Irresistible Baked Camembert Recipe with Cranberry Compote

Introduction

The gooey, melty goodness of baked Camembert is one of life’s simple pleasures. Pair it with a sweet and tangy homemade cranberry compote, and you’ve got yourself a show-stopping appetizer that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make. I remember discovering baked Camembert years ago at a cozy holiday party, and since then, it’s been my go-to dish for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

What I love most about this recipe is the combination of flavors: the rich, creamy Camembert paired with the slightly tart cranberry compote creates a perfect harmony of sweet and savory. Plus, it’s served warm, which makes it the ideal centerpiece for a festive gathering or a quiet night in. You’ll only need a handful of ingredients, and I promise it’s easier to make than it looks. Ready to wow your family and friends? Let’s dive into the details of this irresistible baked Camembert recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: This baked Camembert comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute entertaining.
• Minimal Ingredients: No need for a long grocery list; you can whip this up with just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
• Elegant and Crowd-Pleasing: This dish feels gourmet but is simple to make—your guests will think you spent hours preparing it!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party, romantic dinner, or casual get-together, baked Camembert with cranberry compote is always a hit.
• Customizable: You can swap out the cranberry compote for other flavors, like fig jam or spiced apple chutney, depending on your mood and the season.

This recipe is the kind of dish that brings people together around the table. It’s warm, comforting, and indulgent without being overly complicated. The cranberry compote adds a festive touch, making it ideal for holiday celebrations or whenever you want to treat yourself to a decadent appetizer that’s as easy as it is delicious.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, yet flavorful ingredients to ensure the best taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Camembert cheese: One 8-ounce wheel. Make sure it’s a good-quality Camembert for the ultimate creamy texture.
• Fresh cranberries: About 1 cup, or use frozen ones if fresh aren’t available.
• Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup, to sweeten the cranberry compote.
• Orange juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Orange zest: 1 teaspoon, to enhance the cranberry flavor with a subtle zing.
• Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon, for a warm, cozy touch.
• Rosemary: A few fresh sprigs, for a beautiful garnish and earthy flavor.
• Crackers or crusty bread: For serving. Choose your favorite—sourdough, baguette slices, or buttery crackers all work beautifully.

If you need substitutions, try Brie instead of Camembert, or swap the orange juice for apple cider. For a sugar-free option, use honey or maple syrup in the compote.

Equipment Needed

• Baking dish: A small, oven-safe dish that fits the Camembert snugly.
• Small saucepan: For preparing the cranberry compote.
• Zester: To get that fresh orange zest—it adds a ton of flavor!
• Knife: For scoring the cheese and slicing bread.
• Serving platter: Optional, but great for presentation.

If you don’t have a dedicated baking dish for cheese, you can use a small cast-iron skillet or even a pie dish. Just make sure it’s oven-safe!

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to warm up while you prepare the ingredients.
2. Prepare the Camembert: Unwrap the wheel of Camembert and place it in your baking dish. Use a sharp knife to score the top rind in a crosshatch pattern. This will allow the cheese to ooze out beautifully when baked.
3. Make the cranberry compote: In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a compote. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
4. Bake the Camembert: Place the prepared Camembert in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and gooey. Keep an eye on it—overbaking can cause it to become too runny.
5. Assemble and serve: Carefully remove the Camembert from the oven. Spoon the cranberry compote over the top, and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs. Serve immediately with crackers or crusty bread.

Tip: If your compote seems too thick, add a splash of water or more orange juice to loosen it up. And don’t skip the scoring step—it makes all the difference in presentation!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Choose the right cheese: Not all Camembert brands are created equal. Look for one that’s creamy and slightly soft to begin with—it’ll bake up beautifully.
• Don’t overbake: Camembert doesn’t need long in the oven. Check it after 10 minutes to avoid it becoming overly liquidy.
• Make the compote ahead: You can prepare the cranberry compote up to two days in advance. Store it in the fridge and warm it slightly before serving.
• Use fresh rosemary: The earthy aroma of fresh rosemary complements the sweetness of the cranberries and the creaminess of the cheese perfectly.
• Pair with a variety of sides: Offer a mix of crackers, sliced baguette, and even apple slices for dipping—you’ll be surprised how well it goes with fruit!

Variations & Adaptations

• Seasonal swaps: In spring or summer, swap the cranberries for fresh strawberries or raspberries. Simply cook them down with sugar and lemon juice for a bright compote.
• Low-carb option: Serve the baked Camembert with fresh veggies like celery, cucumbers, and bell pepper strips instead of bread or crackers.
• Nutty twist: Sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or pecans over the cranberry compote for added crunch and flavor.

One personal favorite of mine is adding a drizzle of honey along with the cranberry compote—it enhances the sweetness and pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This baked Camembert is best served warm right out of the oven. Arrange it on a platter with crackers, sliced bread, or even fresh fruit for dipping. Pair it with a glass of Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine for a luxurious experience.

If you have leftovers (though it’s rare!), store the cheese and compote separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the cheese gently in the oven until warmed through, and heat the compote on the stove or microwave before serving.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This irresistible baked Camembert with cranberry compote is comforting yet surprisingly balanced. Camembert is rich in calcium and healthy fats, while the cranberries provide a dose of antioxidants and vitamin C. A serving of this appetizer is relatively low in carbs, making it a great option for those watching their intake.

Keep in mind that Camembert is a soft cheese, so it does contain some saturated fat. Pairing it with fresh fruit and whole-grain crackers can add fiber and balance to your plate. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you could try baking a wheel of low-fat Brie instead.

Conclusion

This irresistible baked Camembert with cranberry compote is the kind of recipe that feels indulgent without being overly fussy. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or treating yourself to a cozy night in, it’s the perfect dish to impress without the stress.

I love how quick and easy it is to prepare, yet it looks and tastes like something straight out of a fancy restaurant. The combination of creamy cheese and sweet-tart cranberry compote is pure perfection—and the addition of fresh rosemary takes it to a whole new level.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Did you add your own twist? Leave me a comment below and let me know. Happy cooking, and remember—sometimes the simplest recipes bring the most joy!

FAQs

Can I use Brie instead of Camembert?

Absolutely! Brie is a great substitute for Camembert in this recipe. It has a similar creamy texture and flavor.

Can I make the cranberry compote ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the compote up to two days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it slightly before serving.

What if I don’t have fresh cranberries?

You can use frozen cranberries instead. Just cook them straight from frozen, no need to thaw them first.

What are some good alternatives to crackers or bread?

Fresh veggies like celery sticks, cucumber slices, or apple wedges make great low-carb dipping options.

Can I freeze leftover baked Camembert?

Freezing isn’t recommended as the texture of the cheese changes. It’s best to store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven.

Print