Unfortunately, cooking camembert in the microwave isn’t as simple as throwing it in like you would with the oven. Instead, there’s a proper method you’ll want to follow. So, can you microwave Camembert? Yes… But carefully!
How to Microwave Camembert
When it comes to quick and easy meals that are as decadent as they are delicious you can’t beat baked camembert. To bake yours in the microwave follow this method:
- Unwrap and Place Onto a Plate
Unwrap your camembert cheese and place it on a suitable plate or stand. A microwaveable shallow bowl or plate should work fine.
- Cut Slits and Add Herbs
Cut a few slits in the top of the cheese. For flavour, you can pop some herbs into the slits. A little chilli works well to give it a spicy kick or choose more traditional flavours by putting some slices of fresh garlic and fresh rosemary sprigs in.
- Microwave
Pop this into the microwave and set the timer for a minute. After a minute check the cheese and put it back in. You will need to heat it for one minute at a time for about an average of three to four minutes for perfectly cooked cheese. - Serve
Pop the cheese onto your table and serve with your favourite bread.
Generally, it will take around 4 minutes to microwave camembert but this will depend on the size, weight and density of it. This is why it’s a good idea to microwave it in short bursts to avoid overcooking it.
How to Reheat Camembert in the Microwave
To reheat already cooked camembert in the microwave, you should do so gently to avoid the cheese becoming too runny or separating. Here’s how:
- Take the Camembert Out
Remove the camembert from any plastic wrapping. If it’s in a wooden container, make sure there are no metal staples. - Score Gently
If the camembert’s top rind has reformed and hardened, score it lightly to allow heat to distribute more evenly. - Microwave-Safe Dish
Place the camembert in a microwave-safe dish to catch any oils or cheese that might melt out. - Cover
Lightly cover the cheese with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. This helps retain moisture and prevent splattering. - Power and Time
Set your microwave to a low to medium power – around 30-50%. Heat the cheese for 30 seconds. - Check
After the initial 30 seconds, check the cheese by gently pressing on the top. If it isn’t warm enough, continue to heat it in 20-second increments. - Serve Warm
Once the camembert feels sufficiently warm and soft to the touch, remove it from the microwave. It’s ready to be served with your chosen accompaniments.
When reheating, always be cautious to avoid overheating as this can spoil the texture and taste of the camembert. The goal is to get it just warm enough to be soft and slightly melted inside without it becoming greasy or separating.
Tips for Microwaving Camembert
If you want complete success when melting camembert in the microwave then make sure you stick to these tips:
- Grill to Crisp Exterior: If you want that baked feel after you have microwaved it you can pop it under the grill for a minute or two to crisp up the exterior of the cheese. It doesn’t change the flavour but can add a little colour for authenticity.
- Add Flavours: Camembert is the perfect type of cheese to add flavour to. It takes flavour on well and is strong enough to not be easily overpowered. Experiment a little and find which herbs and spices are your favourites when paired with camembert.
- Pay Close Attention: Camembert is easy to cook in the microwave so you do need to take care not to overdo it. It only takes a few seconds to turn beautifully melted cheese into a rubbery block! Use 30 to 60-second bursts so you can keep a close eye on it.
- Serve It On the Same Plate: You’ll need to use the plate you use in the microwave to serve it up. All that melted cheese is likely to stick the camembert to the plate. So make sure you use a decent-looking plate as you’ll be using it to serve it up.
- Avoid Multiple Camemberts: If you’re lucky enough to have more than one camembert to cook, then avoid doing them simultaneously. Instead, opt for doing them 1-by-1. After all, it’ll take less than 5 minutes each.
Camembert can be microwaved successfully if done carefully, using low to medium power to avoid overcooking and to preserve its texture. It’s important to heat it in short bursts, checking frequently, as overheating can cause the cheese to split and become oily.
Hailing from Liverpool, Oliver is an adventurous chef with a penchant for exploring diverse cuisines and novel ingredients. Ollie, combining his love for local British flavours with global influences, brings innovation and charm to home cooking.