fbpx Skip to main content

Looking for an appetiser that’s easy to make but will leave your guests talking for days? When you want a little more excitement than what you’d get from simply serving cheese and crackers, make this cheesy, gooey, slightly spicy surprise that’s ready to serve in less than 20 minutes.

Both Camembert and brie are perfect for grilling. Both cheeses have an earthy flavour and aroma. Brie is milder with a creamy, buttery taste, while Camembert is a little deeper, more earthy and intense. Fancy but easy, this cedar wood grilled French cheese delight is a perfect happy hour food for your next dinner party.

Cedar Planked Camembert or Brie – Serves 3 to 4 as an appetiser

You’ll need:

  • 1 cedar wood grilling plank
  • 1 whole small camembert or brie cheese
  • 3 tablespoons pepper jelly, tomato jam, or apricot jam
  • 1 to 2 large jalapeño peppers
  • Grilled bread or crackers for dipping

Step 1:
Set up your grill for smoke-roasting (indirect grilling) and preheat it to medium-high, no more than 180C. Place the plank directly on the grill grate and grill until it’s singed on both sides. Set aside and let it cool (this is optional, but it gives you a lot more flavour).

Step 2:
Using a sharp knife, score a deep cross or a crosshatch pattern on the top of the cheese so the air can escape while cooking.

Step 3:
Place the cheese in the centre of the plank and spread the top with the jam or jelly, using the back of a spoon. Slice the jalapeños longways ad place them on top so the slices overlap to make a decorative pattern.

Step 4:
Place the plank on the grill away from direct heat and smoke-roast the cheese until the top browns, the sides are soft, and it’s beginning to melt. That should take no more than 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 5:
Serve the grilled camembert or brie on the plank hot off the grill with grilled bread slices or some fancy crackers. Vegetable sticks are a good pairing, too.

Serve this deliciousness with a glass of red or white French wine, or opt for a quality New Zealand vino as it’s just as good. Trust us, it’d be hard to find an appetiser that’s tastier than this.