Sweet, Spicy & Made for Sharing
This is one of those dishes that always feels slightly more impressive than the effort involved.
A whole Camembert baked until properly soft and gooey, filled with Peak & The Pantry Scotch Bonnet Jam and finished with toasted pecans for crunch. Rich cheese, gentle heat, sweetness and sharpness all melted together into something designed for tearing into with bread while it’s still hot.
And because it’s made in the air fryer, it comes together in minutes with almost no real cooking involved.
Ideal for relaxed hosting, drinks with friends or the sort of snacky dinner that accidentally becomes the main event.
Serves 2–4
You’ll Need
- 1 Camembert, in its box
- 2–3 tbsp Peak & The Pantry Scotch Bonnet Jam
- 2 tbsp pecans, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp dried cranberries, optional
- Crackers or crusty bread, to serve
To Make
- Toast the pecans in the air fryer at 180°C for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Set aside.
- Slice the Camembert horizontally through the middle and spoon the Scotch Bonnet Jam inside before sandwiching it back together again.
- Return the cheese to its box and air fry at 180°C for 8–10 minutes until soft, molten and beginning to ooze slightly at the edges.
- Top with the toasted pecans and dried cranberries if using.
- Serve immediately with crackers, warm bread or anything suitable for scooping.
Why This Works
Baked Camembert already does most of the work on its own, but the Scotch Bonnet Jam changes it completely.
The sweetness works with the richness of the cheese, while the chilli heat cuts through everything enough to stop it becoming too heavy. Then the toasted pecans add texture and a little nuttiness that makes the whole thing feel more balanced.
It’s rich, messy and exactly the sort of sharing dish people hover around in kitchens.
Best Served With
Warm crusty bread, simple crackers or slices of apple or pear if you want something fresher alongside.
And ideally, something cold to drink.
Easy Swaps
- Use walnuts instead of pecans
- Add rosemary before baking
- Swap cranberries for figs or dates
- Finish with hot honey for extra sweetness
FAQs
Can I bake this in the oven instead?
Yes - bake at 180°C for around 15–20 minutes until soft and melted.
Is Scotch Bonnet Jam very spicy?
It’s more sweet-spicy than aggressively hot, with enough warmth to balance the richness of the cheese.
What should I serve with baked Camembert?
Bread, crackers, crudités or fruit all work well for scooping up the melted cheese.
Can I prepare this ahead?
You can assemble it ahead of time and bake just before serving.