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Key takeaways
- Brie and Camembert are ideal for baking because they melt so well.
- A whole Camembert bakes at 350°F (180°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Score the top, season it, and serve it hot with toasted baguette.
- Baked Brie firms up again as it cools, so serve it straight away.
Why they bake so well
These cheeses melt so well that baking them is one of the easiest dishes there is. A few minutes in the oven and the inside goes soft and spoonable while the rind holds it together. It also makes the cheese easy to spread on bread. If you're nervous about the rind the first time you try either cheese, baking is a good way in.
Baked Camembert
- Heat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Unwrap the cheese. Camembert often comes in a small wooden box, which can go in the oven too, but take off the paper and plastic first.
- Cut the top of the rind off, season with chopped garlic and sea salt, then put the rind back on and score the top with a knife.
- Push in a few sprigs of rosemary, drizzle a little olive oil on top, and sprinkle on some sliced almonds.
- Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, until it's soft and molten in the middle.
- Serve hot with toasted baguette.
You can change the toppings to anything you like, such as honey, jam, nuts or herbs. A flat cheese knife is handy for serving. The full recipe is baked Camembert: a really easy recipe.
Baked Brie
Brie works the same way. For a quick version, wrap it in aluminum foil and bake it at around 350°F until it starts oozing. Or top a wheel or wedge and bake it briefly, then serve it with something to scoop with. For more ideas, from a five-minute honey and walnut wedge to puff pastry and bite-size versions, see eight baked Brie recipes.
A Brie baker
A small covered ceramic dish sized for one wheel, so the Brie bakes, serves and stays warm in the same dish.
Check price on AmazonOther ways to use them
The French dish Camembert chaud ("hot Camembert") is essentially baked Camembert with fruit, nuts and herbs added. In nice weather you can wrap a boxed Camembert in aluminum foil and put it directly on hot coals for around 30 minutes. A few slices also work cold in a salad: see what goes with Brie and Camembert.
