Baked Camembert with Cranberries and Walnuts Recipe
Warm, gooey Camembert stuffed with cranberries and walnuts, wrapped in crisp golden puff pastry and baked until gloriously melted. An easy and elegant French-inspired appetizer that's perfect with slices of crusty baguette and fresh fruit.
Servings 8
Calories 280kcal
Cost $10
Ingredients
- 1 whole Camembert, about 8–9 oz (225–250 g)
- 50 g walnuts, roughly chopped (about ½ cup)
- 50 g dried cranberries, roughly chopped (about ⅓–½ cup)
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoon water
Instructions
- Slice the Camembert. Cut the Camembert horizontally through the middle so you have two equal rounds.
- Add the filling. Spread the roughly chopped walnuts over one half of the Camembert and the chopped dried cranberries over the other. Gently press the cranberries into the cheese with your hand so they stay in place.
- Close the Camembert. Place the cranberry-covered half back on top of the walnut-covered half to re-form the wheel.
- Wrap in puff pastry. Unfold the puff pastry and roll it lightly with a rolling pin so it is just slightly thinner. Place the stuffed Camembert in the center. Fold the pastry around the cheese, completely enclosing it, and trim away the excess pastry.
- Decorate. Use the leftover puff pastry to decorate the top if desired. I created a small bunch of grapes from pastry circles, but leaves, vines or other shapes work beautifully.
- Add the egg wash. Beat the egg with 2 teaspoons of water. Brush the egg wash over the entire surface of the puff pastry.
- Freeze. Place the wrapped Camembert in the freezer for 1 hour. After about 50 minutes, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake. Place the chilled Camembert on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the puff pastry is beautifully puffed and golden brown. A little cheese beginning to escape from the pastry is a good indication that the Camembert inside is melted.
- Serve warm. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving with sliced baguette, crusty bread, grapes, apples, pears or figs.
Notes
- U.S. volume measurements for the walnuts and cranberries are approximate because their volume varies depending on how finely they are chopped. For the most accurate result, use the gram measurements.
- Camembert or Brie: For a stronger, more characterful cheese flavor, use Camembert. For something milder and softer, substitute a similar-sized wheel of Brie.
- Do not skip the freezing time. Chilling the cheese gives the puff pastry enough time to become crisp and golden before the cheese becomes completely molten.
- Make ahead: Assemble the Camembert the day before and refrigerate it. If it is already thoroughly chilled, freeze it for about 30–45 minutes before baking.