This Spicy Honey & Thyme Baked Camembert is a warm, gooey, and flavor-packed appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a cozy evening treat. Topped with a drizzle of honey infused with chili and fresh thyme, this baked cheese dish delivers the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and earthy.
Served with crispy grilled baguette slices—it’s an irresistible experience!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🧈 Melty Cheese Magic: Camembert becomes soft, creamy, and spreadable when baked just right.
- 🍯 Sweet & Heat Combo: Spicy honey adds a warming kick that complements the cheese beautifully.
- 🌿 Thyme Perfection: Fresh thyme gives an aromatic, herbal finish that elevates the whole dish.
- 🔥 Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—no special skills required.
- 🥖 Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for parties, wine nights, or romantic dinners.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
For the Camembert Bake:
- 1 whole wheel Camembert cheese , rind on
- 2 tbsp spicy honey (or regular honey + red pepper flakes/chili oil)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- Salt and black pepper , to taste
For the Baguette Fingers:
- 1 small baguette (or half of a longer one)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: A sprinkle of sea salt or crushed rosemary on the baguette fingers
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Cheese
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
Place the whole Camembert wheel in an oven-safe rind-friendly baking dish or ceramic camembert baker.
Using a sharp knife, score the top of the cheese in a crisscross pattern to help the flavors soak in.
Step 2: Mix the Flavor Infusion
In a small bowl, combine:
- Spicy honey (or mix regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce)
- Minced garlic
- Fresh thyme leaves
Mix well until fully combined.
Step 3: Drizzle and Season
Pour the honey-thyme mixture over the scored Camembert.
Make sure it flows into the cuts for maximum flavor infusion.
Season lightly with salt and black pepper .
Step 4: Bake Until Runny
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes , or until the Camembert is soft and gooey , but still holds its shape.
The cheese should be warm, fragrant, and slightly golden on top.
Step 5: Prepare the Baguette Fingers
While the cheese bakes, slice the baguette into 1-inch thick diagonal slices (fingers).
Brush both sides with olive oil .
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and toast each side until golden and crisp —about 1–2 minutes per side .
Tip: You can also bake the baguette slices on a tray in the oven alongside the Camembert for extra convenience.
Step 6: Serve Warm & Gooey
Remove the Camembert from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes .
Transfer to a serving board or slate platter.
Serve immediately with warm, crispy grilled baguette fingers for dipping or spreading.
Tips for Success:
- 🧀 Use Room-Temperature Cheese: Helps it melt evenly and avoids a rubbery texture.
- 🥣 Try Other Toppings: Crushed pecans, fig jam, or orange zest add nice twists.
- 🧄 Garlic Boost: Rub warm baguette slices with raw garlic for extra depth.
- 🌶️ Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili in the honey to suit your spice level.
- ❄️ Make Ahead Option: Assemble everything before baking and refrigerate—but bring to room temp before heating.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a glass of white wine, rosé, or sparkling cider.
- Add sliced apples or pears for a fruit-forward contrast.
- Great as an appetizer, charcuterie addition, or post-dinner indulgence.
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 6 – with 1 slice of baguette and a small spoonful of cheese):
(Approximate values – without additional toppings)
- Calories: ~200 kcal
- Protein: ~6g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Fat: ~12g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~8g
This Honey Thyme Spicy Camembert with Grilled Baguette Fingers is a simple yet unforgettable appetizer that brings together the best of sweet, savory, spicy, and soft textures. It’s elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a cozy night in.
So go ahead and make this today… because once you dip into that melty cheese—you won’t want to stop!
