Baked Camembert

Baked camembert cheese studded with fresh garlic, thyme and olive oil. It’s a cheese lover’s dream! Serve with crusty french bread for a decadent appetizer! 

When it comes to the holidays and the parties, I’ve got to admit that my favorite part isn’t the desserts. No, it’s actually the decadent holiday appetizers. 

Decadent holiday appetizers like this ooey, gooey baked camembert.

Last Christmas, I made baked brie with roasted figs, this year I wanted to change it up a bit.

I am a huge fan of baked cheeses. Because, I mean cheese is good at all times but baked cheese? With it’s melty, gooey goodness is impossible for me to pass up.

Let’s talk a little bit about what you’ll need to make it: 

• CAMEMBERT CHEESE: Camembert is made from cow’s milk and is soft ripened. The flavor is very similar to brie, earthy and nutty. As far as texture goes, camembert is soft and just a bit denser than brie cheese.
• GARLIC:  I love garlic, probably a little more than the average person, but one clove will do it. You don’t want to use much more than that or it will over power the cheese.
• FRESH THYME: Thyme adds a peppery, earthy flavor and pairs perfectly with camembert. Don’t substitute dried because the fresh leaves are softer. 
• EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL: Just a little drizzled over the top after baking.

How to Cook Camembert Step by Step Photos and Instructions: 

• STEP #1: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove the plastic wrapping from the outside of the cheese. Place the camembert into the wooden box and place that box on top of a baking sheet to help ensure that no cheese drips to the bottom of your oven. 
• STEP #2: Using a sharp knife, cut small slits into the top rind of the camembert cheese. Press the garlic cloves into the slits. 
• STEP #3: Remove the leaves from fresh thyme sprigs and sprinkle over the top of the cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 15 – 20 minutes. 
• STEP #4: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top of the cheese. Serve immediately.

How to cook camembert in aluminum foil:

If you’re unsure about baking in the box, or your camembert box is broken you can also bake the camembert in aluminum foil.

You will still need to remove the plastic wrapping from the cheese before wrapping it in aluminum foil.

You can then bake the cheese in aluminum foil inside the box it came in, or in another small baking dish or baking tray. This will help ensure that none of that oozy cheese falls to the bottom of your oven.

Do you eat the rind on camembert cheese?

Yes, just like brie, the rind is perfectly safe to eat. And not to mention pretty delicious too.

What do you serve with baked camembert cheese?

You could serve this with vegetables, crackers or my personal favorite, crusty french bread.

Storage and Leftovers: 

If you have any leftovers store them covered in the refrigerator and reheat in a warm oven until warmed through. 

If you loved this cheese Baked Camembert, try these other cheese recipes:

Instant Pot Mac n’ Cheese Homemade Mac and cheese has never been creamier or easier! Instant Pot Mac and Cheese will be your new favorite way to get your cheesy on. 

Pimento Cheese Homemade Pimento Cheese Spread is a crowd favorite! It’s a classic, southern  recipe that is easy to make. Serve it with crackers or veggies!

Fried Cheese Curds is a fair favorite that is easy to make at home!

Looking for more holiday appetizer recipes? I’ve got you covered:

Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Dip a surefire way to get everyone to love Brussels Sprouts!

Prosciutto Wrapped Artichoke Hearts are a quick and easy party favorite!

Ranch Dip Recipe Ditch the packet and make Homemade Ranch Dip. Made with mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar and dill, it is perfect for all of your dipping needs!

Note: Originally published in 2018. Updated in 2024 with new photos, instructions and video.