Baked Camembert cheese is one of those quick and easy recipes that never disappoint. In just a few minutes, you'll have an irresistible appetizer, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Its melting texture and versatility in pairing with sweet or savory ingredients make it an essential recipe for any occasion.
Today I'm bringing you three delicious recipes for baked Camembert, using ingredients you probably already have at home: from a sweet version with honey and nuts to a more Mediterranean combination with olives and tomatoes. The best part is that you can personalize it to suit your own taste or that of your guests.
In all cases, we're preparing it in a Le Creuset mini cocotte, which—as you already know—is great for almost everything. In this case, it’s not only perfect for serving individually or in small portions, but also helps to keep the cheese hot and creamy for longer.
And if you're wondering if you can make it in the microwave, keep reading! At the end of the post, I'll explain the differences between oven baking and microwaving and the best options depending on the time and results you're looking for.
1. Baked Camembert with Onion Jam and Thyme
Ingredients
- 250 g Camembert cheese
- 60 g onion jam
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C and place the Camembert cheese into a Le Creuset mini cocotte.
- Make two crosswise cuts on the cheese surface.
- Mix onion jam with thyme and spread it on top of the cheese.
- Cover and bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
2. Baked Camembert with Pecans and Honey
Ingredients
- 250 g Camembert cheese
- 60 g pecan nuts
- 113 g honey
- Flaked salt, for serving
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the Camembert cheese in the mini cocotte and make two crosswise cuts on top.
- Sprinkle pecan nuts over the cheese and drizzle with honey.
- Cover and bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and nuts are caramelized.
- Sprinkle flaked salt before serving.
3. Baked Camembert with Olives, Peppers, Tomato and Thyme
Ingredients
- 250 g Camembert cheese
- 3 plum tomatoes, halved
- 80 g pitted olives
- 10 g sweet peppers, sliced
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 180°C and prepare the Camembert cheese in the mini cocotte, making crosswise cuts on top.
- Top the cheese with tomatoes, olives, peppers, and fresh thyme sprigs.
- Cover and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and toppings are lightly roasted.
IMPORTANT! Serve the Camembert cheese directly in the mini cocotte along with toasted bread or crackers.
Can you make Camembert in a mini cocotte in the microwave?
Making Camembert cheese in the microwave is possible, but don't expect the same result. The microwave melts the cheese quickly and conveniently but doesn't brown or caramelize ingredients like the oven does—something essential to enhance the flavor of these recipes.
If you decide to try it, follow the same recipe steps: make cuts on the cheese and add your preferred toppings. Then microwave at medium-low power in intervals of 30-40 seconds, ensuring the cheese doesn't overheat and lose its texture. It should take about 2-3 minutes in total, depending on your microwave. The cheese should be creamy and melted, but not boiling.
Regarding differences, it's clear: the oven melts the cheese more evenly and gives a golden, slightly crisp surface, whereas the microwave only melts the cheese without that crunchy finish. Moreover, toppings such as nuts or tomatoes don't caramelize or roast, losing that toasted flavor provided by oven baking. However, for speed, the microwave is unbeatable—perfect if you're in a hurry or don't want to turn on the oven.
Is it worth making in the microwave?
If you’re looking for something quick and don't mind sacrificing browning and crispness, yes. But if you want a fuller, tastier, and visually appealing result, the oven is definitely your best choice.
Here's a helpful tip if you use the microwave: toast your toppings separately in a pan before adding them to the cheese to achieve extra flavor without complications (if we were chatting now, I'd probably send you a wink emoji... a practical tip, right?).
Whether in the oven or microwave, I hope you enjoy these recipes! Preparing Camembert cheese in a mini cocotte is so easy and always looks great, it should be a staple appetizer for every occasion! What’s your go-to Camembert recipe?
