Baking Camembert: Foil-Wrapped Delicacy In Minutes

Baked camembert is a delicious treat, perfect for sharing with friends and family. This soft, creamy cheese is usually made from cow's milk and is similar to brie. It can be baked in its wooden box or wrapped in foil and placed in a small, shallow oven-proof dish. The key to a perfect baked camembert is ensuring the cheese is gooey and melted in the centre. This can be achieved by baking it in the oven for around 15-20 minutes at 200°C (180°C fan). Before baking, the camembert should be unwrapped and placed back in its box or wrapped in foil. Slits should be made in the top of the cheese, allowing hot air to escape and for flavours to be added. Flavour combinations are endless, but some favourites include garlic, thyme, honey, and olive oil. Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or crudités for dipping and enjoy!

How to prepare camembert for baking in foil

Camembert is a soft, creamy cow's milk cheese that originated from Normandy, France. It is often sold in a thin wooden box, which can be put straight into the oven. If your camembert comes in a cardboard box or no box at all, you can bake it in foil.

Step 1: Prepare the Camembert

Remove the camembert from its wax packaging and place it on a sheet of foil. Check the cheese all over for any stickers and remove them.

Step 2: Prepare the Toppings

Cut several slits into the top of the camembert. You can add flavour to the cheese by pushing pieces of garlic, sprigs of thyme, or other herbs such as rosemary, chives, or parsley into the slits. Drizzle the cheese with olive oil, honey, or maple syrup, and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Wrap the Camembert

Wrap the camembert in the foil. If you are using a wooden box, place the wrapped cheese back inside. If not, put the wrapped cheese in a small, shallow oven-proof dish, a specialist ceramic camembert baker, or a small pan.

Step 4: Bake the Camembert

Place the wrapped cheese on a baking tray and bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey inside. You can also cook the wrapped cheese on a barbecue by placing it in its box, wrapping the box in foil, and heating it over the coals for 15 minutes, turning it every 5 minutes.

How long to bake camembert in foil

Baking camembert in foil is a great way to prevent mess in your oven and ensure you get to enjoy all of that delicious melted cheese.

First, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) mark 6. Then, unwrap the camembert and remove any stickers or wax paper packaging. Cut several slits into the top of the camembert and add your chosen toppings. You can flavour it with anything you like, but simple combinations of one or two seasonings work best to let the flavour of the cheese shine. Good options include garlic, thyme, rosemary, chilli flakes, honey, black pepper, and olive oil.

Once you've added your toppings, wrap the camembert in foil and place it on a baking tray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and gooey. You can check if it's ready by lightly touching the top—it should feel liquidy. Be careful not to over-bake the camembert, as this will cause it to dry out.

If you're baking the camembert in its box, wrap the box in foil to prevent leaks and follow the same instructions.

What to serve with baked camembert

Baked Camembert is a delicious dish, perfect for sharing with friends and family. The gooey, molten cheese is a great centrepiece for any gathering and can be served with a variety of delicious accompaniments. So, what are the best things to serve with baked Camembert?

First, you'll want to choose something to dip into that delicious, hot cheese. Crusty bread is a classic choice and pairs perfectly with the creamy Camembert. Baguette, ciabatta, sourdough, and pitta bread are all excellent options for dipping. If you're looking for something a little different, try breadsticks, cheese crackers, or even gluten-free options like gluten-free crackers, breadsticks, or pretzels.

Next, you'll want to consider some flavourful additions to enhance the taste of the Camembert. Pickles are a great choice, with pickled onions and cornichons being particular favourites. Fresh or dried fruit also works well, such as sharp green apple slices, fresh figs, grapes, or dried cranberries. For a touch of sweetness, try drizzling honey over the Camembert, or serving it with jam or chutney on the side.

If you're feeling adventurous, there are some more unique options to try. Why not try wrapping breadsticks in bacon for a savoury treat? Or, for a healthier option, serve Camembert with vegetable crudités like celery sticks, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips. Nuts and dried fruits, like almonds, walnuts, and dried apricots, also make a tasty and textured accompaniment to the cheese.

And let's not forget the drinks! Baked Camembert goes perfectly with a glass of wine, whether it's red wine, port, or a festive mulled wine. So, go ahead and create your own delicious platter of accompaniments to enjoy with your baked Camembert!

Flavours to add to camembert

Camembert is a soft, creamy cow's milk cheese that originated from Normandy, France. It has a rich and earthy flavour and is often enjoyed as a spread, in salads, or melted.

When baking camembert, you can flavour it with anything you like, but it's best to keep it simple with just one or two seasonings to complement the cheese. Here are some flavour combinations to try when baking camembert in foil:

• Thyme and garlic: Pierce the top of the camembert with a knife and insert slices of garlic. Sprinkle thyme leaves over the top and drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
• Rosemary and garlic: Create slits in the top of the camembert and insert slivers of garlic. Add small sprigs of rosemary and a drizzle of honey.
• Chilli flakes and honey: Make cuts in the top of the camembert and sprinkle with chilli flakes. Drizzle with honey to create a sweet and spicy combination.
• Black pepper and olive oil: Season the camembert with black pepper and drizzle with olive oil before baking.
• Walnuts and honey: Top the camembert with walnuts and a drizzle of honey for a sweet and nutty combination.
• Fig jam and pecans: Spread fig jam on top of the camembert and sprinkle with pecans. Wrap the cheese in puff pastry and bake for a molten treat.

How to know when camembert is cooked

Baked Camembert is a delicious treat, but how do you know when it's cooked to perfection? Here are some tips to ensure your baked Camembert turns out just right:

Oven-Baked Camembert

If you're baking your Camembert in the oven, the first thing to consider is the temperature and timing. Preheat your oven to around 180°C, and bake your Camembert for approximately 12 to 20 minutes. It's important not to overbake, as this will cause the cheese to harden. The ideal cooking time will depend on the size of your cheese, so adjust accordingly.

Once the time is up, carefully touch the top of the Camembert lightly. If it feels fluid and gooey, like a waterbed, then it's ready. You can also look out for a golden colour on top and a very soft texture underneath.

Air-Fryer Baked Camembert

If you're using an air fryer, set the temperature to 160ºC / 320ºF and cook for around 15 minutes. Again, make sure to use an appropriate container to avoid any mess.

Microwave Reheating

When reheating Camembert in the microwave, start with 30-60 seconds at medium power and check frequently to prevent overheating. You're aiming for a soft and melted, but not overly runny, texture.

General Tips

• Always use a container to bake your Camembert, whether it's the wooden box it came in, a small dish, or foil to prevent mess and spillage.
• Score or pierce the top of the cheese to allow air to escape and to add flavourings.
• Let the cheese sit at room temperature for about an hour before baking for the best flavour.
• Be mindful of the size of your cheese; larger Camemberts will need a little longer to bake.
• Don't be tempted to overcook! Baked Camembert should be gooey and stretchy, not dry and flavourless.

Now you know how to identify when your Camembert is cooked to perfection, it's time to enjoy this delicious, gooey treat!

Frequently asked questions