Camembert French Bread
A warm, cheesy French bread with melted Camembert, infused with basil and onion salt, perfect for sharing at gatherings or indulgent snack times.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine Camembert cheese, butter, basil, and onion salt in a saucepan.
- Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Cool for 10 minutes until it starts to thicken, stirring occasionally.
- Slice the French bread lengthwise.
- Spread some of the cheese mixture on the cut surfaces of the bread.
- Put the loaf together and spread remaining cheese mixture on top and sides.
- Wrap the bread in foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20 minutes.
- Unwrap and bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown the top.
- Slice and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or replacing basil with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. If Camembert isn't available, Brie can be a great substitute. For a twist, try adding caramelized onions or roasted garlic to the cheese mixture. Ensure the butter is softened for easier blending. Serve with a side of your favorite salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Camembert French Bread as an appetizer at gatherings, or pair it with a fresh green salad or a bowl of soup for a delightful meal. It goes wonderfully with a glass of white wine or even a Pine-O-Frost Drink for a refreshing contrast. For a sweet ending, follow it up with Grantham Gingerbreads or Swedish Sugar Cookies.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Camembert French Bread can be tightly wrapped in foil and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, unwrap the bread and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help regain some of the original crispiness while keeping the cheese gooey.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Camembert French Bread contains roughly 194 calories, with 8g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (19% of the Daily Value), protein (16% of the Daily Value), and calcium (13% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture and spread it on the bread a few hours ahead of time. Simply wrap the prepared bread in foil and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the onion salt?
If you don't have onion salt, you can use regular salt and add finely diced onions or shallots to the cheese mixture instead. Alternatively, garlic salt can also work, but adjust the amount of salt accordingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
Can I freeze the Camembert French Bread?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Wrap the assembled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This will allow you to enjoy this treat at a later date.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).