Prepare to transform your ordinary appetizer game into a jaw-dropping, Instagram-worthy culinary masterpiece that will have your guests swooning! This French-inspired Baked Camembert and Bread Wreath is not just a recipe – it's an experience that combines the luxurious creaminess of melted Camembert with a golden, flaky puff pastry wreath that looks like it was crafted by a professional pastry chef. Perfect for dinner parties, romantic nights in, or when you simply want to elevate your cheese game to epic proportions!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 round Camembert cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 package of puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 baguette, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the Camembert cheese from its packaging and place it on a clean work surface. If the cheese is in a wooden box, remove any packaging but keep the cheese in its box.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary to create an aromatic herb mixture.
- Gently brush the top of the Camembert with the herb-infused olive oil, ensuring even coverage.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a large, thin rectangle approximately 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut the puff pastry into long strips about 1 inch wide, creating a total of 8-10 strips.
- Arrange the pastry strips in a circular wreath pattern on the prepared baking sheet, slightly overlapping each strip and leaving a space in the center for the cheese.
- Place the prepared Camembert in the center of the pastry wreath.
- Carefully weave the pastry strips around the cheese, creating a braided or interwoven effect.
- Brush the entire pastry wreath with beaten egg, ensuring complete and even coverage for a golden, shiny finish.
- Sprinkle additional chopped rosemary over the pastry if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the cheese is visibly melted.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Slice the baguette and arrange around the Camembert wreath for dipping.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is warm and gooey, allowing guests to tear pieces of pastry and bread to scoop the melted cheese.
Tips
- Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a high-quality, ripe Camembert that's soft but not overly runny. The ideal cheese will melt beautifully without losing its structural integrity.
- Pastry Pro Tip: Keep your puff pastry cold until just before use. This ensures maximum puffiness and creates those stunning, flaky layers.
- Herb Infusion Hack: For an extra flavor punch, let the olive oil, garlic, and rosemary mixture sit for 10-15 minutes before brushing to intensify the aromatics.
- Egg Wash Secrets: Use a pastry brush and apply the egg wash gently but thoroughly. This creates that irresistible golden-brown, glossy finish that makes the wreath look professionally made.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after baking. The magic of this dish is in the molten, gooey cheese and crisp pastry – timing is everything!
- Make-Ahead Hack: You can prepare the wreath up to the egg wash stage and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just add the egg wash right before putting it in the oven.
- Accompaniment Ideas: While the baguette is classic, try serving with additional dippers like crisp apple slices, crackers, or even lightly toasted prosciutto-wrapped breadsticks for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 85mg
