Tarte au Camembert: A Decadent French Cheese Tart Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer or a luxurious light meal, look no further than the Tarte au Camembert. This French cheese tart is a celebration of creamy, pungent Camembert, baked in a flaky crust and often enhanced with complementary flavors like apples, pears, onions, or herbs. It’s surprisingly easy to make at home and guaranteed to impress your guests. This article provides a detailed guide to creating a perfect Tarte au Camembert, complete with step-by-step instructions and variations to suit your taste.

What is Tarte au Camembert?

Tarte au Camembert, quite simply, is a tart featuring Camembert cheese as its star ingredient. Camembert, a soft, creamy, surface-ripened cow’s milk cheese from Normandy, France, has a distinctive earthy and mushroomy flavor. When baked, it becomes incredibly gooey and decadent. The tart typically consists of a pastry crust (pâte brisée or puff pastry), a layer of complementary ingredients, and the Camembert itself, baked until golden brown and bubbly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of the rich Camembert, flaky crust, and optional add-ins creates a symphony of flavors that is both sophisticated and comforting.
• Easy to Make: While it looks impressive, Tarte au Camembert is surprisingly simple to prepare, especially if you use pre-made pastry.
• Versatile: This tart can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and the ingredients you have on hand.
• Perfect for Entertaining: It’s an elegant and delicious dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
• Great for Any Occasion: From a casual brunch to a formal dinner party, Tarte au Camembert is a versatile dish that fits any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the essential ingredients for a classic Tarte au Camembert. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preferences and the size of your tart pan.

For the Crust:

• 1 sheet (about 14 ounces) pre-made puff pastry or pâte brisée (shortcrust pastry): Using pre-made pastry significantly simplifies the process. If you prefer to make your own, there are countless recipes available online. Puff pastry creates a lighter, flakier crust, while pâte brisée provides a more sturdy and slightly denser base.

For the Filling:

• 1 whole Camembert cheese (about 8-9 ounces): Choose a ripe Camembert for the best flavor and texture. The cheese should be soft but not overly runny.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onions (optional).
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (optional): Adds a savory sweetness to the tart. Red onion or shallots can also be used.
• 1 apple or pear, thinly sliced (optional): Provides a sweet and slightly tart counterpoint to the richness of the cheese. Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, or Bosc or Anjou pears work well.
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional): Adds a fragrant herbal note. Rosemary or other herbs can also be used.
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Gives the crust a golden-brown, glossy finish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: To season the onions and/or fruit.
• A drizzle of honey or maple syrup (optional): To enhance the sweetness of the apples or pears.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Tart pan (9-10 inches): A tart pan with a removable bottom is ideal for easy removal of the finished tart.
• Baking sheet: To support the tart pan in the oven.
• Parchment paper (optional): To line the tart pan for easier cleanup.
• Skillet: For sautéing the onions (optional).
• Knife and cutting board: For preparing the ingredients.
• Rolling pin (if using pâte brisée): To roll out the dough to fit the tart pan.
• Fork: For docking the pastry (pricking the bottom to prevent it from puffing up).
• Pastry brush: For applying the egg wash.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own delicious Tarte au Camembert.

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

If using pre-made puff pastry:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
3. Carefully drape the pastry over the tart pan, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides.
4. Trim any excess pastry from the edges of the pan. You can use a rolling pin to roll over the edge of the pan, or a knife to carefully trim the excess.
5. Dock the pastry by pricking the bottom with a fork several times. This will prevent it from puffing up excessively during baking.
6. Line the pastry with parchment paper and weigh it down with pie weights or dried beans. This will help prevent the crust from shrinking or bubbling up.
7. Bake the crust for 15 minutes.
8. Remove the parchment paper and pie weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown.

If using pre-made pâte brisée:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pâte brisée generally requires a slightly lower temperature than puff pastry.
2. Lightly flour a clean work surface.
3. Roll out the pâte brisée to a 12-inch circle (approximately).
4. Carefully transfer the dough to the tart pan, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides.
5. Trim any excess pastry from the edges of the pan.
6. Dock the pastry by pricking the bottom with a fork several times.
7. Line the pastry with parchment paper and weigh it down with pie weights or dried beans.
8. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes.
9. Remove the parchment paper and pie weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling (Optional)

While you can simply bake the Camembert directly on the crust, adding a layer of complementary ingredients elevates the flavor of the tart.

1. Sauté the Onions: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Caramelizing the onions brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor to the tart.
2. Prepare the Apples or Pears: If using, core and thinly slice the apple or pear. You can sauté them lightly in butter for a few minutes to soften them slightly, or use them raw. If using raw, consider tossing them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.

Step 3: Assemble the Tart

1. Remove the partially baked crust from the oven.
2. If using sautéed onions or apples/pears, spread them evenly over the bottom of the crust.
3. Carefully place the Camembert cheese in the center of the tart. If the Camembert is very ripe and soft, you can gently score the top of the cheese in a crosshatch pattern to help it melt evenly. Some people remove the top rind of the camembert, but this is optional and depends on your preference. Removing the rind can make for a gooier tart but also increases the risk of the cheese running out of the crust.
4. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves (or other herbs) if using.
5. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup (optional) if using.

Step 4: Bake the Tart

1. Brush the edges of the crust with the beaten egg. This will give it a golden-brown, glossy finish.
2. Return the tart to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the Camembert is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Keep a close eye on the tart during the last few minutes of baking to prevent the crust from burning.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set slightly and make it easier to slice.
2. Carefully remove the tart from the tart pan.
3. Slice and serve warm.

Tips for the Perfect Tarte au Camembert

• Use High-Quality Camembert: The quality of the Camembert will significantly impact the flavor of the tart. Choose a ripe, creamy Camembert from a reputable source.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can cause the cheese to become dry and rubbery. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, but still slightly soft.
• Adjust Baking Time Based on Your Oven: Ovens vary, so adjust the baking time accordingly. Keep a close eye on the tart and check for doneness frequently.
• Let it Cool Slightly: Letting the tart cool slightly before serving allows the cheese to set a bit and makes it easier to slice.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations. Try adding different fruits, vegetables, or herbs to create your own unique Tarte au Camembert.
• Use a Pizza Stone: Baking the tart on a preheated pizza stone can help to create a crispier crust.
• Blind Bake the Crust Properly: Blind baking the crust ensures it’s fully cooked and prevents a soggy bottom.

Variations and Add-ins

The beauty of Tarte au Camembert lies in its versatility. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Fig and Prosciutto: Add a layer of fig jam and thinly sliced prosciutto for a sweet and savory combination.
• Caramelized Onion and Bacon: Combine caramelized onions with crispy bacon for a smoky and savory tart.
• Mushroom and Garlic: Sauté mushrooms with garlic and herbs for an earthy and aromatic tart.
• Walnut and Honey: Add chopped walnuts and a drizzle of honey for a sweet and nutty flavor.
• Cranberry and Brie: Substitute Brie for Camembert and add cranberry sauce for a festive holiday tart.
• Spicy Pepper Jelly: A thin layer of pepper jelly under the camembert provides a sweet and spicy kick.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pesto: Spread a thin layer of pesto on the crust and top with sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired tart.
• Roasted Garlic: Squeeze roasted garlic cloves over the baked tart for an intensely savory flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Tarte au Camembert is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your experience:

• With a Green Salad: Serve alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the tart.
• With Crusty Bread: Offer slices of crusty bread for dipping into the melted cheese.
• With Fruit: Serve with fresh fruit, such as grapes, berries, or figs, for a sweet and refreshing contrast.
• With Wine: Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a light-bodied red wine, such as Beaujolais. A sparkling cider is also a great option.
• As an Appetizer: Serve as an appetizer at your next dinner party.
• As a Light Meal: Enjoy as a light meal with a side salad or soup.

Storage Instructions

Tarte au Camembert is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a low oven or microwave before serving.

Recipe Notes

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the crust and the filling separately ahead of time. Store the crust in an airtight container at room temperature and the filling in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the tart just before serving.
• Freezing: While technically possible, freezing Tarte au Camembert is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the cheese and the crust.
• Adjust Sweetness: The amount of honey or maple syrup you use is entirely up to your personal preference. Taste the apples or pears before adding any sweetener and adjust accordingly.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

The nutritional information for Tarte au Camembert will vary depending on the ingredients used. However, a single serving (approximately 1/6 of the tart) is likely to contain:

• Calories: 300-400
• Fat: 20-30g
• Saturated Fat: 12-18g
• Cholesterol: 80-100mg
• Sodium: 300-400mg
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g
• Protein: 10-15g

This is just an estimate, and you should always consult a nutrition database or calculator for more accurate information.

Conclusion

Tarte au Camembert is a truly delightful dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy, decadent cheese, flaky crust, and endless possibilities for customization, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of French culinary perfection!