Name: Baked Camembert with Honey, Thyme, and Chili
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 14 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 250 g camembert cheese; 2 tablespoons honey; Pinch of red chili flakes; 4 sprigs fresh thyme; Salt to taste (optional)

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If you’re looking for a quick and easy last-minute appetizer that’s sure to impress, this Baked Camembert with honey, thyme, and a hint of chili is the perfect choice. It’s creamy, gooey, and full of flavor—ideal for dipping crusty bread, crackers, or veggies.

Baked Camembert with Honey, Thyme, and Chili

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy — ready in just 14 minutes
Irresistibly creamy — the camembert cheese melts to perfection
Flavored with honey, thyme, and chili — for a sweet, savory, and spicy combination
Perfect for any occasion — especially as a Christmas appetizer or party snack
Versatile — pair it with bread, crackers, or crudites for a complete experience

ingredients

(Tip: You can adjust the quantities using the scale if you want to make more servings.)

250 g camembert cheese
2 tablespoons honey
Pinch of red chili flakes
4 sprigs fresh thyme
Salt to taste (optional)

instructions

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 365°F (180°C).
Prepare the Camembert:
- Unwrap the camembert from its foil/plastic packaging and return it to the wooden box (if it came in one).
- Optionally, wrap foil under the wooden box to prevent any leakage during baking.
- Score the top of the cheese diagonally a few times (use the natural lines on the cheese as a guide).
Add the Flavors:
- Carefully push the fresh thyme sprigs into the incisions on top of the cheese.
- Season the top of the camembert with a pinch of red chili flakes.
- Drizzle honey generously over the cheese.
Bake the Camembert:
- Bake the camembert in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey inside.
- Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overbake, as that will make the cheese rubbery.
Serve:
- Carefully remove the baked camembert from the oven and serve immediately with toasted bread, crackers, or crudites for dipping.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 14 minutes

Variations

Substitute camembert with brie: If you can’t find camembert, brie works perfectly as a substitute and has a similar creamy texture.
Use maple syrup instead of honey: For a different flavor profile, substitute honey with maple syrup.
Add garlic: Add chopped garlic into the incisions before baking or use garlic salt for extra flavor.
Add different herbs: You can swap thyme for rosemary, or use fresh basil for a different twist.

Storage

Leftovers: Serve immediately as the cheese tends to harden once it cools. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 1 day, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating: If you need to reheat the camembert, use the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high power, or in the oven at a low temperature until the cheese melts again.

FAQs

1. Can I make this without the wooden box?

Yes, you can bake the camembert in an oven-proof dish if you don’t want to use the wooden box. Just make sure to cover the dish with foil to avoid any spills.

2. Can I microwave the camembert instead of baking it?

Yes, you can microwave the camembert on high for about 2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds, until it’s gooey and melted. The texture may not be quite as perfect as oven-baked, but it still tastes great.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best served immediately after baking, you can prepare the camembert with the honey and herbs ahead of time, then bake it just before serving.

4. What can I serve with baked camembert?

Baked camembert is best served with crusty bread, crackers, fresh veggies (like carrot sticks or cucumber slices), or even fruit like apple slices.

5. How do I make sure the camembert doesn’t burn?

Keep an eye on the camembert while it bakes, and check it after 10 minutes. If the top is golden and bubbly, it’s done! Avoid overbaking, as the cheese can become rubbery.

Conclusion

This Baked Camembert with honey, thyme, and chili is a rich, flavorful, and easy appetizer that will impress your guests at any gathering. With its creamy, gooey texture and aromatic herbs, it’s the perfect party food. Whether you serve it for a cozy night in or at a holiday event, it’s sure to be a hit!