Discover the Creamy Joy of Camembert Cheese Recipes & Pairings

Camembert cheese is one of life’s rich, creamy pleasures. This soft, bloomy-rind cheese from France has a smooth texture and mild, buttery flavour that turns any meal into something special. We always keep a wheel in our fridge because it’s just so versatile. Whether you want something warm and gooey for a starter, a centrepiece for your cheeseboard, or even a fun baking project, camembert has you covered.

At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we’re big fans of soft cheese and have brought together some of the best cheeses in the UK and beyond. So, let’s get into some delicious ways to enjoy camembert and look at some easy food pairings that will have everyone reaching for another bite.

Why Camembert Is Always a Good Idea

Camembert has a soft rind, creamy inside, and rich flavour that balances savoury and earthy with a touch of mushroomy depth. When it’s eaten at room temperature, it’s smooth and spreadable. Heat it, and it becomes molten deliciousness perfect for dipping.

Camembert is made from cow’s milk and usually comes in a small wheel. It’s similar to brie, and if you love one, you’ll probably love the other.

At the Cheese Shop Nantwich, we offer similar soft cheeses you might also enjoy, like the beautifully rich Delice de Bourgogne or the gentle, creamy Somerset Brie.

Our Favourite Camembert Recipes

Here are some go-to recipes you can enjoy using Camembert. They’re simple, comforting and packed with flavour.

1. Baked Camembert with Garlic and Rosemary

This is a classic for a reason. Grab a small wheel of Camembert, slice the top rind off, and tuck in slices of garlic and sprigs of rosemary. Bake at 180°C (fan) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until soft in the centre. Serve with sliced baguette or crusty breadsticks for dipping.

Try serving it with a side of cured meats or a spoonful of red onion chutney. It’s perfect to share, but don’t be surprised if you end up eating most of it yourself.

2. Camembert Pasta

Not just for the cheeseboard, Camembert is rich enough to stand in as the sauce for pasta, too. Cut off the rind, melt the cheese in a saucepan with a splash of milk or cream, and toss it with cooked tagliatelle or fusilli. Add rocket, black pepper, and toasted walnuts.

You can also swap out for other soft cheeses in this dish. Why not try the lighter-flavoured Wigmore or Caws Cenarth Brie? Both melt beautifully and add a new spin on the classic dish.

3. Camembert-Plum Toasties

For something sweet and savoury, slice camembert onto bread, top with thinly sliced plums or fig jam, and toast it in a sandwich press or frying pan with butter until golden. It’s gooey, crispy, tangy and perfect as a quick lunch.

This works just as well with apples, pears or even a bit of quince paste. Camembert’s gentle tang is a lovely match for fruit, especially when warmed.

4. Camembert-Stuffed Mushrooms

Remove the stalks from large mushrooms and fill with chunks of camembert, breadcrumbs, and thyme. Grill until bubbling and golden. These make a lovely starter or side dish with a roast.

If you want an even stronger cheese to finish the top, try adding a little Nantwich Blue. It crumbles well and brings a lovely punch of flavour.

Best Foods to Pair with Camembert

Fresh Fruits

Camembert goes beautifully with all sorts of fruits. Try serving it with ripe slices of apple, grapes, figs, or fresh berries. The sweetness balances out the rich, creamy body of the cheese.

Dried fruits like apricots or dates also make a good match. You can chop and sprinkle them around a baked Camembert for something quick and easy but impressive.

Breads and Crackers

A crusty French bread is the classic choice here, but the truth is camembert sits nicely on so many bases. Breadsticks, oatcakes, crackers with a bit of fruit… even grissini or toasted focaccia will work.

If you like an extra-rich texture, try pairing with Brie de Meaux for a double-creamy combo on one board.

Wine and Drinks

A buttery Camembert matches well with wines like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or even sparkling wines. Beer fans might like something malty, like a red ale or a wheat beer.

Feeling more adventurous? Try it with cider. Camembert and cider are classic French siblings and make for a lovely, light pairing.

Or take it further with an aromatic white wine poured alongside the punchy, washed-rind Stinking Bishop for those who fancy a mix of textures and strength.

Meats and Pickles

Camembert loves salty partners. Prosciutto, salami or even cold roast beef bring out the savouriness of the cheese. Stack them up on a toastie or make a mini platter.

Tart pickles also add bite and crispness. Cornichons, pickled onions, or even sweet pickled beetroot can cut through the creaminess.

Try adding shaved Camembert to a fresh salad with Capricorn Goat Cheese for something earthy, tangy, and soft all at once.

A Cheese Board to Remember

Making a cheese board is a real way to add some fun and flavour to any gathering. Here’s an easy idea for a camembert-focused cheese board:

• Camembert (baked or fresh)
• A slice of Baron Bigod for a nutty, creamy contrast
• A blue hit from Nantwich Blue
• A slice of the washed-rind wonder Drunken Burt, made with local beer
• Some crusty bread, crackers or apple slices
• A pot of chutney or fruit preserve
• Mixed nuts and fresh grapes

Arrange the cheeses by softness and flavour strength so guests can work across the board. Start with the lighter brie types like Caws Cenarth Brie and end with punchier cheeses like Stinking Bishop.

Storing and Serving Tips

When it comes to camembert, how you store and serve it makes a big difference.

• Take the cheese out of the fridge 45 minutes before serving. The flavour becomes more mellow, and the texture softens up.
• Keep it wrapped in its original paper or wax wrap. Clingfilm can make the rind slimy.
• If storing longer than a few days, keep it in a sealed container or cheese box in the fridge to stop it absorbing other smells.

If you’re baking or cooking with it, there’s no need to remove the rind unless you prefer it. The rind is totally edible and gives a lot of the cheese its flavour.

FAQs

Can you eat Camembert raw?
Yes, Camembert is soft and ready to eat straight from the pack. It’s tasty at room temperature.

Can you freeze Camembert?
Yes, but it may affect the texture. Freezing changes the structure, so it’s best for cooking and baking later, not serving as-is.

Is Camembert suitable for vegetarians?
Check the label. Some are made with animal rennet. At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we are clear with labelling, and you can always ask us if unsure.

How do you know when Camembert is ripe?
A ripe Camembert should feel soft when gently pressed, with a little spring. Too firm and it might be under-ripe, too runny and it might be over-ripe.

Ready to Try Something New?

Camembert is truly one of the gentler joys in the cheese world. Whether it’s melted into dinner or served proudly on a cheeseboard, this creamy cheese has the power to bring extra comfort to any mealtime.

At the Cheese Shop Nantwich, we’ve handpicked the best of British and European soft cheeses, including delicious choices like Delice de Bourgogne, Somerset Brie, and Stinking Bishop.

So come say hello online or at our shop, and make your next snack, supper or cheeseboard a camembert celebration. Visit us at cheeseshopnantwich.co.uk to browse our full range. Let’s get cheesy the tasty way!