During the festive season, few dishes capture the holiday spirit as delightfully as the Jamie Oliver Camembert Christmas Tree. This creative centerpiece combines golden pastry, warm melted cheese, and seasonal herbs to bring warmth and cheer to any Christmas gathering. Inspired by Jamie Oliver’s rustic cooking style, this recipe has become a favorite among home cooks looking for something easy, festive, and irresistibly cheesy. Not only does it taste incredible, but it also looks stunning on a Christmas dinner table, making it a talking point for guests of all ages.
What is the Camembert Christmas Tree?
A Holiday Centerpiece with Flair
The Jamie Oliver Camembert Christmas Tree is a pull-apart bread shaped like a tree, filled or served with baked Camembert cheese. It’s typically made using ready-made puff pastry or pizza dough, which is cut into small balls or triangles and assembled around a whole wheel of Camembert. The result is a beautifully golden tree that’s both delicious and decorative.
Warm, Melty Cheese at the Center
The centerpiece of the dish is a round of Camembert cheese, which becomes warm and gooey when baked. Camembert is known for its rich, creamy texture and earthy flavor making it the perfect partner for soft, warm bread. When you break apart a piece of the pastry tree, you can dip it straight into the molten cheese, creating a comforting and indulgent bite every time.
Key Ingredients
Simple, Festive Ingredients
One of the reasons this recipe is so loved is its simplicity. The Jamie Oliver Camembert Christmas Tree doesn’t require any fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. Here’s what you’ll typically need:
- 1 whole round of Camembert cheese (in a wooden box)
- 2 sheets of puff pastry or one batch of pizza dough
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
- Garlic (optional, for added flavor)
- Olive oil or butter
- Sea salt and cracked black pepper
Optional Add-ins
To personalize your Christmas tree bread, consider adding:
- Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- Grated parmesan or mozzarella
- Cranberries or caramelized onions for sweetness
- Chilli flakes for a spicy kick
Step-by-Step Assembly Guide
Prepping the Camembert
Before assembling the tree, prepare your cheese. Unwrap the Camembert and place it back into the wooden base. Score the top rind in a crosshatch pattern to allow the cheese to melt evenly. Add a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of herbs, and some slivers of garlic if desired. Set it aside while you prep the dough.
Forming the Christmas Tree
Roll out your puff pastry or pizza dough into a large rectangle. Cut it into small squares or circles and form them into dough balls. Arrange these on a lined baking sheet in a tree shape, starting with a wide base and narrowing to the top.
Leave a small circular space in the center or at the base to place the Camembert cheese. Make sure the dough balls are close enough to rise together when baked, but not overcrowded.
Finishing Touches Before Baking
Brush the dough with beaten egg for a shiny finish. Sprinkle with rosemary, sea salt, and a little grated cheese for texture. Then place the Camembert in its spot and bake the entire tray in a preheated oven at around 180°C (350°F) for 2025 minutes or until the bread is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect for Sharing
The Jamie Oliver Camembert Christmas Tree is meant to be shared. Set it in the center of the table and encourage guests to pull off a piece of the warm, golden bread and dip it into the cheese. It’s a casual and festive way to start any Christmas meal or to serve at holiday parties.
Pairing Ideas
For a more complete appetizer spread, serve alongside:
- Fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery
- Charcuterie such as salami, prosciutto, or ham
- Fig or cranberry chutney
- Olives, roasted nuts, or dried fruit
Why Jamie Oliver’s Style Works So Well
Rustic, No-Fuss Cooking
Jamie Oliver’s approach to food is all about flavor, comfort, and ease. His Camembert Christmas Tree follows that same philosophy. There’s no need for exact measurements or fancy culinary skills. It’s a forgiving recipe where you can be creative and still get great results every time.
Family-Friendly and Festive
This dish is a great one to make with children or as part of a family cooking session. Everyone can help roll the dough, place the herbs, or assemble the tree. Plus, the final result is visually impressive perfect for holiday gatherings and festive Instagram photos.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Can You Make It Ahead?
Yes, you can assemble the tree ahead of time and refrigerate it, unbaked, for several hours. Simply cover it with plastic wrap and keep the cheese separate. When ready to serve, remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 1015 minutes, then bake as usual.
What About Leftovers?
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), they can be reheated in the oven at a low temperature. The bread will regain its crispiness, and the cheese will melt again. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.
Variations on the Original Recipe
Mini Camembert Trees
Instead of one large tree, you can make several smaller ones for individual servings or as part of a holiday platter. Use mini Camembert rounds and form small trees with fewer dough balls. This works well for buffet tables or personal portions.
Sweet and Savory Combo
For a slightly sweet twist, brush the dough with a honey glaze before baking and sprinkle with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. When paired with the earthy flavor of Camembert, the combination is both rich and satisfying.
A Must-Try Holiday Recipe
The Jamie Oliver Camembert Christmas Tree is more than just an appetizer it’s a festive experience. The blend of warm, buttery pastry with rich, molten cheese creates an indulgent treat that’s perfect for the holidays. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or simply want something special to share with loved ones, this dish never fails to impress. Easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and visually stunning, it deserves a place on your holiday table year after year.