Warm Melting Cheese (Whole Oven-Baked Camembert with Garlic and Honey)
Baked Camembert is a French-style appetizer in which an entire wheel of Camembert cheese is oven-roasted until its interior melts into a flowing cream. Shallow cuts scored across the rind allow garlic slivers and rosemary sprigs to infuse the cheese as it heats. After roughly fifteen minutes at 180 degrees Celsius, the firm center collapses into a dip-like consistency while the white-mold rind holds its shape as a natural vessel. Torn baguette pieces and toasted walnuts are the classic accompaniments, and a drizzle of honey bridges the mild funk of the cheese with sweetness. The preparation takes under five minutes of active work, making it one of the quickest warm appetizers to assemble. It pairs especially well with dry white wine or light-bodied reds.
Adjust Servings
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 190C and score the top rind of camembert in a shallow crosshatch.
- 2
Top with minced garlic and rosemary, then drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- 3
Bake in a small dish for 12 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes for color.
- 4
Slice baguette and toast in a pan or oven while the cheese bakes.
- 5
Remove cheese, top with honey, crushed walnuts, and pepper, then serve warm for dipping.
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