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.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 45

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1 15

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