As the autumn chill sets in, cozy nights at home call for something truly indulgent. Picture this: a warm, golden crust of sourdough bread, housing a steaming, gooey baked Camembert, drizzled with hot maple syrup and fresh thyme. When I first decided to experiment with flavors over a gathering of friends, I never imagined that this Baked Hot Maple Camembert Sourdough would steal the show.
Not only is it a showstopper at any gathering, but it’s also refreshingly simple to make. Imagine breaking open that crusty loaf, the rich, creamy cheese oozing out as you dip crispy croutons, slices of Pink Lady apple, and fresh figs – it’s pure bliss! Whether it’s game night or a casual dinner party, this recipe brings people together, elevating your home-cooked experience far beyond the confines of fast food. So, let’s gather around the kitchen and dive into this delightful culinary adventure!
Why is Baked Hot Maple Camembert Sourdough a Must-Try?
Indulgence at its finest: This recipe combines the richness of gooey Camembert with the sweetness of hot maple syrup for a truly decadent experience.
Crowd-pleaser guaranteed: Perfect for gatherings, as it effortlessly impresses guests with its stunning presentation and delectable flavors.
Simplicity reigns: With just a few ingredients and a quick bake, you can create a gourmet dish in no time.
Versatility in serving: Pair it with fresh celery, figs, and sliders for a fabulous spread that caters to every palate.
Comfort food elevated: Enjoy the comforting warmth of freshly baked bread combined with the luxurious melt of cheese, making it an ideal dish for cozy evenings.
Feeling inspired? Check out other delightful recipes like Cheesy Garlic Bread for a total flavor feast!
Baked Hot Maple Camembert Sourdough Ingredients
Get ready to indulge!
For the Bread
• 1 loaf M&S Collection crafted sourdough bread – This artisan loaf will give your dish that gorgeous crust and chewy texture.
For the Cheese
• 1 M&S Collection baking camembert cheese – Opt for a high-quality Camembert to ensure it melts beautifully and adds rich flavor.
For the Flavoring
• 1 tbsp M&S hot maple syrup – The warm sweetness from this syrup complements the savory cheese perfectly.
• 5 g M&S fresh thyme, leaves picked – Fresh thyme brings a fragrant herbal note that elevates the dish.
For the Accompaniments
• 1 jar (120 g) M&S Collection apricot and sauternes fruit for cheese – This adds a lovely contrast to the richness of the Camembert.
• 1 jar (230 g) M&S Collection sticky fig and hot honey chutney – A perfect blend of sweetness and spice to enhance your savory treat.
For Dipping
• 100 g M&S British celery sticks – Crisp and refreshing, they add a nice crunch to balance the creaminess.
• 4 M&S perfectly ripe fig – Ripe figs are a wonderful, sweet complement to the cheese.
• 1 M&S Pink Lady apple, sliced – The tartness and crunch of these apples are delightful with warm cheese.
This Baked Hot Maple Camembert Sourdough is not only a feast for the senses, but each ingredient plays a key role in creating that memorable experience!
How to Make Baked Hot Maple Camembert Sourdough
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Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6. This step ensures that your bread bakes perfectly, achieving that golden, crispy crust while the cheese melts beautifully inside.
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Prepare the sourdough loaf by placing it on a chopping board. Use the lid of the camembert as a guide to carefully cut a small hole in the top – just big enough for the cheese to fit snugly. Save the pieces you cut out; they’ll be used later!
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Score the rest of the loaf in a criss-cross pattern, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through. This creates a lovely texture and allows the flavors to seep in during baking.
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Set the loaf on a baking sheet and carefully place the unwrapped camembert into the hollowed space. Don’t forget to pierce the top of the cheese with a knife to help it ooze out perfectly while baking!
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Combine the thyme with the hot maple syrup and 3 tbsp of olive oil. Drizzle this fragrant mix over both the loaf and the cheese, enhancing the richness and adding a touch of sweetness.
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Break the spare bread into crouton shapes and lay them around the loaf on the baking tray. Drizzle them lightly with olive oil for that extra crunch and flavor during baking.
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Bake for 20 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese is wonderfully melted. It’s time to indulge! Serve your Baked Hot Maple Camembert Sourdough with chutney, the apricot and sauternes fruit, celery, figs, apple slices, and those crispy croutons on the side.
Optional: Garnish with extra thyme leaves for a fresh touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Baked Hot Maple Camembert Sourdough
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Quality Ingredients: Use artisanal sourdough and high-quality Camembert for the best flavor. It makes a noticeable difference in your dish.
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Don’t Overcut: When hollowing the loaf, ensure you don’t cut all the way through. This keeps the cheese contained and prevents spillage.
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Crusty Croutons: Drizzle olive oil over the croutons before baking to achieve that perfect golden crunch alongside your gooey cheese.
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Thyme Balance: Adjust the amount of thyme based on your taste; a little goes a long way to enhance the savory profile without overpowering the cheese.
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Serve Fresh: For the best experience, serve your baked hot maple Camembert sourdough immediately right out of the oven; the cheese is at its most melty and inviting!
How to Store and Freeze Baked Hot Maple Camembert Sourdough
Room Temperature: Enjoy your Baked Hot Maple Camembert Sourdough immediately for the best flavors. If you have leftovers, store them at room temperature for no more than 2 hours.
Fridge: Store any uneaten baked sourdough in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a fresh taste.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, storing in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Reheating: To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 180°C/350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is re-melted. Enjoy the comfort of your Baked Hot Maple Camembert Sourdough again!
Make Ahead Options
These Baked Hot Maple Camembert Sourdough loaves are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the bread by hollowing it out and scoring it up to 24 hours in advance. Store the shaped loaf tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. The Camembert can also be pierced and stored in the fridge, wrapped in its original packaging to maintain its quality. When you’re ready to serve, simply place the cheese back into the bread, drizzle with the thyme and maple syrup mixture, and bake for 20 minutes. This way, you’ll achieve that gooey, delightful melty cheese and crispy bread with minimal effort, making your entertaining a breeze!
Baked Hot Maple Camembert Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own with these tasty twists!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute the sourdough with gluten-free bread or a gluten-free baguette for a delicious alternative that everyone can enjoy.
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Herb-Infused: Try swapping thyme for fresh rosemary or even a mix of herbs like basil and oregano for a different aromatic experience.
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Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or drizzle some chili oil over the cheese before baking for an exciting hint of heat.
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Fruit Forward: Toss in additional fruits like pears or honeycrisp apples for a different crunchy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the cheese.
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Nutty Crunch: Scatter some chopped walnuts or pecans over the cheese before baking to introduce a beautiful crunch and nutty flavor.
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Veggie Boost: Enhance nutrition by layering in spinach or kale in the hollow before adding the cheese; it adds color and extra nutrients.
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Maple Variations: Use different flavored syrups, such as cinnamon or bourbon-infused maple syrup, to create a new twist on the classic flavor profile.
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Sweet & Savory: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the finished dish just before serving for a rich, complex flavor that balances the sweetness beautifully.
What to Serve with Baked Hot Maple Camembert Sourdough?
Elevate your gathering with delightful accompaniments that enhance every bite of this warm, cheesy treasure.
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Crispy Celery Sticks: Their refreshing crunch contrasts beautifully with the gooey cheese, adding a delightful texture.
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Sliced Pink Lady Apples: The tartness of these apples paired with warm Camembert offers a delicious balance of flavors that dances on your palate.
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Ripe Figs: Sweet and succulent, figs provide a lovely sidekick to the richness of the cheese, making each dip even more indulgent.
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Sticky Fig Chutney: This sweet and spicy chutney drizzled over the cheese intensifies the whole experience, perfectly punctuating the savory.
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Apricot and Sauternes Fruit: With a hint of sweetness, this fruity addition provides a refreshing contrast that enhances the overall taste.
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Homemade Croutons: Use the extra bread pieces, baked to crispy perfection, which are perfect for scooping up cheese and chutney.
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Light White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the dish beautifully, cutting through the richness with bright acidity.
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Warm Baguette Slices: For those who can’t resist more bread, serve warm slices of baguette to soak up every last bit of melted cheese.
These pairings will not only enhance your Baked Hot Maple Camembert Sourdough but create a beautiful spread that invites sharing and conversation around the table.
Baked Hot Maple Camembert Sourdough Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right sourdough bread?
Absolutely! When picking your sourdough loaf, look for one that’s still fresh with a nice crust. A loaf with a good balance of chewiness and crustiness is ideal. If the bread has dark spots or looks overly dry, it might not be the best choice for this recipe!
How should I store leftover Baked Hot Maple Camembert Sourdough?
For any leftovers, it’s best to store the Baked Hot Maple Camembert Sourdough in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat it in a preheated oven at 180°C/350°F for 15-20 minutes to regain that lovely melted cheese texture and warm crust.
Can I freeze Baked Hot Maple Camembert Sourdough?
Very! To freeze this delightful dish, allow it to cool completely after baking. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil (this prevents freezer burn) and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in the oven at 180°C/350°F for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt back to its gooey glory!
What should I do if my Camembert isn’t melting properly?
If you notice that your Camembert isn’t melting as expected, ensure you’re using a quality baking Camembert cheese rather than a regular one, which often can’t handle the heat. Additionally, be sure to pierce the top of the cheese before baking. If you still have issues, consider increasing the baking time by an additional 5 minutes, but keep an eye on the bread to avoid overbaking.
Is Baked Hot Maple Camembert Sourdough safe for pets?
Very! While cheese in moderation is generally safe for most dogs and cats, keep in mind that some pets are lactose intolerant. Avoid giving them the sourdough and sweet toppings, like the maple syrup or chutney. Always consult with your vet regarding dietary concerns for your furry friends.
Can I make substitutions due to allergies or preferences?
Absolutely! If you have cheese allergies, consider using a dairy-free soft cheese alternative that melts well. For those avoiding gluten, a gluten-free bread option can be used as a substitute, just ensure it’s suitable for baking. Feel free to get creative with toppings and pairings – the world is your oyster in the kitchen!
Savor Baked Hot Maple Camembert Sourdough Tonight!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6.
- Prepare the sourdough loaf by placing it on a chopping board and cut a small hole in the top – just big enough for the cheese to fit snugly.
- Score the rest of the loaf in a criss-cross pattern, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through.
- Set the loaf on a baking sheet and place the unwrapped camembert into the hollowed space.
- Combine the thyme with hot maple syrup and 3 tbsp of olive oil. Drizzle this mix over both the loaf and the cheese.
- Break the spare bread into crouton shapes and lay them around the loaf on the baking tray, drizzling them lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve with chutney, apricot fruit, celery, figs, apple slices, and croutons.