There are few pleasures in life quite as comforting as a Baked Garlic Camembert. It’s one of those dishes that feels effortlessly fancy yet couldn’t be simpler to make. The beauty of it lies in its transformation—what begins as a modest, slightly firm wheel of cheese emerges from the oven as a molten pot of creamy goodness, begging to be dipped into with warm bread or crisp crudités. It’s sociable food, designed for sharing, and the very sight of that bubbling, golden cheese feels like an invitation to gather around the table.
Garlic Camembert works perfectly as a starter for a dinner party, as a centrepiece for a relaxed night in, or even as part of a casual grazing board. Served straight from its little wooden box, it has rustic charm in abundance, and I always find there’s something rather comforting about bringing the cheese to the table exactly as it is, without fuss or pretense. All you need to do is peel back the paper wrapping, place the cheese back into its container, score the top, and let the oven do its magic. Within 15–20 minutes, you’ll have a dish that looks like it belongs on the menu of a French countryside bistro.
What I love about Garlic Camembert is its versatility. The cheese itself has a rich, earthy flavour that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savoury additions. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of honey over the top before baking gives the cheese a golden glaze and a subtle sweetness that contrasts beautifully with its savoury depth. Scatter a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme on top, and you’ll infuse the cheese with a wonderful aromatic note that wafts from the oven as it bakes. For something with a little more kick, finely chopped garlic pushed into the scored rind creates little pockets of garlicky goodness. Or, if you fancy something a touch different, try sprinkling over crushed walnuts, pecans, or pistachios just before serving—they add crunch and an extra layer of richness that balances the soft texture of the cheese.
For a slightly fruitier twist, cranberry sauce or a spoonful of fig jam pairs beautifully with the creaminess of Camembert, especially around the festive season. If you enjoy something savoury and robust, a scattering of caramelised onions or even a spoon of tapenade brings a whole new character to the dish. That’s the joy of Baked Camembert—you can keep it simple or dress it up to match the mood, the season, or the occasion.
When it comes to serving alongside a garlic camembert, there are endless delicious possibilities. A crusty baguette, torn into generous chunks, is the traditional choice and hard to beat. Breadsticks, grissini, or toasted slices of sourdough also work wonderfully, giving you something sturdy enough to scoop up every last bit of cheese. For a lighter touch, crisp apple slices or pears bring a refreshing crunch and a little sweetness that cuts through the richness. Fresh vegetables like carrot batons, celery sticks, and even lightly blanched broccoli florets make excellent dippers if you want to add a healthier element to the spread.
Of course, garlic Camembert isn’t just about what you dip into it—it’s also about what you drink alongside it. A chilled glass of white wine works beautifully, especially something with a bit of acidity to cut through the richness, like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay with subtle oakiness. If you’re more of a red wine drinker, try a light-bodied red such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, which won’t overwhelm the delicate flavours of the cheese. Sparkling wine is another excellent choice—Prosecco, Champagne, or even a good Cava bring a celebratory feel and pair wonderfully with the creamy, gooey texture of the cheese. For beer lovers, a crisp lager or a Belgian wheat beer is a match made in heaven, as their effervescence refreshes the palate between each indulgent bite.
Baked Garlic Camembert is the kind of dish that brings people together. There’s something almost ritualistic about gathering around the table, everyone reaching in to dip, scoop, and savour. It’s a dish that doesn’t need to be fussy, yet it always feels special. Whether you’re enjoying it with a loved one on a cosy evening or setting it down in the middle of a lively table of friends, it has that magical way of creating warmth, conversation, and plenty of smiles.
So next time you’re after something indulgent but wonderfully simple, think of Garlic Camembert. Dress it up with herbs, garlic, nuts, or honey, or keep it plain and let the cheese speak for itself. Serve it with your favourite bread, some crisp fruit, and a good glass of wine or beer, and you’ve got a dish that’s not only delicious but also irresistibly inviting.
Garlic Camembert
Ingredients
- 1 large Camembert in its wooden box
- 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced, optional
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme optional
- 1 drizzle honey optional
- Crusty bread fruit or vegetables for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to **180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / Gas Mark 4**.
- Remove any plastic wrapping from the Camembert and place it back into its wooden box (lid removed).1 large Camembert
- Score the top of the rind in a criss-cross pattern with a sharp knife.
- Tuck he garlic slices into the cuts and if using add a few rosemary or thyme sprigs, and drizzle lightly with honey.2 cloves garlic, 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, 1 drizzle honey
- Place the box on a baking tray (to catch any drips) and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and gooey in the middle.
- Serve your baked garlic camembert immediately with crusty bread, sliced apples, pears, or vegetable sticks for dipping.Crusty bread
15 comments
I tried it with apple slices instead of bread and it was such a refreshing combination.
I had this year’s ago and loved it so tried the recipe. Absolutely loved it.
I can’t believe how quick this was to make. From oven to table in under 20 minutes and it looked like I’d made a lot of effort.
The honey drizzle made it extra special. Sweet, savoury, creamy—everything you want in a starter.
The flavour of the Camembert alone is gorgeous, but the added garlic made it truly mouth-watering.
This is the ultimate comfort food! The cheese turned out perfectly gooey and paired beautifully with crusty baguette.
This is one of those dishes that makes any evening feel special. Whether it’s a romantic night in or a family gathering.
The nut topping suggestion was fantastic. I used crushed pecans and honey, which gave a lovely crunchy sweetness to the creamy cheese.
Deliciously rich and indulgent. I wish the portion was bigger though because it disappears far too quickly when you share it!
Easy to make, but you need to keep an eye on it—mine went from gooey to almost bubbling over in a flash. Still absolutely delicious.
A glass of white wine on the side and it was pure heaven.
I tried topping it with caramelised onions and it was next-level amazing.
Such a simple dish yet it feels so indulgent.
This is my new favourite winter snack. Nothing beats dipping warm sourdough into molten cheese while it’s cold outside.
I added garlic and rosemary before baking and the flavours were incredible. My guests polished it off in minutes.