Baked cheese is one of my favorite ways of serving semi-soft cheeses. The baking process enhances the cheese flavors and makes its texture even creamier. Served with fresh, or cooked fruits, (check HERE for a recipe with quince cooked in spiced red wine) the combination is even tastier.
In the following recipe, I took this combination a step further, and baked the cheese, along with cooked pears, “en croûte”, i.e. in a buttery puff pastry crust, and the result was simply irresistible. The creamy cheese paired beautifully with the buttery caramelized pears and walnuts, which were cooked with a bit of balsamic-pear vinegar, salt and four peppers mix. The tasty crispy buttery crust complemented all the encrusted flavors, and all that was needed was to quickly serve the dish while it’s still warm. Served as an appetizer, as a part of a cheese tray, or even as a first course, these tasty parcels will delight anyone who loves cheeses. Try it and enjoy.
Notes:
* For best flavor and texture, make sure to use puff pastry made with butter.
* As with all puff pastry baking, it is crucial to keep it in the fridge until using, and to make sure the oven is hot before baking. If you don’t want to end up with limp pastries that didn’t puff up properly, don’t skip these steps.
* Balsamic-pear vinegar is a mix of wine vinegar, grape and pear must and caramel. It is less acidic and thicker than vinegar. It is available in gourmet stores or online.
Makes: 4
Prep time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
2 pears, ripe but firm (I used Bartlett)
2 Tbs butter
2 Tbs sugar
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp freshly ground four peppers mix
2 tsp Balsamic-pear vinegar (see notes)
¼ cup small chopped walnuts
14 oz (397 grams) pre-rolled butter puff pastry, fresh or thawed
7 oz (200 grams) Camembert cheese, not too ripened, at room temperature
1 egg yolk, mixed with 1 Tbs water
1. Peel the pears, core and cut each into quarters, then into fairly thick segments. In a medium pan, mix the butter, sugar, salt and pepper. Place over medium-high heat and cook until the butter foams and the sugar dissolves. Mix and keep cooking until the sugar starts to caramelize. Mix again and add the pear segments, in one layer. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook, flipping the pears once, to cook from both sides, until the pears soften, but still keep their shape. Add the balsamic vinegar and walnuts, increase the heat to medium-high and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Let cool to room temperature, then place in the fridge for 10 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 400F (205C). Line a sheet pan with baking paper.
3. Cut the puff pastry into 4 rectangles and place in the pan. Cut the cheese into quarters.
4. Divide the pear segments, along with the syrup and walnuts, between the pastry rectangles, and top with the cheese.
5. Gently fold the pastry around the cheese and pears, then turn the “parcel” upside-down, so that the seam is at the bottom. Make a small slit on top of each “parcel” and brush with the egg wash.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Serve immediately.
Ohhh, this is fantastic, dear Ronit!
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Thank you Dolly, I’m glad you liked the dish. It was really so tasty. I’ll be making it again very soon. 🙂
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I wish I could have it, Ronit! I used to love baked Camembert with pears poached in Cuantro, but your idea of stuffing a pastry with it – spectacular!
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I totally empathize! It’s so hard to give up favorite foods. Maybe there is a lactose-free cheese that can work well in this recipe?
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Thank you for your kindness, dear Ronit. My issue is not lactose, but casein, and plant-based cheeses don’t bake well – I’ve tried.
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A shame, but knowing you, I’m sure you have created lots of other tasty foods to enjoy. 🙂
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You are so kind!
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Oh wow, looks so delicious and wonderful… Congrat friend… Nemo&Nancy by NemoInCucina!!!
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Thank you, Nemo & Nancy, I’m glad you liked the dish. It was very tasty. I’ll be making it again very soon! 🙂
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This is right up my melted cheese alley! I don’t like when baked cheeses or warmed cheeses are topped with honey. In fact, I prefer something savory or something in between like chutney. So i just love this. Too late for our New Year’s eve spread, but maybe Valentine’s Day? Thanks, and Happy New Year!
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Thank you Mimi, I’m glad you liked the dish. I also feel that a more complex addition is needed, rather than just sweetness. This one worked so well. I can definitely see it served on Valentine’s Day.
Happy New Year! 🙂
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My kind of meal. 🍽
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Thank you Susie, I’m glad you liked the dish. It was very tasty. 🙂
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I thought it would be 😊
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Wonderful.
Festive greetings, Ronit!
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Thank you Luisella!
Happy New Year! 🙂
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Love creamy baked cheese and I also love the vinegar you used. I have it but it’s called cinnamon pear balsamic vinegar – probably the same! I used it with pears too and it really brings a recipe together – tasty! Shopping a few days ago and the stores are already out of puff pastry – I should always keep some in the freezer – will I ever learn? ha!ha!
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Thank you Judi, I’m glad you liked the dish. I remember your dish with pork and pears using this vinegar, and plan on making it this week, as I have all the ingredients! The vinegar I’ve used doesn’t have cinnamon in it, but I will simply add a bit of cinnamon powder to it.
As for puff pastry, the one I use (Dufour) is not readily available in all stores, so whenever I do find it, I buy a few packages for freezing. I used to make my own, but lately became lazy! 🙂
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I will have to look for that puff pastry as I am not familiar with it. Good for you to make your own (at least use to) – it is something I have never made. I like to be lazy with some things 🙂
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This brand is really quite good, so it’s a compromise I can handle. But homemade is really the best. I do need to go back to it. It’s not too difficult, but it has quite a few steps, and the dough needs to be refrigerated after each step, so… Yes, a bit of laziness never hurt anyone! 🙂
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What a wonderful combination – gorgeous!
Here, that special vinegar is not available, but I think, it works well also with my Balsamico concentrate «Balsamico-Reduktion» with orange and ginger!
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Thank you Felix, I’m glad you liked the recipe. Your Balsamic reduction with orange and ginger sound amazing, and I’m sure will work beautifully with this dish. Looking forward to seeing your version! 🙂
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Good!!!!😄😄😄
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Thank you! 🙂
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Made this tonight – lovely!
Didn’t have any pears but a couple of tired apples and they cooked up beautifully. Will try it again with pears when I get them. Thought they might be a bit too sweet to be savoury but that wasn’t the case at all. Really lovely. Thanks for the recipe. :))
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Thank you Mary, for taking the time to comment. Kudos for making your own version with apples! I’m glad it worked well and that you’ve enjoyed the dish. 🙂
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It sounds wonderful.. cheesy cheesy and yummy
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Thank you Ruchi, I’m glad you liked the dish. It was very tasty! 🙂
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I am sure …
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Wow! I can only imagine how good that tasted. I’ve only recently begun to dabble with reduced balsamic vinegar. Thanks!
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Thank you Bob, I’m glad you liked the dish. It was very tasty! Reduced balsamic vinegar adds such great flavor to many dishes. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. 🙂
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Thrilled to find a new way to prepare baked cheese – sounds delicious. Thank you Ronit!
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Thank you Joyce, I’m glad you liked the dish. It is indeed a great way to serve baked cheese.
Hope you’re enjoying your time in Israel. Best regards to all! 🙂
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You come out with the most incredible recipes. I love a cheese course after a meal and think a small portion would be wonderful as a dessert.
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Thank you Karen, for such a lovely compliment. This was a very tasty combination! I’m also very fond of cheese after a meal, and can definitely see this served as a dessert! 🙂
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Wow! This looks utterly divine! I guess it will surprise anyone with its cheesy fruity filling.
Wishing you a very happy New Year!
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Thank you Megala, I’m glad you liked the dish. It is indeed a pleasant surprise for anyone who loves cheese.
Happy New Year to you too! 🙂
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Thank you. 🙂
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I’ve taken a second look at this and I’m still amazed. Caramelized pears are made for puff pastry. Your description of balsamic-pear vinegar really intrigues me. I don’t know if I want to go out and find a bottle or start mashing grapes and pears to make some! I really like the way you walk through the entire process. You make this look easy and approachable.
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Thank you Bob, I’m glad you liked the recipe. The balsamic-pear vinegar is available online (link attached), and as I also used store-bought puff pastry, the dish was quite easy and quick to make. 🙂
http://www.onlinegroceryoutlet.com/de-nigris-fruttati-balsamic-pear-vinegar-8-5-ounce.html
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oh my word, this is a delicious dessert for sure!
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Thank you Nisha. It was very tasty. 🙂
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Sounds amazing!
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Thank you Ursula! 🙂
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