Camembert with Honey and Thyme

Name: Camembert with Honey and Thyme
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 wheel of Camembert cheese; 2 tablespoons honey; Fresh thyme leaves; Crusty bread or crackers, for serving

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love transforming a simple wheel of Camembert into a stunning appetizer that’s not only beautiful but irresistible in flavor. By drizzling honey over the creamy cheese and adding fresh thyme, the result is a delightful balance of sweet and savory that’s always a hit at gatherings. I often prepare this dish for friends and family during the holidays, and it never fails to impress. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, it's the perfect way to elevate your cheese board or serve as a stunning centerpiece.

Created by

Imogen Price

Last updated on 2026-01-07T10:13:07.028Z

When I first tried Camembert with honey at a local cheese shop, I was instantly hooked. The combination of the creamy cheese paired with the sweetness of honey and the earthiness of thyme blew me away. I've made it countless times since, often experimenting with different herbs.

One key tip I’ve found is to let the cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This allows it to soften and become even creamier when heated, making each bite a true indulgence. It’s a surefire way to impress!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent combination of sweet honey and savory herbs
Creamy texture that pairs perfectly with crusty bread
Quick to prepare, making it the ideal last-minute appetizer

      

The Magic of Melting Camembert

When Camembert cheese is baked, it undergoes a transformation from a firm wheel to a gooey, luscious delight. The high fat content in the cheese aids in achieving that irresistibly creamy texture once heated. The goal is to bake it just long enough that the cheese becomes melty but not too long, or it will lose that delightful texture and turn overly runny. You'll know it's ready when the surface is bubbly and slightly golden, typically around 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

The crisscross scoring on the surface is crucial as it allows the heat to penetrate evenly, encouraging a smooth melt. Additionally, this scoring provides surface area for the honey to seep into, ensuring every bite is infused with sweetness. Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts, being careful not to cut too deeply, which helps maintain the overall shape and integrity of the cheese.

Flavor Enhancements with Honey and Thyme

Honey not only provides sweetness but also complements the richness of the Camembert remarkably well. The natural sugars in honey caramelize slightly during baking, adding depth and a hint of complexity to the flavor profile. For those who enjoy a bit of warmth, consider using a spiced honey or enhancing your mix with a sprinkle of cayenne or chili flakes for a sweet-heat experience that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese.

Fresh thyme's aromatic properties enhance the overall tasting experience, contributing an earthy note that balances the sweetness of the honey. If thyme isn’t available, consider using rosemary or even a hint of rosemary-infused olive oil. These substitutions can introduce a varied yet familiar herbal quality, enriching the dish while retaining that essential savory contrast. Always opt for fresh herbs when possible, as dried herbs will not provide the same vibrancy.

Ingredients

For the Camembert

1 wheel of Camembert cheese
2 tablespoons honey
Fresh thyme leaves
Crusty bread or crackers, for serving

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking to ensure a smooth process!

Instructions

Prepare the Cheese

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the wheel of Camembert in a small oven-safe dish. Using a sharp knife, score the top of the cheese in a crisscross pattern to allow for better melting.

Add Honey and Thyme

Drizzle the honey over the scored surface of the cheese. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves generously on top, ensuring even coverage.

Bake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey and starting to bubble.

Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

Enjoy this easy and delicious appetizer with friends and family. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Pro Tips

For an even more unique twist, try adding some crushed nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top just before serving to enhance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing

While crusty bread is a classic accompaniment, consider serving the baked Camembert with an array of dippers. Sliced apples or pears add a refreshing contrast to the warm, melted cheese, while toasted baguette slices provide a delightful crunch. You can also experiment with a variety of crackers—look for ones with seeds or herbs for added flavor complexity. Create a cheese board by adding assorted nuts and dried fruits, which will complement the dish and establish a beautiful presentation.

For drinks, a light-bodied white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, pairs nicely and enhances the overall flavor experience. However, if you're a fan of beers, a malty ale can also harmonize beautifully with the sweetness of the honey and the creaminess of the cheese. Offering a few options allows guests to explore which pairing they enjoy most.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're hosting a gathering, you can prepare the Camembert in advance by scoring and adding the honey and thyme but hold off on baking until just before serving. This way, you can pop it in the oven when your guests arrive, ensuring it's warm and gooey as you all settle in. You could also assign tasks to friends in the kitchen—have someone prepare the dippers while another monitors the cheese to make the experience seamless and enjoyable.

If you have leftover baked Camembert, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place the cheese back in the oven at a low setting (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. It’ll retain much of its original charm, though the texture will be a touch softer. This dish is perfect for creating a cozy snack, turning leftovers into something delightful.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, Brie is a perfect substitute for Camembert and works wonderfully with honey and herbs.

→ How long can I store leftover Camembert?

Once baked, it's best to enjoy it fresh. Unbaked cheese can be stored for up to a week in the fridge.

→ What else can I serve with Camembert?

Fruits like figs or pears, nuts, or charcuterie are great additions to your cheese board.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

The cheese itself is gluten-free, but be sure to choose gluten-free bread or crackers for serving.