Name: Thyme and Garlic Baked Camembert Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 8-ounce wheel Camembert cheese (the cheese that comes in the wooden box); 1 clove garlic, sliced; 1 sprig fresh thyme; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Toasted crostini

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Introduction

Baked Camembert is a wonderfully warm and gooey appetizer that brings comfort and flavor to any table. This simple recipe infuses the cheese with garlic and fresh thyme, creating a deliciously aromatic dish perfect for sharing with toasted crostini.

A round white plate with a wheel of creamy white baked cheese in a brown bowl at the center, the cheese surface has a light grid cut on top with small green herbs sprinkled across, and a sprig of fresh green thyme rests on the right side of the cheese. Around the bowl, there are thick slices of rustic brown whole grain bread forming a circle, showing soft, porous texture inside and a crunchy crust outside. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a bit of a striped cloth in the upper left corner and a bulb of garlic at the lower left edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 8-ounce wheel Camembert Cheese (the kind that comes with the wooden box)
1 clove garlic, sliced
1 sprig fresh thyme
2 tablespoons olive oil
Toasted crostini, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Step 2: Unwrap the Camembert and remove any plastic wrap. Place the cheese back into its wooden box.
Step 3: Score the top of the cheese in a crosshatch pattern using a sharp knife.
Step 4: Insert the sliced garlic pieces into the cuts on top of the cheese and sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves over it.
Step 5: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the top of the cheese.
Step 6: Place the wooden box on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 20 minutes until the cheese is soft and melted.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes before serving warm with toasted crostini.

Tips & Variations

If you can’t find Camembert, Brie can be used as a delicious alternative with a similar creamy texture.
Try adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a sweet or spicy twist.
Serve with a variety of dipping options like apple slices or crackers for added texture.

Storage

Store any leftover baked Camembert covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes until warmed through, but be careful not to overcook as it can become too runny.

How to Serve

A round white plate holds a small round earthenware dish in the center filled with a whole round cheese topped with olive oil and sprinkled with fresh green thyme leaves. The cheese is cut with a grid pattern on the surface, showing slight creamy yellow shades. Surrounding the dish is a ring of thick slices of rustic, multigrain bread with a light golden crust and a soft, porous interior. Sprigs of fresh thyme lie on the cheese, adding a bright green contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a garlic bulb and a small silver spoon partially visible near the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake Camembert without the wooden box?

Yes, if you don’t have the wooden box, you can bake the Camembert in a small oven-safe dish or on a baking sheet, but be sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t overcook or spread too much.

What can I serve with baked Camembert besides crostini?

Baked Camembert pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like apple or pear slices, nuts, crackers, and even vegetables like steamed asparagus or roasted potatoes.