Baked Camembert Cranberry Jam

There was a holiday party where I arrived empty-handed and panicked, so I grabbed a wheel of Camembert from the host's fridge, found some cranberry sauce, and improvised. Twenty minutes later, everyone thought I'd planned it all along. That night taught me the power of warm cheese and a little luck.

I started making this for casual Friday nights when friends would drop by unannounced. The smell of baking cheese always brought everyone into the kitchen, hovering with baguette slices before it even left the oven. It became our unspoken tradition, and now no gathering feels complete without it.

Ingredients

• Camembert cheese wheel (about 250 g): Look for one that comes in a wooden box, as you can bake it right inside for rustic presentation and easy cleanup.
• Cranberry jam (3 tbsp): The tartness cuts through the richness of the cheese perfectly, but fig or apricot preserves work beautifully too if you want a sweeter note.
• Fresh rosemary (1 sprig, optional): Just a few leaves add an earthy aroma that makes the whole dish smell like a holiday.
• Toasted walnuts or pecans (1 tbsp, chopped, optional): A little crunch on top balances the gooey texture and adds a nutty warmth.
• Freshly ground black pepper: A few twists wake up the flavors and add a subtle bite.
• Baguette or crackers: Essential for scooping, and a crusty baguette toasted lightly is my favorite vehicle for that melted center.

Instructions

Prepare the cheese:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Unwrap the Camembert, discard any paper, and place it back in its wooden box or into a small ovenproof dish.

Score and top:

Use a sharp knife to score the top in a crisscross pattern, which helps the jam seep into the cheese. Spoon the cranberry jam evenly over the surface, then scatter rosemary leaves and chopped nuts if using.

Season and bake:

Grind black pepper generously over the top. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is visibly soft and the center jiggles when you gently shake the dish.

Serve immediately:

Carefully remove from the oven and set on a serving plate. Serve hot with sliced baguette or crackers for dipping into the molten center.

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One winter evening, I served this to a friend who swore she didn't like Camembert. She ate half the wheel herself, scraping the wooden box clean with torn baguette. Sometimes all it takes is the right preparation to change someone's mind completely.

Flavor Variations

I've swapped cranberry jam for apricot preserves with a drizzle of honey and thyme, which gives it a sunnier, more floral vibe. Once I added a splash of port to the cranberry jam before spooning it on, and the deep, boozy sweetness made it taste like something from a French bistro. Don't be afraid to experiment with what you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

This pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir if you prefer red. I like to serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. It also works as part of a larger cheese board, though it tends to steal the spotlight.

Storage and Reheating

Honestly, this never lasts long enough to store, but if you have leftovers, cover and refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat gently in a low oven until warmed through, though it won't be quite as luxurious as the first bake. Leftover cheese is also wonderful spread cold on toast the next morning.

• Use any leftover cranberry jam as a glaze for roasted chicken or pork.
• If the wooden box starts to char, line it with parchment paper next time.
• Toast your baguette slices lightly before serving so they hold up to the gooey cheese without going soggy.

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There's something deeply satisfying about watching people gather around a dish this simple and pull it apart together. It's proof that the best food doesn't need to be complicated, just warm and shared.

Recipes Q&A

→ What is the best way to bake Camembert?

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the Camembert unwrapped, in its wooden box or an ovenproof dish, for 12–15 minutes until it is soft and gooey inside.

→ Can I add toppings to enhance the flavor?

Yes, spreading cranberry jam on top adds a tangy sweetness. Adding fresh rosemary and chopped toasted nuts provides extra aroma and crunch.

→ What should I serve with baked Camembert?

Serve warm with sliced baguette or assorted crackers for dipping, which complements the creamy and melted texture of the cheese.

→ Are there any common substitutions for cranberry jam?

Fig, apricot, or cherry preserves can be used as alternatives to cranberry jam to vary the fruity topping.

→ Can this dish accommodate dietary preferences?

It is suitable for vegetarians but contains milk and may include nuts or gluten depending on serving choices.