Baked Camembert with Garlic and Herbs: A Simple and Delicious Appetizer

Baked Camembert is one of those dishes that seems fancy and impressive, yet is incredibly easy to make. This recipe for baked Camembert with garlic and herbs elevates the simple baked cheese to a whole new level of flavor. The creamy, melted cheese, infused with aromatic garlic and fragrant herbs, is a perfect appetizer for any occasion, from cozy nights in to elegant dinner parties. It’s incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of breads, crackers, vegetables, and even fruits. Get ready to wow your guests (or treat yourself!) with this irresistible dish.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Simple and Quick:** With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a restaurant-quality appetizer ready in under 30 minutes.
* **Impressive and Delicious:** The combination of creamy Camembert, pungent garlic, and aromatic herbs creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
* **Versatile:** Serve it as an appetizer, a light meal, or even a dessert cheese course. It pairs perfectly with a variety of accompaniments.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the herbs and spices to your liking, creating a unique flavor profile each time.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This baked Camembert is always a hit at parties and gatherings.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **1 wheel of Camembert cheese (about 8 oz):** Look for a good quality Camembert with a firm rind and a creamy interior. If you can’t find Camembert, Brie can be used as a substitute, although the flavor profile is slightly different.
* **2-3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced:** Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor. Avoid using pre-minced garlic, as it often lacks the intensity of freshly sliced cloves.
* **2 tablespoons olive oil:** Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich, fruity flavor. You can also use other oils, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
* **1 tablespoon fresh herbs, chopped (rosemary, thyme, oregano, or a combination):** Fresh herbs are preferable for their vibrant flavor, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch. If using dried herbs, reduce the quantity to about 1 teaspoon.
* **Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional):** For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
* **Salt and freshly ground black pepper:** Season to taste.
* **Baguette, crackers, crudités, or fruit for serving:** Choose your favorite accompaniments for dipping into the melted cheese.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* **Oven-safe dish:** A small ceramic baking dish, cast iron skillet, or even the Camembert’s wooden box (if oven-safe) will work.
* **Small knife:** For scoring the Camembert.
* **Cutting board:** For slicing the garlic and chopping the herbs.
* **Measuring spoons:** For measuring the oil and herbs.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make the perfect baked Camembert with garlic and herbs:

**Step 1: Prepare the Camembert**

* Remove the Camembert from its packaging and place it in your chosen oven-safe dish. If using the wooden box, make sure it’s stable and oven-safe (check the manufacturer’s instructions).
* Using a small, sharp knife, score the top of the Camembert in a criss-cross pattern. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the bottom of the cheese – you just want to create shallow cuts to allow the garlic and herbs to infuse the cheese.

**Step 2: Add the Garlic and Herbs**

* Insert the thinly sliced garlic into the cuts you made in the Camembert. Distribute the garlic evenly across the surface of the cheese.
* Sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs over the top of the Camembert, pressing them gently into the cheese.
* If using red pepper flakes, sprinkle them over the cheese as well.

**Step 3: Drizzle with Olive Oil and Season**

* Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the Camembert, making sure to coat the garlic and herbs.
* Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Be mindful of the salt content, as Camembert can already be quite salty.

**Step 4: Bake the Camembert**

* Place the dish with the Camembert in the preheated oven.
* Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey and the top is slightly golden brown. The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of the Camembert, so keep a close eye on it.

**Step 5: Serve Immediately**

* Carefully remove the baked Camembert from the oven (it will be hot!).
* Serve immediately with your choice of accompaniments, such as baguette slices, crackers, crudités (carrots, celery, cucumbers), or fruit (apples, pears, grapes).

## Tips for the Perfect Baked Camembert

* **Use High-Quality Camembert:** The quality of the Camembert will significantly impact the flavor of the dish. Choose a reputable brand and look for a cheese with a creamy texture and a rich aroma.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can cause the Camembert to become too runny and lose its shape. Bake until it’s melted and gooey, but not completely liquid.
* **Adjust the Baking Time:** The baking time will vary depending on your oven and the size of the Camembert. Start checking for doneness around 15 minutes and adjust accordingly.
* **Use Oven-Safe Dish:** Ensure that the dish or container you are using is oven-safe. Some wooden boxes are not suitable for baking.
* **Let it Rest Slightly (Optional):** While best served immediately, letting the Camembert rest for a minute or two after baking can help the flavors meld together.

## Serving Suggestions

Baked Camembert is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some ideas:

* **Baguette Slices:** Toasted or fresh baguette slices are a classic pairing for baked Camembert. The crusty bread provides a satisfying crunch and is perfect for scooping up the melted cheese.
* **Crackers:** Choose a variety of crackers, such as water crackers, whole wheat crackers, or cheese crackers. The different flavors and textures will add interest to your appetizer spread.
* **Crudités:** Fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes are a healthy and refreshing accompaniment to the rich cheese.
* **Fruit:** Apples, pears, grapes, and figs pair beautifully with the creamy Camembert. The sweetness of the fruit complements the savory cheese.
* **Jams and Chutneys:** A dollop of fig jam, onion marmalade, or cranberry chutney adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the dish.
* **Nuts:** Toasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
* **Prosciutto or other cured meats:** A few slices of prosciutto or other cured meats add a savory and salty element to the appetizer.

## Variations

This recipe is easily customizable to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas for variations:

* **Honey and Walnuts:** Drizzle the baked Camembert with honey and sprinkle with chopped walnuts for a sweet and nutty flavor.
* **Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pesto:** Top the Camembert with sun-dried tomatoes and a dollop of pesto for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
* **Balsamic Glaze:** Drizzle the baked Camembert with balsamic glaze for a tangy and sweet flavor.
* **Maple Syrup and Bacon:** Drizzle the baked Camembert with maple syrup and sprinkle with crispy bacon bits for a sweet and savory indulgence.
* **Spicy Version:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the olive oil for a spicy kick.
* **Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as chives, parsley, or dill. You can also use a blend of dried herbs if fresh herbs are not available.
* **Different Cheeses:** While Camembert is the classic choice, you can also use Brie or Reblochon cheese. Keep in mind that the baking time may vary depending on the cheese.

## Make Ahead Tips

While baked Camembert is best served immediately, you can prepare it ahead of time. Score the Camembert, add the garlic and herbs, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed.

## Storage Instructions

Leftover baked Camembert can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until melted and gooey. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 20-25g
* Saturated Fat: 12-15g
* Cholesterol: 70-80mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g
* Protein: 10-15g

_Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes._

## Conclusion

Baked Camembert with garlic and herbs is a simple yet elegant appetizer that is sure to impress. With its creamy texture, aromatic flavors, and customizable options, it’s a dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a delicious snack, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate baked cheese experience!