Baked camembert with honey and chili flakes is an easy and impressive appetizer that’s creamy, melty, and full of flavor. A simple score or removal of the rind, a drizzle of olive oil and honey, a sprinkle of chili flakes, and a few herb sprigs transform an ordinary wheel of camembert into a show-stopping starter. Serve warm with toasted bread, crostini, or crackers and fruit like grapes, apples, or pears for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Looking for more cheesy recipes?
- Whipped Brie Cheese
- Creamy Mac and Cheese with Sage Breadcrumbs
This dish comes together quickly and is best enjoyed warm. We like to serve it with toasted crusty bread and grapes, though apples, pears, or other fresh fruit make excellent accompaniments. The result is ultra-creamy, rich, and irresistibly melty.
What ingredients do you need for this baked camembert recipe?
- Camembert cheese (8-ounce round)
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Honey
- Chili flakes
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Fresh thyme
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Bread, crostini, or crackers for serving
- Grapes, fresh berries, or other fruit
Steps to make this recipe
Step 1: Score the cheese
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the camembert from its paper wrapper. With a sharp knife, score a shallow crosshatch (about 1/4 inch deep) across the top rind. If you prefer, you can remove the top rind entirely for quicker melting.
Step 2: Season the camembert
Place the cheese in its wooden box (if it came in one) or transfer it to a small baking dish. Put the dish on a baking sheet lined with parchment in case the cheese overflows. Drizzle the top with olive oil and honey, then sprinkle with chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Tuck small sprigs of rosemary and thyme into the cuts so the herb oils infuse the cheese as it bakes.
Step 3: Bake and serve
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the interior is soft and oozy. Be careful not to overbake: if it’s underdone the center will remain firm; if it bakes past about 15 minutes it can firm up again. Serve immediately with toasted bread, crostini, or crackers and fruit on the side.
Tips, Tricks and Substitutions
Camembert is a soft, ripened cow’s milk cheese from Normandy, France, known for its edible white rind and creamy interior. It has an earthy, nutty flavor that becomes richer and silkier when baked. While it is similar to brie, camembert tends to be earthier; brie is often a touch creamier in its raw state. Serve camembert baked or at room temperature as part of a cheese board or appetizer.
Yes. A round of brie works well as a substitute and will bake similarly.
Bake for roughly 12–15 minutes until the center is soft and oozing. Underbaking will leave it firm; overbaking (beyond about 15 minutes) can cause it to firm up again. Watch it closely for the perfect texture.
Try nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts; thinly sliced garlic; fruit preserves; fresh berries; maple syrup; or cranberry or raspberry sauces. These pairings add texture and a complementary sweet or tart contrast to the rich cheese.
Serve your cheese with:
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
- Persimmon & Avocado Salad with a Citrus Vinaigrette
- Chili-Rubbed Sheet Pan Steelhead Trout
- Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken
Other appetizers to check out:
- Roasted Garlic & Herb Yogurt Dip
- Spiced Lamb Pita Chips with Whipped Feta
- Mushroom & Sage Toasts with Whipped Goat Cheese
- Seared Ahi Tuna Cucumber Bites with Wasabi Mayo
If you make this Baked Camembert with Honey & Chili Flakes, please leave a comment or rating — feedback is appreciated. Share your photos on Instagram or sign up for the newsletter to get updates and more recipes.
Baked Camembert with Honey and Chili Flakes
Ingredients
- 1 8-ounce round of Camembert cheese
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes more to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Baguette or bread of your choice toasted
- Grapes to serve
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Remove the camembert from its paper wrapping. Score a 1/4-inch crosshatch into the top rind, or remove the top rind if preferred.
-
Place the cheese in its wooden box or a small baking dish. Set the dish on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
-
Drizzle with olive oil and honey, sprinkle with chili flakes, salt, and pepper, and tuck rosemary and thyme into the cuts.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes until soft and oozing. Serve immediately with toasted bread and grapes.
Video
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 9g,
Protein: 0.2g,
Fat: 4g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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