Festive Filled Brioche Centerpiece With Baked Camembert: How To Make, tips and video

by Sara

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Introduction

A great time for celebration, getting together with loved ones, and savoring great cuisine is the festive season. With a beautiful Festive Filled Brioche Centerpiece topped with warm, gooey baked Camembert, you will really wow your visitors.

Baked Camembert gives a luxury touch and creates a melty cheese sensation that complements the smooth, pillowy brioche exactly. This centerpiece will be a favorite for any event. It works well for a Christmas party, a family gathering, or a casual brunch.

Brioche: What Is It?

Brioche comes from France. It is a soft, sweet bread known for its great taste and tender texture. This is due to the high butter and egg content in the dough.

Brioche is made using a “lamination” method. This means layers of dough and butter are folded together. This process creates a light and airy texture.

You can enjoy brioche in many ways, from simple rolls to complex loaves. It is often used in desserts like bread pudding or French toast. However, it can also be filled with savory ingredients for a tasty change. Because brioche is so flexible, both foodies and bakers love it.

Brioche: A Synopsis of History

Brioche first emerged in France in the fifteenth century, created by the rich as a kind of pleasure. It grew increasingly often used and accepted in French cooking throughout time. People eat brioche all around nowadays, and they usually connect it with festivities and important events.

Why Is This Dish Particular?

Besides its visual appeal, the celebratory brioche center with baked Camembert offers a unique blend of flavors and textures. These are some of the reasons this meal distinguishes itself:

  • Visual Appeal: Your visitors will be astounded by the beautiful center created by the golden-brown brioche, loaded with vibrant ingredients and topped with an entire wheel of baked Camembert.
  • Countless Flavors: The filling lets you make the brioche to your taste pallet. Savory selections abound from caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, spinach and feta to even roasted vegetables.
  • Baked Camembert: A crowd-pleaser with rich taste and creamy texture. Present alongside the brioche, it makes a great dipping experience.
  • Perfect for Sharing: This meal is meant for sharing, hence it’s great for get-togethers and holidays. A great and engaging dining experience is created when guests cut bits of brioche and dip them into the warm cheese.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Together with their functions in the recipe, below is a complete list of the items needed to create the festive filled brioche centerpiece using baked Camembert:

For the Brioche:

IngredientsQuantityFunction in the Recipe
All-purpose flour500 grammesBrioche dough’s basis
Active dry yeast10 grammesHelps the dough to rise
Milk250 mlGives richness and moisture
Sugar50 grammesSweetens the dough
Eggs3 bigProvide structure and enrichment
Unsalted butter100 grammesBrings taste and richness
Salt10 grammesImproves taste

For the Filling (Select One or More):

IngredientsQuantityFunction in the Recipe
Caramelized onions1 largeAdds sweetness and depth of taste
Sautéed mushrooms200 gProvides umami and texture
Spinach150 grammesAdds nourishment and color
Feta cheese100 grammesBrings tanginess and richness
Roasted red peppers1 cupGives vivid color and pleasant taste
Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary)To tasteImproves taste

Concerning the Baked Camembert:

IngredientsQuantityFunction in the Recipe
Camembert cheese1 complete wheel (250 grammes)Star of the meal, creamy and delicious
Olive oil1 tablespoonAdds taste and richness
Fresh herbs (optional)To tasteImproves taste
Crusty bread or crackersFor servingAccentuates the meal

Detailed Step-by-Step Guidelines

Step 1: Prepare the Brioche Dough

  1. Warm the milk in a small saucepan until it is lukewarm—about 37°C or 98°F. Turn off the heat then top the milk with the active dry yeast. Let it remain until it turns foamy, about five to ten minutes.
  2. In a big mixing basin, toss the flour, sugar, and salt. Create a well in the middle then pour eggs and the foamy yeast mixture. Mix until shaggy dough results.
  3. Move the dough to a surface dusted with flour and knead for roughly ten minutes to get it smooth and elastic. For this stage, you might also use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
  4. Add the softened unsalted butter gradually—a few tablespoons at a time—kneading until completely blended. Work until the dough is elastic and smooth.
  5. The dough should first rise in a greased basin covered with a fresh kitchen towel or plastic wrap in a warm environment for roughly one to two hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Arrange the Filling

As the dough rises, get ready your favorite filling:

  1. Slice one big onion and sauté it in a pan set on low heat using one tablespoon of olive oil. Stirring occasionally, cook for 20 to 30 minutes until the onions are caramelized and golden brown.
  2. For sautéed mushrooms: Clean and slice the mushrooms. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in another skillet; sauté the mushrooms over medium heat until browned and all moisture has disappeared. Season with pepper and salt.
  3. Sauté fresh spinach in a skillet under a little olive oil until wilted. Take off from the heat and toss feta cheese over top, tossing to blend.
  4. If you’re using roasted red peppers, cut them into little bits and save.

Step 3: Form the Brioche

  1. Punch the dough down once it has risen to release the air. Move it to a surface lightly floured.
  2. Divide the dough into equal portions roughly the size of a golf ball—between 70 and 80 g each. The size will change depending on the size you wish the filled brioche to be.
  3. Flatten every piece of dough into a disk then center a tablespoon of your preferred filling. Pinch to seal after gathering the dough’s edges over the filling. Form it into a ball.
  4. Arrange the filled dough balls in a greased round cake pan or a large baking dish, leaving some room between each ball for rising.

Step 4: Second Ascent

Cover the filled brioche balls with a kitchen towel, then let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes—until they have puffed up.

Step 5: Bake the Brioche

  1. Turn your oven on to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Once the brioche has risen, bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. The inside temperature ought to be about 90°C (190°F).
  3. Once baked, take from the oven and let cool in the pan for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack.

Step 6: Get Ready the Baked Camembert

  1. Preheat the oven at 180°C (350°F) while the brioche is baking. Arrange the entire Camembert wheel on a small baking dish.
  2. Drizzle olive oil over top and, if preferred, add fresh herbs. To assist the cheese to melt uniformly, you can also score its top with a knife.
  3. Bake the Camembert until it is mushy and melted, about 15 to 20 minutes in the oven.

Step 7: Present

  1. Arrange the brioche centerpiece on a big serving platter once the brioche and Camembert are ready.
  2. Add the baked Camembert gently in the middle of the brioche arrangement.
  3. Present together with the melted Camembert, crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping. Invite visitors to pull out bits of brioche to savor with the cheese.

Tips for Success

  • Use Premium Ingredients: The final dish can be much affected by the quality of your components. For greatest taste, use fresh vegetables, good-quality cheese, and fresh herbs.
  • Patience with Rising: A light and fluffy brioche depends on the dough rising naturally, hence avoid rushing the rising time. Let it rise until it doubles in size; be patient.
  • Experiment with Fillings: Play about with your fillings; let your imagination run wild! Combine and match foods according to your tastes or available supplies.
  • Check for Doneness: Watch the brioche bake to make sure it doesn’t over-brown. Should browning go too rapidly, wrap it loosely with aluminum foil.

Variations & Customizations

  • Sweet Brioche: Think of stuffing the brioche with a combination of cream cheese, herbs, and honey—or even a sweetened mascarpone cheese with dried fruits.
  • Herbed Butter: A straightforward but delicious alternative to a filling; brush the brioche dough with it before baking.
  • Different Cheeses: Though Camembert is a classic, you could also play about with various cheeses for a distinct taste sensation such as Brie, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar.

Meal Planning and Storage Advice

  • Prepare Ahead: Prepare the brioche dough and fillings one day ahead to have on hand. Following the initial rise, refrigerate the dough; form it right before baking.
  • Freezing: You can freeze any leftover brioche. Tightly wrap it in plastic wrap then foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator then reheat it in the oven.
  • Leftovers: Keep any extra baked Camembert refrigerated in an airtight container. Before serving, reheat just lightly in the oven.

Nutritional Details

Based on 12 servings, this is a ballpark figure of one serving of the filled brioche’s nutritional value:

  • Calorie count: Roughly 220
  • Protein: 6 grammes
  • Carbohydrates: 30 grams
  • Fat: 9 grammes
  • Fibre: 1 gramme
  • Sodium: Depends on added salt.

Offering a pleasing combination of the richness of brioche with the tastes of savory fillings and gooey cheese, this dish is a treat for any celebratory event.

Questions of Frequencies

  • Can I use store-bought brioche? If you’re pressed for time, sure you could use store-bought brioche. Just follow package directions for filling and baking.
  • What can I substitute for Camembert? If you can’t find Camembert, you can use Brie or another soft cheese that melts smoothly.
  • Is it possible to make this dish vegan? Yes! You may use vegan butter and plant-based cheese replacements to produce a vegan version of this recipe.
  • How can I know when the brioche is done? The brioche should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of 90°C (190°F) indicates that it’s thoroughly baked.

Conclusion

The festive filled brioche centerpiece with baked Camembert is a show-stopping meal that blends rich ingredients, stunning appearance, and a fun, participatory dining experience. Perfect for holiday occasions, this meal is guaranteed to impress your guests and create lasting memories. So compile your supplies, get ready, and appreciate the process of designing this cheerful focal point. Welcome cooking!

Festive Filled Brioche Centrepiece with Baked Camembert

This Festive Filled Brioche Centrepiece with Baked Camembert is the perfect showstopper for your holiday gatherings. The soft, buttery brioche is filled with savory ingredients, surrounding a gooey, melted wheel of Camembert cheese. This dish not only looks stunning on the table but also delivers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will impress your guests.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course lunch
Cuisine French
Servings 2
Calories 321 kcal

Ingredients
  

### For the Brioche:

- 500 g strong white bread flour

- 10 g salt

- 60 g sugar

- 10 g instant yeast

- 4 large eggs

- 150 ml whole milk (warm)

- 200 g unsalted butter (softened)

### For the Filling:

- 200 g cooked ham (diced)

- 100 g spinach (fresh or thawed, chopped)

- 100 g cream cheese

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- Salt and pepper to taste

### For the Baked Camembert:

- 1 whole Camembert cheese (about 250 g)

- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or thyme, optional)

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

### Making the Brioche:

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast (keeping the salt and yeast separate initially). Make a well in the center and add the warm milk and eggs. Mix until a dough forms.

      Gradually incorporate the softened butter, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.

        Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.

          ### Preparing the Filling:

            In a bowl, mix together the diced ham, chopped spinach, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.

              ### Assembling the Centrepiece:

                Once the brioche dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal pieces. Roll out one piece into a large rectangle (about 30x40 cm).

                  Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, creating a log shape. Pinch the ends to seal.

                    Place the filled log in the center of a lined baking tray, shaping it into a circular wreath. Tuck the ends together to form a ring.

                      Roll out the second piece of dough and cut it into strips. Twist the strips and place them around the filled brioche wreath for decoration.

                        Cover the wreath with a damp cloth and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.

                          ### Baking the Camembert:

                            Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). While the brioche is rising, prepare the Camembert by placing it in a small oven-safe dish. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with rosemary, and season with black pepper.

                              Bake the Camembert in the oven for about 15-20 minutes until it is gooey and melted.

                                ### Baking the Brioche:

                                  Once the brioche has risen, brush the top with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with a splash of milk) for a golden finish.

                                    Bake the brioche wreath in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

                                      ### Serving:

                                        Remove the brioche from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with the baked Camembert in the center for dipping.

                                          Notes

                                          • Additional Tips: You can customize the filling with ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or different cheeses to suit your taste.
                                          • Storage: The brioche is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.
                                          • Freezer-Friendly: The unbaked brioche can be frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and allow to rise before baking.
                                          Keyword Baked Camembert, Festive brioche, Gourmet appetizer, Holiday centerpiece, Savory brioche wreath

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