Camembert Snowflake

A friend shared this recipe on Facebook and I knew right away that it was a recipe I should try. It is such a relevant recipe to make since we have been experiencing lots of snowfall here in Vancouver these past few days. My family is spending most of the time indoors playing board games, watching movies and catching up on TV shows. This camembert snowflake is the perfect recipe to make as a family. In this recipe, a cranberry sauce and bacon bits filling were sandwiched between two discs of puff pastry. The center of the discs was then cut and filled with the camembert cheese. A pattern resembling a snowflake was afterwards formed around the cheese. After a sprinkle of rosemary leaves and a brush of egg wash, the camembert cheese surrounded by snowflake pastry was then baked in the oven for 30 minutes. The result was a sight to behold- a nicely browned, sweet, flaky pastry around a smooth and melted camembert cheese. Yummy!

Cooking Tips for Perfect Camembert Snowflake

To achieve the best results with your camembert snowflake, start by using high-quality puff pastry. Fresh or frozen puff pastry works well, but make sure to thaw it properly if using frozen. Lightly flour your work surface when rolling out the pastry to prevent sticking. When cutting the pastry into discs, use a sharp knife or a round cutter for clean edges. This ensures an even bake and a professional look. For a crispier texture, consider pre-baking the pastry discs for about 5-7 minutes before adding the filling. This will help avoid sogginess from the cranberry sauce. Be generous with the egg wash to achieve that beautiful golden color on the pastry. Lastly, keep an eye on your oven as baking times can vary, especially if your oven runs hot or cold. A little patience goes a long way in perfecting this dish.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This camembert snowflake is not just a showstopper, it’s also versatile when it comes to serving. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. For a balanced plate, consider adding a fresh salad with mixed greens, apples, and a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad complements the rich flavors of the camembert. You might also want to serve it with a selection of crackers or a sliced baguette to enhance the texture contrast. For drinks, a light white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, can elevate the experience, but feel free to go with a fruity sparkling cider for a non-alcoholic option. If you want to be extra festive, serve it alongside some spiced nuts or a charcuterie board. These additions will make your camembert snowflake a centerpiece for any gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of cranberry sauce?

If you’re not a fan of cranberry sauce, apple chutney or fig jam can work just as well. They both add a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the camembert nicely.

How should I store leftovers?

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to keep that flaky texture.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can assemble the camembert snowflake a few hours in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before popping it in the oven.

What should I serve with this dish?

Pair your camembert snowflake with a fresh salad or some crusty bread to balance the richness of the cheese. A nice glass of wine can also elevate the whole experience.

What are some common mistakes to avoid?

One common mistake is not letting the puff pastry thaw properly, which can lead to uneven baking. Also, make sure to cut the pastry neatly to ensure it bakes evenly and looks great.

Camembert Snowflake

Liza Agbanlog

Baked camembert wrapped in flaky puff pastry is topped with cranberry sauce and crispy bacon, creating a warm, gooey treat that's packed with flavor. It's an easy crowd-pleaser you won't want to miss.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Appetizer

Cuisine French

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 baking camembert
• 2 sheets puff pastry
• 3 tbsp cranberry sauce
• 1 tbsp crispy bacon bits
• 1 egg whisked
• Olive oil
• Rosemary leaves

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Roll out pastry on a lightly floured surface. Place a large mixing bowl on top of the pastry sheet. Cut around the bowl to form a circle (around 9-10 inch diameter).
• Repeat step 2 with the second sheet of pastry.
• Place one circle pastry on the prepared baking sheet. Spread cranberry sauce over the pastry, leaving middle center open or clear. Sprinkle bacon bits over the cranberry sauce and then cover with the second circle pastry.
• Place the camembert cheese in the center of the circle pastry and then cut around to form a circle. Discard the cut pastry and lay the cheese in the open center.
• Cut the circle pastry in 16 equal segments. You can do this by cutting the circle first into 4 equal segments. Then, cut each segment in half and then in half once more, ending with 16 segments in total.
• Lift one segment, twist once to the right and place it down. Then lift the segment next to it and twist once to the left and place it down. Keep going around, alternating the direction of the twist. Finally, bring up edges of two segments with opposite twist and press together.
• Brush pastry with egg wash. Make 3-4 slits on top of the cheese and then drizzle cheese with olive oil. Sprinkle rosemary leaves over the cheese and pastry. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.

Notes

Inspired from: twistedfood.co.uk

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 10gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g

Keyword baked camembert, cheese, cranberry sauce, holiday appetizer, puff pastry

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