Camembert with Honey and Thyme

Name: Camembert with Honey and Thyme
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1 whole Camembert cheese (about 8 ounces); 2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; Fresh bread or crackers for serving

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love the way Camembert cheese transforms when it's baked, creating a warm and gooey masterpiece. This recipe combines the rich creaminess of Camembert with the earthy fragrance of thyme and the sweetness of honey. The result is a dish that’s perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in. In just a few simple steps, you can elevate your cheese game dramatically—serving it with fresh bread or fruit makes it an irresistible treat. Let’s dive in and explore this delightful combination together.

Created by

Clara Jennings

Last updated on 2026-01-07T11:46:11.966Z

When I first made this Camembert with honey and thyme for guests, I was amazed at how quickly it became the star of the evening. The cheese bubbles and oozes, drawing everyone in with its inviting aroma. Pairing the melted cheese with warm, crusty bread creates a delicious experience that takes minimal effort!

One tip I discovered is to drizzle the honey just before serving; this way, it remains warm and doesn’t solidify when it cools down. The addition of thyme enhances the dish’s earthy notes beautifully, adding depth to every bite. Trust me, your guests will be raving about it!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Decadent melted cheese with a sweet and herbal twist
Quick and easy preparation, perfect for last-minute gatherings
A sophisticated yet comforting appetizer that pleases any palate

      

Baking Technique for Perfectly Gooey Camembert

The secret to achieving a beautifully melted Camembert lies in the pre-baking preparations. By scoring the cheese in a crisscross pattern, you allow the honey and thyme to penetrate, enhancing the flavor throughout. It's essential not to cut all the way through; just make shallow cuts to keep the cheese intact while it bakes. This technique ensures that the cheese becomes luxuriously gooey without completely losing its structure.

Baking your Camembert at the right temperature is crucial for the ideal texture. At 350°F (175°C), the cheese softens evenly, resulting in a delightful melt without becoming overly runny. Keep a close eye on the baking time—typically around 15-20 minutes—until you notice the cheese bubbling at the edges and the surface appears glossy. This will indicate that it's reached that perfect gooey state.

Flavor Enhancements and Variations

While honey and thyme provide a wonderful balance of sweetness and earthiness, you can easily customize this dish to suit your taste. Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt or crushed red pepper flakes for a contrasting flavor boost. Furthermore, substituting the thyme with rosemary or a mix of herbs can create a different aromatic profile that works beautifully, especially for seasonal variations like winter gatherings.

For a more indulgent twist, you might incorporate additional ingredients into the cheese before baking. Adding garlic slivers or a few crushed walnuts can add depth and texture. If you're feeling adventurous, try drizzling different sweet elements like maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey to impart a unique sweetness that pairs well with the creamy cheese.

Ingredients

For the Baked Camembert

1 whole Camembert cheese (about 8 ounces)
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Fresh bread or crackers for serving

Make sure your Camembert is in a suitable baking dish to avoid spills while melting!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Cheese

Remove the Camembert from its packaging and place it in a small oven-safe dish. Score the top in a crisscross pattern with a sharp knife.

Add Honey and Thyme

Drizzle the honey over the scored cheese, ensuring it seeps into the grooves. Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves on top.

Bake

Place the cheese in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and bubbling.

Serve

Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Serve with your choice of fresh bread or crackers.

Enjoy this warm, cheesy delight with your favorite sides!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding crushed garlic or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Accompany your baked Camembert with various textures and flavors to elevate the experience. Fresh bread is always a classic choice, but consider offering a selection of artisan varieties, like crusty baguette or nutty whole grain, to complement the cheese's richness. Alternatively, fruit such as sliced apples, juicy pears, or even berries can provide a refreshing balance to the decadent cheese.

Don’t forget the option of pairing your baked Camembert with nuts or olives, which can add a delightful crunch and briny contrast. A cheese board featuring your baked Camembert alongside these accompaniments can transform a simple dish into a statement centerpiece for gatherings or intimate dinners.

Make-Ahead Strategies

If you're planning a gathering and want to simplify your prep work, consider preparing the Camembert the day before. Simply score the top, drizzle with honey, sprinkle the thyme, and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to serve, all you'll need to do is pop it in the oven and bake until bubbly. This will save you valuable time without compromising on flavor or presentation.

For storage, leftover baked Camembert can be kept in the refrigerator, though it's best enjoyed fresh. If reheating, use a moderate oven temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) to warm it through gently, preventing the cheese from becoming oily while maintaining its creamy consistency. This makes it easy to savor any leftover goodness without waste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, brie is a great alternative and will provide a similar meltiness.

→ How should I store leftover Camembert?

Store any leftover Camembert in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

While it's best fresh, you can prep the Camembert and honey thyme topping in advance and bake it right before serving.

→ What can I pair with baked Camembert?

Fresh fruits like apples or pears, nuts, and charcuterie items complement the flavors perfectly.