Warm & Gooey Baked Camembert with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Baked camembert converts an ordinary cheese into a luxurious culinary experience that tantalizes taste buds with its warm, gooey texture.

Soft and creamy, this classic French cheese becomes irresistibly decadent when heated, melting into a luscious pool of pure indulgence.

Its rich, buttery flavor develops an enhanced complexity when gently warmed in the oven, creating a spectacular centerpiece for any gathering.

The golden-brown exterior gives way to a silky, molten interior that begs to be spread across crusty bread or crisp vegetables.

cranberry sauce adds a vibrant, tangy contrast that perfectly complements the cheese’s smooth richness, bringing a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes.

Sophisticated yet incredibly simple, this dish elevates home entertaining with minimal effort and maximum impact.

Baked Camembert with Cranberry Sauce for a Perfect Starter

• Effortless Gourmet Experience: Transform a simple Camembert into a restaurant-worthy appetizer with minimal cooking skills, creating an impressive dish that looks and tastes sophisticated.
• Sensory Flavor Explosion: The warm, creamy Camembert perfectly complements the sweet-tart cranberry sauce, while toasted walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty depth to every bite.
• Quick Entertaining Magic: This recipe takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal last-minute appetizer for spontaneous gatherings, dinner parties, or cozy winter evenings with friends.
• Versatile Seasonal Delight: Adaptable for multiple occasions, from holiday celebrations to casual wine nights, this dish combines elegant presentation with incredibly simple preparation that will wow your guests.

Ingredients for Camembert with Tart Cranberry Sauce

• Camembert Wheel: Soft and creamy French cheese with a rich, buttery flavor that melts beautifully when baked, best when ripe but not overly soft.

• Cranberry Sauce: Sweet and tangy condiment that complements the rich cheese, providing a delightful contrast in flavor.

• Walnuts, Dried Cranberries: Crunchy nuts add texture and earthy flavor, while dried cranberries bring additional sweetness and a chewy element to the dish.

• Crackers: Crisp base for spreading the melted cheese, choose neutral-flavored varieties that won't overpower the Camembert's delicate taste.

How to Bake Camembert with a Cranberry Topping

Step 1: Prepare Camembert Oven

Preheat the oven to 350-375°F (180°C). Place a silicon mat on a baking tray for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Score Camembert Wheel

Grab a paring knife and gently create a crosshatch pattern on the Camembert rind, which helps it melt evenly.

Step 3: Bake Camembert

Slide the Camembert onto the prepared baking tray and bake for 10 minutes until it becomes soft and warm.

Step 4: Toast Nutty Goodness

In a pan over high heat, toast walnuts until they turn golden and release a delightful nutty aroma.

Step 5: Warm Cranberry Sauce

Use a microwave-safe jug to warm the cranberry sauce for 1-2 minutes, creating a silky smooth texture.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish Camembert

• Warm cranberry sauce
• Toasted walnuts
• Chopped dried cranberries

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Present the Camembert immediately with crisp crackers and a cheese knife for easy spreading. Invite friends to dig in and savor the warm, gooey deliciousness.

Tips to Nail the Texture on Baked Camembert

• Select Premium Cheese: Choose a high-quality, fresh Camembert wheel with a white, intact rind for the best melting texture and flavor.
• Score with Precision: Cut shallow crosshatch patterns on the rind to help the cheese melt evenly and create an attractive presentation.
• Watch Baking Time: Monitor the cheese closely during baking to prevent overcooking; it should be soft and warm but not completely liquefied.
• Toast Nuts Carefully: Roast walnuts quickly over high heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning and maximize their nutty, aromatic flavor.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy the Camembert right after baking for the ultimate creamy, gooey texture that pairs perfectly with warm cranberry sauce.

How to Store and Warm Up Camembert and Cranberry Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Camembert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover the cheese loosely to prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheat: Gently warm the Camembert in a 180°C oven for 5-7 minutes until soft and slightly melted. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.
• Refresh: Sprinkle fresh toasted walnuts and dried cranberries over the reheated cheese to restore its original appetizing presentation and crunch.

Best Breads and Crackers for Cranberry Camembert

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the melted Camembert, balancing its creamy texture with bright, zesty notes.
• Match with Rustic Bread Selection: Grab a variety of artisan breads like sourdough, walnut bread, or crusty baguette slices to scoop up the warm, gooey cheese and soak up the cranberry sauce.
• Complement with Light Salad: Prepare a fresh arugula salad with a light vinaigrette to provide a peppery, tangy contrast to the rich, soft cheese and sweet cranberry sauce.
• Finish with Dessert Wine: Serve a small glass of sweet Moscato or late-harvest Riesling to echo the cranberry's fruity sweetness and create a delightful end to the appetizer course.

Baked Camembert Variations to Try at Your Next Gathering

• Herb-Infused Camembert: Add fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs on top of the cheese before baking, creating an aromatic and flavorful version that elevates the classic recipe with subtle herbal notes.
• Honey Lavender Camembert: Drizzle local honey and sprinkle dried lavender buds over the cheese before baking, offering a delicate and slightly sweet Mediterranean-inspired alternative that complements the creamy texture.
• Spicy Maple Camembert: Replace cranberry sauce with a maple syrup and chili flake glaze, then top with toasted pecans instead of walnuts, delivering a bold and complex flavor profile with a sweet-heat combination.
• Fig and Balsamic Camembert: Swap cranberry sauce for reduced balsamic glaze and add chopped fresh figs, creating an elegant and sophisticated appetizer with rich, deep flavor undertones.

Baked Camembert with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Baked Camembert with Cranberry Sauce brings French alpine charm to holiday tables. Melted cheese meets tangy-sweet cranberry in this elegant appetizer that promises rich flavors and festive comfort for guests to savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 200 grams (7 ounces) Camembert cheese wheel
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
• ⅓ cup cranberry sauce

Garnish:

• ⅓ cup walnuts, roughly chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to a moderate temperature, creating an ideal environment for melting the cheese perfectly.
2. Position the Camembert wheel on a silicone-lined baking tray, delicately etching a diamond pattern across its protective rind to encourage even melting.
3. Allow the cheese to transform in the oven, becoming gloriously soft and molten for approximately 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, activate the walnuts in a hot skillet, carefully toasting them until they release a rich, nutty aroma and achieve a delicate golden hue.
5. Gently warm the cranberry sauce using a microwave, ensuring it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
6. Extract the bubbling Camembert from the oven with precision, transferring it to an elegant serving platter.
7. Cascade the heated cranberry sauce over the cheese’s surface, creating an enticing crimson glaze.
8. Generously scatter the golden-brown walnuts and vibrant dried cranberries across the melted cheese landscape.
9. Present immediately alongside crisp crackers and a dedicated cheese knife, inviting guests to indulge in this luxurious appetizer.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a high-quality, ripe Camembert with a soft, creamy texture for the best melting experience.
• Scoring Technique: Create a crosshatch pattern on the rind to help the cheese melt evenly and absorb flavors more effectively.
• Timing is Critical: Watch the cheese closely while baking to prevent overcooking, as it should be warm and soft but not completely melted.
• Nut Toasting Tip: Quickly toast walnuts over high heat to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the dish.
• Sauce Serving Hack: Warm the cranberry sauce gently to create a smooth, pourable consistency that complements the rich cheese.
• Immediate Enjoyment: Serve the Camembert right away to capture its perfect melted texture and optimal flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 322
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg