This Love Heart Bread & Baked Camembert is a stunning centerpiece that combines soft, buttery bread with gooey, melted Camembert cheese. The bread is shaped into a heart, making it perfect for romantic dinners, special occasions, or cozy gatherings. As the cheese bakes, it becomes irresistibly creamy, ready to be scooped up with warm, fluffy bread. The addition of fresh herbs and garlic enhances the flavor, creating a savory, indulgent experience.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 370g bread flour
- 20g sugar
- 8g instant dry yeast
- 8g salt
- 185ml whole milk (adjust as needed)
- 70g eggs (1 whole egg + 1 egg yolk)
- 65g unsalted butter, cubed and softened
For the Baked Camembert:
- 1 round Camembert cheese (250g)
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
For Garnish:
- 50g melted garlic butter or regular butter
- Flaky salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, yeast, salt, eggs, and milk.
- Knead on low speed for 10 minutes until the dough comes together.
- Slowly add cubed butter, one piece at a time, kneading until fully incorporated.
- Continue kneading for 10-20 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it proof for 90 minutes or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape the Heart Bread
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly dust with flour.
- Place the wooden box base from the Camembert in the center of the tray.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 48 small pieces (about 15g each).
- Roll each piece into a ball and arrange them around the Camembert box in a heart shape.
- Cover with a damp towel and let it proof for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Camembert
- Remove the Camembert from the fridge and cut off the top rind, leaving a ½-inch rim.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs, minced garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Place the cheese back into its wooden box in the center of the dough balls.
Step 4: Bake the Bread & Cheese
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Brush the bread with egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Brush the bread with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky salt.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately while the Camembert is gooey and warm.
- Tear off pieces of bread and dip them into the melted cheese for the ultimate indulgence.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serve fresh for the best soft texture and gooey cheese.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat the bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
This Love Heart Bread & Baked Camembert is a beautiful, comforting dish that’s perfect for sharing. Enjoy the warm, buttery bread and creamy, melted cheese in every bite! 🧀💛
For more inspiration, check out this recipe and another variation here!