Irresistible Crispy Baked Camembert with Cranberry Jam

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Joy of Comfort Food
3. Discovering Baked Camembert
4. Making Baked Camembert from Scratch
   • 4.1 Ingredients Needed
   • 4.2 Breading the Cheese
   • 4.3 Frying the Cheese
   • 4.4 Baking the Cheese
5. The Magic of Melting Cheese
6. Finding the Perfect Accompaniment
7. Enjoying Baked Camembert
8. Pros and Cons of Baked Camembert
9. Conclusion
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🧀 The Joy of Comfort Food

There's something incredibly satisfying about indulging in comfort food, especially during the colder months of fall and winter. It warms both the body and the soul, providing a sense of coziness and contentment. One such comfort food that my husband and I have come to adore is baked Camembert. Originating from Quebec, this dish is simple yet incredibly delicious. It consists of braided Camembert cheese that is baked to perfection and served with a side of jam. Unfortunately, we can't find this delightful treat readily available where we currently reside. Not wanting to miss out on one of our favorite comfort foods, I began experimenting with making it from scratch. In this article, I will share with you my easy and straightforward method for creating a delectable baked Camembert.

🧀 Discovering Baked Camembert

Before delving into the process of making baked Camembert, let's take a moment to appreciate the charm of this delightful dish. Camembert cheese itself is a soft, creamy, and slightly tangy cheese that originates from France. When baked, it undergoes a glorious transformation. The outer layer turns golden and crisp, while the interior becomes molten and gooey. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the oozing, creamy center is a true delight for the senses. The addition of a sweet jam or sauce complements the richness of the cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

🧀 Making Baked Camembert from Scratch

Now that we understand the appeal of baked Camembert, let's dive into the step-by-step process of creating this delectable dish.

4.1 Ingredients Needed

To make baked Camembert, you will need the following ingredients:

• Common bear or Brie cheese
• 1 egg
• Flour
• Bread crumbs (such as panko)
• Oil
• Cranberry jam or sauce

Note: Feel free to substitute cranberry jam with cranberry sauce if desired.

4.2 Breading the Cheese

Begin by breading the cheese. Take the cheese and coat it evenly with flour. This step is optional but can provide a nice crispy texture to the cheese when fried.

Next, beat the egg in a separate bowl, and dip the floured cheese into the beaten egg. Ensure that the cheese is fully coated with the egg.

Lastly, coat the cheese with bread crumbs. If you don't have panko bread crumbs, regular bread crumbs will suffice. Make sure the cheese is completely covered with bread crumbs for a satisfying crunch.

4.3 Frying the Cheese

Once the cheese is breaded, heat a pan with a generous amount of oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded cheese to the pan.

Fry the cheese on one side until it turns crisp and golden brown. Then, flip the cheese over and fry the other side until it reaches the same desirable color. If needed, add a bit more oil to the sides of the cheese to ensure even frying.

4.4 Baking the Cheese

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).

Transfer the fried cheese to a small baking pan. At this stage, you may notice some melting happening, but we want to ensure it melts completely.

Place the baking pan with the cheese into the preheated oven and let it bake for a short duration. Inserting a fork into the center of the cheese will help determine if it has melted to a liquid consistency.

5. The Magic of Melting Cheese

As the baked Camembert emerges from the oven, you'll witness the magic of melting cheese. The outer layer will have turned beautifully golden, while the cheesy interior will be soft, gooey, and utterly irresistible.

6. Finding the Perfect Accompaniment

To enhance the flavor profile of baked Camembert, it is customary to serve it with a side of cranberry jam or sauce. The tartness and sweetness of the cranberries provide a delightful contrast to the richness of the cheese. However, if cranberry jam is not readily available, cranberry sauce can be used as a substitute.

7. Enjoying Baked Camembert

Once the baked Camembert has slightly cooled, but is still warm, it is ready to be enjoyed. Take a fork and dip it into the melted cheese, then add a dollop of cranberry jam or sauce. The combination of flavors and textures is truly a treat for the taste buds.

🧀 Pros and Cons of Baked Camembert

Pros:

• Offers a satisfying and indulgent comfort food experience
• The contrast between crispy exterior and creamy center is delightful
• Can be easily made from scratch with just a few ingredients
• Perfect for winter evenings or as a hearty snack
• The addition of cranberry jam or sauce complements the flavors

Cons:

• Can be high in calories and fat due to the cheese and frying process
• May not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies
• Requires access to Camembert cheese, which may not be readily available in all regions

🧀 Conclusion

Baked Camembert is a delightful comfort food that combines the creaminess of melted cheese with the crunchiness of a golden crust. It is a dish that can be easily made from scratch and enjoyed during the colder months or as a satisfying snack. With its gooey center and the addition of cranberry jam, every bite is a burst of flavors and textures that will warm your soul. So why not give it a try and experience the joy of baked Camembert for yourself?

Resources:

• Ikea (for cranberry jam)