Baked Camembert with bacon is pure comfort food: warm, gooey cheese topped with crispy, smoky bacon. It’s the kind of thing that disappears fast at any gathering, so you might want to make two. A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh herbs take it to the next level—rich, savory, and just a little bit sweet. Make it in the air fryer or oven!
Let’s be real—cheese and bacon together just make sense. I love making this for gatherings because it’s always a hit, and there’s never any left. It’s not just delicious: it also has a good balance of protein and healthy fats. Camembert is a great source of calcium, while bacon (in moderation) adds extra protein. Pairing it with fresh veggies or whole-grain crackers makes it even better.
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❤️ Why you will love this recipe
- Quick & easy: Minimal prep, maximum reward.
- Ultimate cheese pull: The creamy melted cheese is irresistible.
- Savory & slightly sweet: Bacon, honey, and herbs make the perfect combo.
- Air fryer or oven: You can cook it perfectly either way.
- Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves warm, melty cheese.
- Customizable: Add your favorite herbs, spices, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
🗝️ Key ingredients & substitutions
- Camembert wheel: Melts into a creamy, gooey dream. If you don’t have Camembert, Brie works too, but Camembert has a stronger, more complex flavor.
- Streaky bacon: Salty, crispy, and packed with smoky goodness. Pancetta or turkey bacon can work as substitutes.
- Fresh basil: Brings a fresh, slightly peppery touch. If you don’t have basil, try fresh thyme or chopped rosemary for a more earthy twist.
- Red chili pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick. Prefer it milder? Use less or skip it. Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness balances the richness of the cheese and saltiness of the bacon. Maple syrup is a great alternative.
🥣 How to make baked Camembert with bacon
- Preheat the oven: Set it to 175°C/350°F and let the cheese come to room temperature for the best melt.
- Cook the bacon: Dice and fry it in a frying pan over medium heat until golden brown but not too crispy (it’ll finish cooking in the oven). Drain on a paper towel.
- Prepare the cheese: Remove the plastic wrapping and place the wheel of Camembert back into its wooden or cardboard box. Set it on a baking sheet or small baking dish lined with parchment paper.
- Score the top: Use a sharp knife to cut a crisscross pattern into the top rind. This helps the toppings seep into the cheese.
- Add the toppings: Sprinkle fresh basil and chili flakes over the top, drizzle with honey, and then pile the bacon on top.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is soft and melted inside.
- Air Fry: You can also air fry it for 16 minutes at 175°C/350 F. No preheating needed!
- Serve immediately: Enjoy warm with crackers, crusty bread, or fresh veggies.
🪄 Recipe notes & tips
- Room temperature cheese melts better: Let the Camembert sit out for 20–30 minutes before baking.
- Don’t overbake: Too much time in the oven can make the cheese firm up again. Check it at 10 minutes.
- Crispy bacon is best: Cook it until golden brown, but not burnt, for the best texture.
- Drizzle extra honey: If you love a bit more sweetness, add another teaspoon right before serving.
- Best eaten fresh: Baked Camembert is at its best straight out of the oven while it’s still warm and melty.
🫙 Storage instructions
- Refrigerate: Wrap any leftover cheese in parchment paper or an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm it in a low oven (150°C/300°F) for a few minutes until soft again.
- Repurpose it: Spread leftovers on toast, mix into pasta, or use as a dip.
✨ Variations
- Add nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans add crunch.
- Switch up the herbs: Try thyme or rosemary instead of basil.
- Make it spicy: Add extra chili flakes or a drizzle of hot honey.
- Go extra sweet: Swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
- Try a smoky twist: Use smoked bacon or add a dash of smoked paprika.
🍽️ What to serve with/How to serve this recipe
- Breads & Crackers: Sliced baguette, rustic sourdough, whole-grain crackers, garlic crostini.
- Fresh Veggies: Sliced cucumbers, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, radishes.
- Fruits & Nuts: Grapes, apple slices, toasted walnuts, pecans.
- Savory Extras: Olives, fig jam, caramelized onions, roasted garlic.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep everything in advance, but bake it fresh for the best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have a wooden box for the Camembert?
Use a small ovenproof dish instead. Just make sure it’s the right size to keep the cheese from spreading too much.
Can I use Brie instead of Camembert?
Yes! Brie is a milder alternative, but it melts just as well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The baked Camembert itself is gluten-free, but be mindful of what you serve it with—choose gluten-free crackers or veggies.
😋 More appetizer recipes you will love
- Baked Camembert with Honey
- Bruschetta Without Bread
- Vegan Queso Recipe
- Rice Paper Dumplings
- Dairy Free Jalapeno Poppers
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📖 Recipe
Baked Camembert Cheese with Bacon
Baked Camembert with bacon is pure comfort food: warm, gooey cheese topped with crispy, smoky bacon. It’s the kind of thing that disappears fast at any gathering, so you might want to make two. A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh herbs take it to the next level—rich, savory, and just a little bit sweet.
Ingredients
- 1 Camembert wheel
- 3 strips bacon diced
- 2 sprigs fresh basil
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes to taste
- 2 teaspoons honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C/350°F. If you're using the air fryer, it doesn't need to be preheated.
- Dice and cook the bacon in a frying pan over medium heat until it is cooked but not crispy, about 10 minutes.3 strips bacon
- Remove the plastic wrapping from the wheel of Camembert and place it back into its wooden or cardboard box on top of a small baking sheet, with parchment paper or tin foil under the cardboard or wooden box.1 Camembert wheel
- Score the top of the Camembert with a sharp knife 3 times horizontally and 3 times vertically.
- Add the toppings to the top of the cheese beginning with the fresh basil, and chili flakes, then drizzle honey.2 sprigs fresh basil, 1/4-1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes, 2 teaspoons honey
- Add the crispy bacon on top.
- Oven: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is soft and melted inside.
- Air fryer: Air fry it for 16 minutes at 175°C/350 F, until the cheese is soft and melted inside. No preheating needed!
- Season with a crack of black pepper and serve the cheese immediately with a drizzle of olive oil on a serving platter with some crackers, veggies, or crusty bread of your choice.
Notes
- Room temperature cheese melts better: Let the Camembert sit out for 20–30 minutes before baking.
- Don’t overbake: Too much time in the oven can make the cheese firm up again. Check it at 10 minutes.
- Crispy bacon is best: Cook it until golden brown, but not burnt, for the best texture.
- Drizzle extra honey: If you love a bit more sweetness, add another teaspoon right before serving.
- Best eaten fresh: Baked Camembert is at its best straight out of the oven while it’s still warm and melty.
Storage instructions
- Refrigerate: Wrap any leftover cheese in parchment paper or an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm it in a low oven (150°C/300°F) for a few minutes until soft again.
- Repurpose it: Spread leftovers on toast, mix into pasta, or use as a dip.
Nutrition
Calories: 159kcalCarbohydrates: 0.3gProtein: 9gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 390mgPotassium: 94mgFiber: 0.01gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 348IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 148mgIron: 0.2mg
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