thing in oil, and half an hour later, once it is baked and bubbling on the inside, we eat it with a kind of bread that has enough yeasty chew and enough crust to hold up to the molten, cheesy interior.

Ingredients

Camembert Cheese:
Providing protein and calcium, rich and creamy.

A delightful indulgence.

Garlic:
Imparts aromatic richness with possible immune-enhancing effects.

Fresh Rosemary:
Provides a scented flavor like pine; has an abundance of antioxidants.

Olive Oil:
Fats that are healthy for the heart and that lend a smooth, fruity essence to dishes.

Crusty Bread:
Ideal for dipping; provides carbohydrates and a gratifying crunch.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 whole Camembert cheese (in its box)
• 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Pinch of salt
• Crusty bread, for serving

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to warm up.

2. Take the Camembert out of its packaging and remove any plastic or paper wrappings.

3. Return the cheese to the lower half of its wooden box. If you lack a wooden box, use a small, ovenproof dish.

4. Make shallow cuts in a criss-cross pattern to score the top of the cheese.

5. Thinly slice the garlic and insert it into the cuts you made on the cheese.

6. Evenly sprinkle the chopped rosemary over the top of the cheese.

7. Pour the olive oil over the cheese to help it keep moist and flavorful.

8. Add a little salt to bring out the tastes.

9. Set the box or dish onto a baking sheet and place it in the preheated oven. Allow it to cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until you see the cheese out and proud, melted, and bubbly.

10. Serve the hot baked Camembert with crusty bread for dipping.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Small knife
3. Cutting board
4. Baking sheet
5. Ovenproof dish (if wooden box is unavailable)

FAQ

• Can I use any type of Camembert for baking?Indeed, you may use a whole Camembert, but make sure it has a wooden box to hold its shape when baking.

• Is it necessary to remove the rind before baking?The cheese is held together by the rind, which is intended for consumption. When baked, the rind softens and becomes more deliciously edible.
• How long should I bake the Camembert?Place the item in an oven that has been preheated to 180°C (356°F). Allow it to bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until soft to the touch.
• Can I add other toppings?Without a doubt! You can incorporate herbs such as thyme or add a sprinkling of chili flakes to create a zesty flavor.
• What type of bread pairs well with Baked Camembert?The ideal accompaniment for dipping into the melted cheese is a crusty baguette or sourdough.
• How can I prevent the cheese from spilling out?Ensure the cheese is securely encased in its wooden box and set onto a baking sheet to catch drips.
• Can I prepare this dish in advance?Garlic and rosemary can be prepared ahead of time, but you should bake the Camembert just prior to serving for the best results.

Substitutions and Variations

One clove of garlic may be swapped out for 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
1 teaspoon of fresh rosemary can be replaced with 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary.
1 tablespoon olive oil, can be substituted with 1 tablespoon melted butter
Sliced baguette or crackers can stand in for crusty bread.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance the Flavor For an additional layer of flavor, add a splash of white wine or vermouth on top of the cheese before baking. This will complement the creamy texture and add depth to each bite.

2. Custom Bread Pairing While crusty bread is a classic choice, try pairing the baked Camembert with different bread types like sourdough, ciabatta, or even breadsticks for varied texture and taste experiences.

3. Wine Pairing Serve the dish with a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. These wines balance the richness of the cheese.

4. Add Texture For extra texture and taste, sprinkle some chopped toasted nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, over the cheese right before serving.

5. Herb Variations While rosemary is traditional, you can experiment with other herbs like thyme or oregano to give the dish a different aromatic profile.