How To Make The BEST Baked Camembert (2024)

Cheesy, gooey, slightly spicy and ready in less than 20 minutes – Here's our ultimate guide on how to make baked camembert.

Looking for an easy happy hour snack to share for your next dinner party? Baked camembert is the answer!

If you are not familiar with camembert, it's a French round cheese very similar to brie cheese.

It's usually sold in a little wooden box and when baked, it has a delicious nutty flavor that pairs well with lots of fruits and nuts, so it's perfect for apéro time!

And the great news is that you can easily make baked camembert in just 20 minutes.

With almost zero effort, you'll create a gourmet appetizer to share that's perfect for feeding a crowd, making it an excellent choice for dinner parties and holiday gatherings!

Camembert VS Brie

Both these kinds of cheese come from a similar recipe using cow’s milk.

The main difference between these two kinds of cheese is that Brie has cream added in, making it slightly creamier and higher in fat.

They have both an earthy flavor and aroma (slightly similar to mushrooms), but brie has a more buttery and delicate flavor.

Camembert, on the other hand, is sold in a whole wheel and has a more intense and nutty flavor.

If you have the chance, look for the AOC Camembert de Normandie, which is the best of the best.

If you want to make baked brie instead, you can follow the same recipe for baked camembert.

Ingredients

This is truly the best baked camembert recipe out there, and you need just 5 ingredients!

Here's what you'll need:

• Camembert: I use a 9oz (250 g) camembert that comes in its wooden box. Traditionally made from raw milk,today camembert is mostly made from pasteurized milk, but you can use unpasteurized camembert if you want. Some good brands include Marks & Spencer French Camembert, Le Rustique Camembert, and Camembert Le Bocage.

• Honey: I like to brush the cheese with honey, but you can substitute it with maple syrup or extra-virgin olive oil.

• Red chili flakes: to add a little spiciness, sprinkle some chili flakes on top of the rind.

• Aromatic herbs: I used fresh rosemary sprigs, but thyme sprigs or other herbs will work.

MORE TOPPING IDEAS

• Garlic: Add a sliced garlic clove for an extra layer of flavor.

• Fruit Spread or Jam: You can use any type of fruit jam, chutney or marmalade that you like! Apricot jam works well, but you could also use fig jam, cherry jam, apple jam, onion chutney or mango chutney.

• Nuts: Add your favorite nuts! Almonds add both texture and flavor, and the same goes for walnuts or pecans.

How to make baked camembert

What I love the most about this recipe is that you don't need specific kitchen tools to bake camembert at home.

All you need is a small Camembert wheel, its wooden box, some favorite herbs and spices and honey.

Here's an overview of the recipe with helpful step-by-step pictures.

Scroll down for the full printable recipe and tips.

STEP 1. Score the Camembert cheese with a sharp knife.

STEP 3. Bake in the oven for about 12 minutes, until gooey and bubbly.

What to serve with baked camembert

Enjoy your baked camembert with toasted baguette slices, water crackers, grissini, crostini or garlic bread.

Fruit like strawberries, sliced apples, grapes, and dried apricots would also make a great addition to your spread.

For the perfect aperitivo combo, pair it with an Italian charcuterie board.

Regarding wine pairings, consider serving it alongside Champagne (the bubbles work great with it), Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc and even sparkling cider.

Recipe FAQs

Baking tips

I've been making this recipe for years, and it's always a success.

The recipe is totally fool-proof, but make sure to follow these easy tips for the best results.

• Let the cheese sit at room temperature for at least 1 or 2 hours before baking.
• Bake the cheese in its wooden box, but remove the plastic wrapping.
• Wrap the wooden box in foil, and arrange it on a baking sheet to avoid any cheese spillage (I never had this issue, but just in case).
• If the camembert doesn’t come in a wooden box, you can use a small baking pot, a Camembert baker, a cast-iron skillet or arrange it on kitchen foil.
• Do not put the cheese in the oven without one of the options given above, as it will spread around.
• Make sure the oven temperaturesticks to180ºC/350ºF/Gas 4 (fan oven 160C), and not above that.
• Use a knife to score the top of the cheese, this will allow the air to escape while cooking.
• You can also cut the top rind entirely, this is really up to your taste, I keep it on mine.
• Sprinkle sea salt flakes and freshly cracked black pepper, or chili flakes to add a little heat to the cheese.
• Drizzle the top with extra-virgin olive oil or honey, which adds a nice sweetness and balances well the cheese flavor.

Storage tips

Wrap it thoroughly and then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This kind of cheese does not freeze well.

More cheese recipes you'll love

• Italian Fried Mozzarella Sandwich
• 3-Ingredient Parmesan Cookies
• Perfect Ploughman's Lunch

Did you try this recipe?

Please let me know how you liked it! Leave a comment below and share a picture onInstagramwith the hashtag#thepetitecook!

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