Smoky German Grilled Camembert with Cranberries: The Ultimate Appetizer

There is something undeniably magical about breaking through the rind of a warm Camembert to reveal a river of molten, golden cheese. In Germany, grilled Camembert with cranberries—often served at cozy winter markets or summer garden parties—is a culinary staple that bridges the gap between sophisticated dining and rustic comfort food. This recipe takes that tradition and elevates it with the smoky infusion of an Arteflame grill. The high heat of the plancha sears the bread to perfection, while the gentle ambient heat melts the cheese into a luxurious dip. Whether you are hosting a holiday gathering or a casual backyard barbecue, this dish offers a stunning presentation with minimal effort, combining the savory richness of French cheese with the tart, festive sweetness of cranberries.

Ingredients

• 2 wheels of Camembert cheese (approx. 8 oz each), preferably in a wooden box
• 1 cup Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce (or homemade cranberry jam)
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
• 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced (optional for savory depth)
• 1 French baguette, sliced into rounds
• 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/4 cup Walnuts or Pecans, chopped (optional for crunch)
• Honey for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Grill and Cheese

1. Fire up your Arteflame grill. You want to establish a medium heat zone on the flat cooktop (plancha) and have a stable fire in the center.
2. Remove the plastic packaging from the Camembert, but keep it in its wooden box. If your cheese did not come in a wooden box, prepare a square of heavy-duty aluminum foil to create a makeshift boat for the cheese.
3. Using a sharp knife, score the top rind of the cheese in a cross-hatch or diamond pattern. This helps the heat penetrate evenly and allows the toppings to soak in.
4. Insert the thin slices of garlic and small sprigs of rosemary directly into the cuts you made in the cheese.

Step 2: Grill the Camembert

1. If using the wooden box, soak the bottom of the box in water for 10 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning. Place the cheese (in the box or foil boat) on the flat cooktop, slightly away from the direct flames of the center grill grate.
2. Top the cheese generously with the cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of the chopped nuts.
3. Let the cheese grill for 15 to 20 minutes. You are looking for the cheese to become soft to the touch and bubbly. The cranberry sauce should be warm and slightly caramelized at the edges.

Step 3: Toast the Baguette and Serve

1. While the cheese is melting, brush your baguette slices with olive oil.
2. Place the bread slices directly on the hot flat cooktop surface. Grill them for 1-2 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy with nice grill marks.
3. Carefully remove the cheese from the grill. Drizzle with a little honey for extra shine and sweetness.
4. Serve immediately while the cheese is gooey, using the toasted baguette slices for dipping.

Tips

For the absolute best results when grilling soft cheeses like Camembert, temperature management is key. You want to melt the inside without completely liquefying the rind to the point of collapse before it is served. If you are using an Arteflame, utilizing the outer ring of the cooktop is perfect for a gentle, consistent heat that warms the cheese through evenly. Always remember to unwrap the cheese completely from any plastic or wax paper before returning it to the wooden box. If you are nervous about the wooden box charring, wrapping the bottom of the box in a layer of aluminum foil adds a layer of protection while still allowing the cheese to heat up effectively. Finally, score the rind deeply enough to let the flavors penetrate, but not so deep that you cut the cheese in half.

Variations

While the classic combination of cranberry and Camembert is a nod to traditional German flavors, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit any season or palate. You can easily shift the flavor profile from sweet to savory or add texture with different garnishes. Experimenting with local ingredients or seasonal fruits can transform this appetizer into a unique signature dish for your barbecue. Here are a few delicious variations to try on your grill:

• The Savory Herb: Omit the cranberries and top with roasted garlic cloves, sun-dried tomatoes, and a splash of dry white wine.
• The Honey Nut: Top with figs, pistachios, and a heavy drizzle of truffle honey.
• The Spicy Kick: Use pepper jelly or chili jam instead of cranberry sauce for a sweet and spicy contrast.
• The Apple Orchard: Sauté cinnamon-spiced apple slices on the grill and pile them on top of the cheese.
• The Boozy Infusion: Pour a shot of Kirschwasser (cherry brandy) over the cheese before adding the cranberries for an authentic Black Forest touch.

Best pairings

To create a truly memorable dining experience, pairing your Grilled Camembert with the right beverages and sides is essential. The richness of the cheese requires a drink with high acidity or tannins to cut through the fat and cleanse the palate. Since this dish leans towards German heritage, regional wines are a fantastic choice, but craft beers also hold their own against the bold flavors of the grill. When serving this as a standalone appetizer, consider adding a few sides to turn it into a rustic platter.

• Wine: A crisp German Riesling (dry) or a light-bodied Pinot Noir.
• Beer: A wheat beer (Hefeweizen) or a malty Märzen.
• Sides: Fresh grapes, sliced pears, or cured meats like Prosciutto and Salami.

Conclusion

Grilled Camembert with cranberries is more than just a recipe; it is an experience that gathers people around the fire. The combination of the smoky char from the grill, the creamy, earthy cheese, and the bright pop of cranberries creates a flavor profile that is sophisticated yet incredibly comforting. It is the perfect demonstration of how an Arteflame grill can handle delicate appetizers just as beautifully as it sears a steak. Next time you fire up the grill, save a spot on the cooktop for this wheel of cheesy goodness—it is guaranteed to disappear within minutes of hitting the table.