Name: Thyme and Garlic Baked Camembert Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 8-ounce wheel Camembert Cheese (in wooden box); 1 clove garlic, sliced; 1 sprig fresh thyme; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Toasted crostini

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Introduction

Thyme and Garlic Baked Camembert is a simple yet elegant appetizer that’s perfect for sharing. Warm, creamy cheese infused with garlic and fresh thyme pairs beautifully with crunchy toasted crostini. It’s an effortless dish that will impress your guests and satisfy any cheese lover.

A round wheel of soft white cheese sits at the center on a light wood plate, scored with light cuts across the top, drizzled with golden olive oil and sprinkled with fresh green thyme leaves and cracked black pepper. Surrounding the cheese are several thin slices of toasted bread, each a golden brown with a slightly crisp texture and small holes, arranged in a circular pattern on a white marbled surface. The overall look is fresh and simple, with a natural and rustic feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 8-ounce wheel Camembert cheese (in its 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°F (175°C).

Step 2: Unwrap the Camembert cheese and discard the 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 the top of the cheese and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.

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 gooey.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the cheese set for 2-3 minutes before serving with toasted crostini.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh thyme for the best flavor, or substitute with rosemary or sage for a different herb twist.
Try adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chili flakes on top before baking for a sweet or spicy kick.
Serve with a side of sliced apples or pears to complement the creamy cheese.

Storage

If you have leftovers, store the baked Camembert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes until warmed through, but be careful not to overheat as it may separate.

How to Serve

A round white wooden box filled with a wheel of pale cream cheese, its surface scored with diagonal cuts forming diamond shapes, dripping with golden olive oil and scattered with small sprigs of fresh green thyme, the cheese sits centered on a silver baking tray with raised edges, which is placed on a white marbled surface. In the top left corner, a clear glass bowl holds a pile of toasted golden-brown bread slices. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake Camembert without its wooden box?

Yes, you can place the unwrapped Camembert in a small oven-safe dish or ramekin before baking if the wooden box is not oven-safe or unavailable.

What can I use instead of crostini for serving?

You can serve baked Camembert with fresh bread slices, crackers, or vegetable sticks like celery or cucumber for dipping.