Impress your guests with this elegant Cranberry, Thyme, and Pistachio Baked Camembert. The gooey cheese paired with sweet cranberries, crunchy pistachios, and aromatic thyme makes for the ultimate holiday appetizer. Serve it warm, and watch it become the centerpiece of your festive spread!
Ingredients
- 1 wheel Camembert cheese (8 oz)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)
- Crackers or baguette slices, for serving
Preparation
1: Prepare the Camembert
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Unwrap the Camembert cheese and place it in a small oven-safe dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Using a sharp knife, score the top of the cheese in a crosshatch pattern. This helps the cheese melt evenly and allows the flavors to seep into the cheese as it bakes.
2: Add the Toppings
- Sprinkle the dried cranberries evenly over the top of the scored Camembert.
- Add the chopped pistachios, spreading them across the surface for a delightful crunch in every bite.
- Scatter the fresh thyme leaves over the toppings for an earthy, aromatic touch.
- If desired, drizzle honey over the top for a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
3: Bake the Camembert
- Place the prepared cheese in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese becomes soft and gooey. Avoid overbaking, as this may cause the cheese to lose its shape and spill out excessively.
4: Serve the Baked Camembert
- Carefully remove the baked Camembert from the oven.
- Serve immediately with an assortment of crackers, baguette slices, or fresh fruit like apple or pear slices for dipping.
Variations
- Nut Alternatives: Substitute pistachios with walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Fruit Variations: Use dried figs, apricots, or raisins instead of cranberries for a unique twist.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a more robust herbal aroma.
- Cheese Swaps: Replace Camembert with Brie for a similar gooey texture and flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure your Camembert is at room temperature before baking for even melting.
- Use a small oven-safe dish to catch any melted cheese that may escape.
- To enhance the flavor, toast the nuts lightly before adding them to the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair the baked Camembert with sparkling wine or a light, fruity white wine for a festive pairing.
- Serve with sliced baguette, water crackers, or crostini for dipping.
- Add fresh fruit like grapes, figs, or apple slices to the platter for a sweet and refreshing contrast.
Tips
- Quick Assembly: Assemble the cheese with toppings a few hours ahead and bake just before serving.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cheese during baking to avoid overcooking.
- Portable Option: If you’re taking this to a party, bake it in a disposable foil dish for easy transport and cleanup.
- Easy Cutting: Use a sharp knife to score the cheese to avoid tearing the delicate rind.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 8 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
FAQs
1. Can I use Brie instead of Camembert?
Yes, Brie is a great substitute for Camembert in this recipe. Both cheeses have a similar texture and flavor when baked.
2. What can I use instead of honey?
You can drizzle maple syrup, agave nectar, or skip the sweetener entirely if you prefer a purely savory dish.
3. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat the baked Camembert in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes until warm and gooey again.
4. Can I make this recipe without nuts?
Absolutely! You can omit the nuts or replace them with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added texture.
Conclusion
The Cranberry, Thyme, and Pistachio Baked Camembert is the epitome of holiday indulgence. With its gooey cheese center, sweet and tangy cranberries, crunchy pistachios, and aromatic thyme, this appetizer is sure to be a showstopper. Easy to prepare yet elegant enough for any occasion, it’s perfect for impressing your guests at festive gatherings. Serve it warm with crackers or fresh fruit, and enjoy a memorable, flavorful experience!
Print
Cranberry, Thyme, and Pistachio Baked Camembert
- Total Time: 17 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 wheel Camembert cheese (8 oz)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)
- Crackers or baguette slices, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Camembert
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Unwrap the Camembert cheese and place it in a small oven-safe dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Using a sharp knife, score the top of the cheese in a crosshatch pattern. This helps the cheese melt evenly and allows the flavors to seep into the cheese as it bakes.
Step 2: Add the Toppings
- Sprinkle the dried cranberries evenly over the top of the scored Camembert.
- Add the chopped pistachios, spreading them across the surface for a delightful crunch in every bite.
- Scatter the fresh thyme leaves over the toppings for an earthy, aromatic touch.
- If desired, drizzle honey over the top for a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Step 3: Bake the Camembert
- Place the prepared cheese in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese becomes soft and gooey. Avoid overbaking, as this may cause the cheese to lose its shape and spill out excessively.
Step 4: Serve the Baked Camembert
- Carefully remove the baked Camembert from the oven.
- Serve immediately with an assortment of crackers, baguette slices, or fresh fruit like apple or pear slices for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure your Camembert is at room temperature before baking for even melting.
- Use a small oven-safe dish to catch any melted cheese that may escape.
- To enhance the flavor, toast the nuts lightly before adding them to the cheese.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 210
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Protein: 8 g