French Appetizers > Fried French Appetizers > Cheese French Appetizers

Fried Camembert with Roasted Garlic and Thyme Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 wheel of Camembert cheese
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying

Special Equipment Needed:
- Oven
- Frying pan
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap in foil and roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes until soft and golden brown.
3. Remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and set aside.
4. Cut the Camembert cheese into 8 equal wedges.
5. In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. In another shallow bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.
7. In a third shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the fresh thyme leaves.
8. Dip each Camembert wedge into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat each wedge evenly.
9. Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
10. Fry the Camembert wedges for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
11. Remove the fried Camembert wedges from the pan and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
12. Top each wedge with a spoonful of roasted garlic.
13. Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
14. Serve hot and enjoy!


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 400°F (200°C)
Frying pan temperature: medium-high heat
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 400
Total fat: 25g
Saturated fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 130mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 16g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Camembert cheese can be substituted with Brie cheese.
- Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme.

Variations:
- Add a drizzle of honey on top of the roasted garlic for a sweet and savory flavor.
- Serve the fried Camembert with a side of cranberry sauce for a festive twist.
- Top the fried Camembert with chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to coat the Camembert wedges evenly with the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture to ensure a crispy and golden brown crust.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried Camembert from the pan to avoid excess oil.
- Serve the fried Camembert immediately after baking to ensure the cheese is melted and gooey.

Storage Instructions:
Leftover fried Camembert can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating Instructions:
To reheat the fried Camembert, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the fried Camembert on a wooden board with a sprig of fresh thyme for a rustic presentation.

Garnishes:
Garnish the fried Camembert with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor.

Pairings:
Pair the fried Camembert with a glass of red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve the fried Camembert with a side of mixed greens salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the Camembert cheese is too soft to cut into wedges, place it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before cutting.
- If the breadcrumb mixture is not sticking to the Camembert wedges, try pressing the breadcrumbs onto the cheese with your fingers.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the Camembert cheese until it is melted and gooey to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure the oil is heated to the proper temperature before frying.

Food History:
Camembert cheese originated in Normandy, France in the late 18th century. It is named after the town of Camembert, where it was first produced.

Flavor Profiles:
The fried Camembert with roasted garlic and thyme has a rich and creamy flavor from the melted cheese, a savory flavor from the roasted garlic, and a subtle herbal flavor from the fresh thyme.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the fried Camembert as an appetizer or as a main course with a side of salad or vegetables.

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Taste: Creamy, Savory, Herbal, Rich, Tangy