If you are looking for a quick and easy last-minute Christmas appetizer to put together then this baked camembert with honey and thyme with a hint of chili is for you.
Gooey, cheesy creamy soft cheese perfect dipper for crusty bread, crackers, or crudites.
What makes this cheese appetizer so great
There are some over-complicated recipes out there that take too long to make and don't taste as good as they should.
This baked camembert with honey, thyme, and red pepper flakes is exactly the opposite of that. It's quick and super easy, tastes great, and is utterly delicious.
Not only does it only require 4 main ingredients just like my homemade pigs in blankets, but it is also economical and such a crowd-pleaser.
Baked camembert is a fantastic appetizer that can be customized to taste but I like to keep it simple by baking it with honey (or maple syrup) and herbs. However, I do offer chutneys or preserve when I serve it so that my guest can have an array of choices.
If you are a cheese lover then you will love a simple cheese platter or baked brie bites.
What you will need
Whole camembert cheese substitute with Brie (they have the same flavor profile)
Honey substitute with maple syrup
Fresh thyme
Red chili flakes
Salt
How to make baked camembert
Preheat the oven at 180C/365F
Unwrap the camembert cheese from its foil/plastic packaging and return the cheese to the wooden box
Wrap foil under the wooden box to prevent leakage during baking (this step is optional).
Score the top of the cheese diagonally a few times (follow the line on the cheese)
Carefully push some fresh springs of thyme inside the incisions and season the top of the camembert with red pepper flakes. Finally, drizzle some honey onto the cheese
Bake the camembert cheese in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until it is melted and gooey on the inside
Carefully remove it from the oven and serve immediately with toasted bread or crackers.
Air fryer baked camembert instruction
Preheat the air fryer to 180C/365F for 3-5 minutes
Follow the steps written above to prep and season the camembert
Place it in the air basket in its wheel or in a small oven-safe baking dish.
Air fryer for 10-15 minutes, start checking from 8 minutes for doneness. serve and enjoy.
What to serve with baked camembert
Crackers
Carrot batton, cauliflower, broccoli, and many more.
Camembert toppings ideas
Chutney or preserves: cranberry sauce, caramelized onions, jam and you can top with more honey.
Chopped nuts such as almond, pecans, walnut, pinenuts, or pistachio
Flavored oil: truffle oil, garlic infused oil, chili-infused oil, and more
Herbs: I used fresh thyme but you can also use fresh rosemary or oregano. Dried herbs such as herbs de Provence would work as well.
Tips
- It is important that you don’t overbake the camembert, otherwise, it will become rubbery and hard which is not what you want.
- If you're making more than one camembert, use different toppings to offer your guests a different variety of tastes.
- You can use the same method to bake brie if you prefer if you can't find camembert
- Serve this appetizer immediately as it tends to harden up the longer it sits
- You do not have to bake the cheese in the wooden box it came in, you can bake it in an oven-proof dish or in an artisan bread if you prefer.
- Cook in the microwave instead of the oven at high power for 2 minutes. if it needs more time, cook at 30 seconds intervals until melted to your desired consistency.
FAQs
How long to bake camembert in the oven?
Bake at 180C/365F for 12-15 minutes or until melted and gooey on the inside. Timing is important when baking this cheese, it is better to undercook it as you can always put it back in the oven for a few minutes if needed. However, It will be a different story if you overcook it.
Can it be reheated?
No, this cheese appetizer is not meant to be reheated. It is best enjoyed when served fresh and warm from the oven. That said if you feel the need to reheat it then pop it in the microwave at 30-second intervals until melted.
Is camembert cheese rind edible?
Yes, the rind on camembert cheese or brie is edible. In fact, it's actually quite flavorful. However, if you're not a fan of the rind, you can always remove it before baking.
What is camembert cheese?
Camembert is a type of soft-ripened cheese that originates from the Normandy region in France. It has a creamy, runny center and a slightly pungent smell. The cheese is made from cow's milk and can be served fresh or baked.
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Baked Camembert
Ingredients
- 250 g camembert cheese
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- Pinch of red chili flakes
- 4 springs fresh thyme
- Salt to taste optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven at 180C/365F
- Unwrap the camembert cheese from its foil/plastic packaging and return the cheese to the wooden box
- Wrap foil under the wooden box to prevent leakage during baking (optional).
- Score the top of the cheese diagonally a few times (follow the line on the cheese)
- Carefully push some fresh springs of thyme inside the incisions and season the top of the camembert with red pepper flakes. Finally, drizzle some honey onto the cheese
- Bake the camembert cheese in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until it is melted and gooey on the inside
- Carefully remove it from the oven and serve immediately with toasted bread or crackers.
Notes
- Substitute the camembert with brie
- Substitute honey with maple syrup or olive oil
- You can also add chopped garlic into the incisions before baking or season with garlic salt instead
- It is important that you don’t overbake the camembert, otherwise, it will become rubbery and hard which is not what you want.
- If you're making more than one camembert, use different toppings to offer your guests a different variety of tastes.
- You use the same method to bake brie if you prefer or if you can't find camembert
- Serve this appetizer immediately as it tends to harden up the longer it sits
- You do not have to bake the cheese in the wooden box it came in, you can bake it in an oven-proof dish or in an artisan bread if you prefer.
- Cook in the microwave instead of the oven at high power for 2 minutes. if it needs more time, cook at 30 seconds intervals until melted to your desired consistency.
Nutrition
Nutritional data: Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Under no circumstances will thedinnerbite.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information.
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