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; 3 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; Freshly ground black pepper; Crusty bread or crackers for serving

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love whipping up Camembert with Honey and Thyme for a cozy evening snack or when hosting friends. The combination of creamy, warm cheese with the sweet and aromatic notes of honey and fresh thyme is nothing short of magical. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, yet it makes a stunning centerpiece that always impresses. Whether served with crusty bread or crackers, this dish brings a touch of elegance to any gathering. Plus, it makes the house smell delightful while it bakes!

Created by

Ainsley Harper

Last updated on 2026-01-07T12:40:11.829Z

When I first tried making Camembert with Honey and Thyme, I was amazed by how quickly it became a favorite in my home. I experimented with different herbs, but thyme brought the perfect amount of earthiness to complement the rich, creamy cheese. I’ve found that using a good quality honey elevates the entire dish—don’t go for the cheap stuff!

Another tip is to let the cheese sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking. This ensures a warm, gooey texture that everyone loves. Trust me, the aroma that fills your kitchen when it’s baking is worth it alone!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        The warm, gooey cheese that's irresistible straight from the oven
The perfect balance of sweet honey and aromatic thyme
Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for unexpected guests

      

Crafting the Perfect Camembert

Choosing the right Camembert is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture in this dish. Look for a cheese that is soft and slightly wrinkled on the outside, indicating it’s at peak ripeness. Avoid overly firm varieties, as they won’t melt properly and may lack the rich creaminess that makes this recipe so delightful. Remember to purchase a whole wheel rather than slices, as this ensures even baking and a wonderful gooey center.

Scoring the cheese before baking not only allows the honey and thyme flavors to penetrate more deeply but also helps the cheese melt uniformly. When you score, make sure to cut just through the rind and not too deeply into the cheese itself. This technique creates a captivating visual aspect once baked, with the scored sections bubbling and oozing with flavor as they melt.

Enhancing Flavor Profiles

The combination of honey and thyme is fundamental in this recipe. Opt for high-quality honey, as its flavor will shine through more than standard commercial options. Floral or herby honey varieties can add a unique twist to the overall taste. Should you desire an alternative, consider using maple syrup for a different sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cheese.

Fresh thyme leaves not only add aromatic notes but also contribute a slight earthiness to balance the sweetness of the honey. If fresh thyme isn’t available, dried thyme can be used in a pinch—just reduce the amount to one tablespoon, as its flavor is more concentrated. Alternatively, other fresh herbs like rosemary or rosemary-based honey can bring an exciting variation to this dish.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

1 whole Camembert cheese
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
Freshly ground black pepper
Crusty bread or crackers for serving

Gather all these ingredients, and let’s get started!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make this delightful dish:

Prepare the Cheese

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the Camembert out of its packaging and place it in a small, oven-safe dish. Score the top of the cheese in a crisscross pattern to allow the flavors to infuse.

Add Honey and Thyme

Drizzle the honey generously over the scored surface of the cheese. Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves on top, ensuring even coverage. Add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper for an extra kick.

Bake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and gooey.

Serve

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

Enjoy your delicious Camembert with Honey and Thyme!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, you can add a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top of the cheese before serving. This enhances both the flavor and the texture brilliantly.

Tips for Serving and Pairing

For serving, I recommend placing the warm Camembert on a wooden board, surrounded by an assortment of crusty bread, crackers, and sliced fruits such as apples or pears. These accompaniments offer a delightful textural contrast to the melted cheese, enhancing the overall tasting experience. Additionally, a light drizzle of extra honey on the finished dish can elevate the presentation and add an extra touch of sweetness.

This dish is also wonderful when accompanied by a selection of nuts, which provide a crunchy texture. Walnuts and almonds are great choices, as their flavors complement the rich, creamy cheese. For those looking to elevate their presentation further, consider garnishing with a few whole thyme sprigs, which adds a visually appealing touch and hints at the herbs used in the baking.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, storing leftovers is possible. Allow the Camembert to cool completely, then wrap it in parchment paper and place it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days. However, be mindful that the texture may change, becoming firmer; it will still be delicious when reheated.

To reheat, place the leftover cheese in a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil to help retain moisture. Reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes until warm. Keep an eye on it; you want it to be gooey but not oozing out completely, which can happen if it is overheated. Enjoying your leftover Camembert with fresh accompaniments can make the experience just as delightful as the first serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Brie is a great alternative if you can't find Camembert.

→ How long can I bake the cheese?

Be careful not to over-bake. 20 minutes is ideal for a gooey texture.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh from the oven, you can prepare it up to an hour in advance and bake when ready.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

Crusty bread, crackers, or even fresh fruits make excellent companions!