Camembert cheese, with its creamy texture and rich, earthy flavor, is a delightful ingredient that can elevate many vegetarian dishes. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or just looking to add some gourmet flair to your everyday meals, camembert offers versatility that pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables, herbs, and hearty breads.
In this post, we’ll explore a variety of delicious camembert vegetarian recipes that are easy to make and sure to impress. From baked camembert with herbs to camembert-stuffed mushrooms, these recipes highlight the cheese’s melt-in-your-mouth appeal while keeping everything meat-free and wholesome.
Vegetarians and cheese lovers alike will appreciate how camembert enhances simple ingredients, turning them into flavorful dishes packed with comfort and elegance. Ready to discover how this classic French cheese can become the star of your vegetarian cooking?
Let’s dive into some mouthwatering recipes that celebrate camembert in all its glory.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Camembert vegetarian recipes are beloved for their creamy, indulgent taste that complements a variety of textures and flavors. The cheese’s soft rind and luscious interior melt beautifully, adding depth to salads, appetizers, and main courses.
These recipes are perfect for anyone seeking hearty meatless options without sacrificing flavor or sophistication. Plus, camembert pairs wonderfully with fresh herbs, nuts, and fruits, making these dishes not only tasty but also visually appealing and nutritious.
Whether you want a quick snack or a centerpiece for your next meal, these camembert vegetarian recipes offer something for every occasion. And if you’re interested in more delicious vegetarian ideas, check out our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food for inspiration.
Ingredients
- Camembert cheese – 250g wheel
- Fresh thyme – 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Garlic cloves – 2, thinly sliced
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Fresh rosemary – 1 teaspoon, chopped
- Crusty bread – for serving
- Mushrooms – 200g, button or cremini, sliced (for stuffed variation)
- Walnuts – 50g, chopped
- Honey – 1 tablespoon (optional, for drizzling)
- Spinach leaves – 100g (optional, for salad served with camembert)
- Fresh black pepper – to taste
- Sea salt – to taste
Equipment
- Oven-safe baking dish or small cast-iron skillet
- Baking tray (if roasting mushrooms)
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon or small spatula
- Serving plates
- Brush (for olive oil)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This temperature is perfect for gently melting the camembert without drying it out.
- Prepare the camembert: Using a sharp knife, score the top of the camembert in a crisscross pattern. This allows the herbs and garlic to infuse the cheese as it bakes.
- Insert garlic and herbs: Carefully tuck the thinly sliced garlic and chopped fresh thyme and rosemary into the cuts you made on top of the cheese.
- Place the camembert in your oven-safe dish or skillet. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the top to add richness and help with browning.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is soft and bubbling but not completely melted out. The rind should be slightly golden.
- Optional stuffed mushroom variation: While the camembert bakes, toss the sliced mushrooms with olive oil, salt, pepper, and some chopped walnuts. Spread them on a baking tray and roast at 180°C for 12-15 minutes until tender.
- Serve immediately: Remove the camembert from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes. Drizzle with honey if desired and sprinkle extra walnuts on top for crunch.
- Enjoy with crusty bread or fresh spinach leaves for a light salad on the side. Dip bread into the creamy cheese and savor every bite!
Tips & Variations
Pro Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of white wine or dry sherry over the camembert before baking. It enhances the earthiness of the cheese beautifully.
Variation: Try wrapping the camembert in puff pastry with a layer of fig jam or cranberry sauce for a sweet and savory twist. Bake until golden for a show-stopping appetizer.
Vegetarian Pairing: Serve baked camembert alongside roasted root vegetables or a fresh beet and arugula salad. You can find a great lemon ricotta pasta pairing here, perfect for a full vegetarian meal.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
| Calcium | 240 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Baked camembert is wonderfully versatile. Serve it as a centerpiece appetizer with fresh bread, crackers, and a selection of olives and nuts.
It’s also fantastic paired with roasted vegetables or a vibrant green salad for a light yet satisfying meal.
For a more indulgent meal, try it alongside a warm bowl of soup or a fresh pasta dish. If you enjoy the rustic charm of baked cheese, you might also like our Lamonica’S Pizza Dough Recipe to make your own cheesy pizza with camembert as a star topping.
To elevate your vegetarian spread, include some pickled vegetables such as those found in our Maple Bourbon Pickles Recipe for a sweet and tangy contrast.
Delicious Camembert Vegetarian Recipes to Try
Baked Camembert with Garlic and Herbs
A simple yet elegant dish featuring camembert baked with fresh garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Camembert and Mushroom Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Ingredients: Bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, camembert cubes, breadcrumbs, and fresh parsley.
- Instructions: Hollow out peppers, fill with mushroom and camembert mix, top with breadcrumbs, bake until golden.
Camembert and Walnut Salad
Combine fresh spinach, toasted walnuts, slices of camembert, and a honey-mustard dressing for a refreshing, nutrient-packed salad.
Camembert and Caramelized Onion Tart
- Ingredients: Puff pastry, caramelized onions, camembert slices, thyme, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Instructions: Layer caramelized onions and camembert on pastry, bake until cheese is melted and pastry is crisp.
Camembert and Roasted Vegetable Sandwich
Roast a medley of vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, then layer with melted camembert on toasted sourdough bread.
Conclusion
Camembert is a truly versatile cheese that can transform simple vegetarian dishes into rich, flavorful experiences. Its creamy texture and earthy notes pair wonderfully with herbs, nuts, fruits, and fresh vegetables, making it an ideal ingredient for a variety of meals from appetizers to mains.
Whether you’re baking it whole, stuffing it into peppers, or melting it over roasted veggies, camembert offers endless possibilities for delicious, meat-free cooking. We hope these recipes inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the luxurious taste of camembert in your vegetarian dishes.
For more inspiring recipes and culinary tips, be sure to explore our other posts like the hearty Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe or the refreshing Halibut Dip Recipe. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Baked Camembert with Garlic and Herbs
Description: A warm, gooey baked camembert infused with garlic and fresh herbs, perfect for a vegetarian appetizer. Serve with crusty bread or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole camembert cheese (250g)
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- Baguette or crusty bread, sliced for serving
- Fresh vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, cucumber) for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Remove camembert from packaging and place it back in its wooden box or a small ovenproof dish.
- Score the top of the cheese in a crisscross pattern.
- Insert garlic slices and sprinkle rosemary and thyme over the top.
- Drizzle olive oil and honey (if using) over the cheese.
- Season with ground black pepper.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is soft and gooey.
- Serve immediately with sliced baguette and vegetable sticks.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 16 g | Fat: 28 g | Carbs: 4 g
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