How To Cook Camembert – Camembert is a soft cheese with a creamy texture and bloomy rind; it is made from cow’s milk. Why is it now in vogue, mainly at Christmas time? Usually eaten warm after heating by itself right in its wooden box or baked correctly and then used as a rich in gooey liquid cheese dip in a special ceramic camembert baker.
Do see our easy-to-follow recipe for baked Camembert and also have a look at recipes on different ways to serve Camembert. Saving up money to share for more great festive sharing dish, read the tips that we have given on how to cook camembert.
Buy Camembert
Camembert is from Normandy, and there are rules about its manufacture. That is really Camembert de Normandie, and if made with raw milk, it will bear the words appellation d’ origine protege on its pack. However, if it is from the same area and made with pasteurized milk, it will be labelled ‘fabrique en Normandie’. Others also make Camembert, for example, in Britain.
The rind of good quality camembert must be bumpy or rippled looking, white with little flecks of red, downy. They are sold in boxes of poplar wood, some glued and stapled. While cheaper, they are usually packaged in cardboard boxes, but we do not recommend baking the cheese in such. Below are our tips on alternative cooking vessels.
How much time does it take to bake Camembert?
For oven baking camembert, first, follow the instructions given, and it should take about 20 minutes at 200C (180C fan or gas 6). When the cheese is liquid in the middle, take it out and sprinkle it on Camembert. Do not over-bake, as dried cheese cannot be restored.
How to Cook Camembert: A Step-by-Step Guide
Camembert is a soft, creamy French cheese known for its rich flavour and smooth texture. Baking Camembert enhances its creaminess, making it an indulgent appetizer or snack. Whether you have the original wooden box or need to use a different method, this guide will walk you through the process of cooking Camembert to perfection.
Preparing Camembert for Baking
Step 1: Remove the Wrapping and Inspect the Cheese
Start by removing the Camembert from its packaging. Carefully unwrap the cheese, checking for any stickers, labels, or additional materials that may have been attached. Removing all these before baking is essential to ensure the cheese is safe and clean.
Step 2: Place the Cheese Back in the Box
If your Camembert comes in a wooden or cardboard box, place the unwrapped cheese back into the bottom half of the box. The box will serve as the baking vessel, holding the cheese together as it melts. If the box is glued together, reinforce it by tying a piece of kitchen string around it. This prevents the box from opening during baking if the glue weakens under the heat.
Step 3: Score the Top and Add Toppings
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut slits into the top of the Camembert. This allows the heat to penetrate evenly and makes room for your favourite toppings. Popular choices include garlic, rosemary, thyme, or a drizzle of honey. These additions enhance the flavour of the cheese as it bakes.
Cooking Camembert Without a Box
Option 1: Use Foil and an Oven-Proof Dish
If your Camembert comes in a less sturdy cardboard box or without any box, don’t worry—you can still bake it. Wrap the unwrapped cheese in aluminium foil and place it in a shallow, oven-proof dish. Alternatively, you can use a ceramic Camembert baker that is designed explicitly. The Foil or dish will contain the cheese as it melts, preventing it from spilling in the oven.
Option 2: Wrap the Cheese in Bread
For a more rustic approach, consider wrapping the Camembert in bread before baking. This holds the cheese together and adds a delicious crusty exterior. Use a good quality bread dough, wrap it around the cheese, and bake as you would normally. The bread will absorb any melted cheese that escapes, creating a delightful combination of crispy and creamy textures.
How to Bake Camembert
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Before baking, preheat your oven to 200°C (about 390°F). A preheated oven ensures that the cheese melts evenly and has the right texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese
Once your oven is ready, place the Camembert (in its box, Foil, or bread wrapping) on a baking tray. If you’re using the box, ensure the string is securely tied to prevent it from opening. If you’ve opted for Foil, wrap it tightly around the cheese.
Step 3: Bake the Camembert
Bake the Camembert in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it bakes to ensure it doesn’t overcook. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is soft and gooey in the centre. If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
How to Serve Baked Camembert
Step 1: Choose Your Dippers
Baked Camembert pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers. One of the most popular choices is toasted bread—anything from a traditional baguette to pita bread works well. Cut the bread into bite-sized pieces for easy dipping.
Step 2: Add Other Dipping Options
For a more diverse platter, include other dipping options like breadsticks, cheese crackers, or raw vegetables. Raw veggies, such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers, offer a crunchy contrast to the creamy cheese and make for a healthier choice.
Step 3: Plate the Camembert
Once your Camembert is baked, carefully remove it from the oven. Place the cheese, still in its box or wrapping, on a serving platter. Arrange the dippers around the cheese, creating an inviting presentation.
Step 4: Optional Additions
Consider serving the baked Camembert with small bowls of cranberry sauce, chutney, or a dry dip for an extra flavour. These accompaniments add a sweet or tangy contrast to the rich, creamy cheese, enhancing the overall experience.
Questions
For how long do you bake Camembert?
Set the oven to 190 ° C (fan assisted) or Gas Mark 5. Take the lid and wrappings off of the Camembert. Then, set the cheese in its foundation on a baking tray and carve several holes in the top of the cheese. Bake for 15 minutes.
Do you eat the skin on baked Camembert?
Yes, you can eat the rind of Camembert cheese. Whether you eat the rind or not is really just a matter of personal taste. It is perfectly acceptable, and some people even like its taste and texture.
My baked Camembert is not runny, so why not?
Of course, there are cases when Camembert does not melt, but this is due more to the aging process than whether raw or pasteurized milk is used. However, the older the Camembert is, the more easily it will melt. Chalkier, fresh, young cheese will not melt as it should.
Can you bake Camembert in a wooden box?
The Camembert can be baked in a wooden box, and there is no need to remove the paper sheet. The point is that you cannot make Camembert cheese in cardboard boxes. However, you needed to find a way to lay out a piece of camembert cheese on an empty baking pan.
Why is my baked Camembert hard on the inside?
On the other hand, you can certainly spoil the cheese by not baking it long enough. Or you can overcook it, and then you have passed the soft gooey stage, and it goes hard, but then the drive is gone. When you touch it, you will know it is cooked.
