Fromager Rôti Île-de-France
Fromager Rôti Île-de-France is one of those fantastic dishes that truly showcase the rich and luxurious taste of French cheese. It has a fascinating history, hailing from the opulent cheese-making traditions of the Île-de-France region. Known for its quality dairy products, Île-de-France is famously the birthplace of legendary cheeses like Brie and Camembert. While Brie de Meaux and Brie de Melun are more commonly associated with the area, this particular baked cheese dish is celebrated for bringing out the creamy, nutty flavors of the cheese in an irresistible way.
Ingredients
- Cheese - Preferably a wheel of Camembert or Brie, weighing around 250g
- Olive Oil - 2 tablespoons
- Garlic - 2 cloves, thinly sliced
- Rosemary - A small sprig, finely chopped
- Honey - 1 tablespoon
- Bread - A rustic baguette or country loaf, for serving
- Sea Salt - To taste
- Black Pepper - Ground, to taste
Preparation
Preparing the Cheese
Begin by removing any plastic wrapping from the wheel of cheese, but leave it in its wooden box. If there is no box, create a small dish using aluminum foil to encase the cheese. This will hold the shape as it melts beautifully.
Using a sharp knife, score the top of the cheese in a criss-cross pattern. This allows the flavors of the toppings to penetrate deeper into the creamy interior.
Flavor Enhancements
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) (link to cooking timer for 5 minutes), and then drizzle the olive oil over the top of the cheese. Insert the sliced garlic into the scored parts, followed by sprinklings of rosemary. Add a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
The Baking Process
Place the prepared cheese in the middle of the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling (link to the cooking timer as needed). This process allows the cheese to reach a perfect velvety consistency, ideal for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Accompaniments
While the cheese is baking, slice the bread and toast it lightly. This adds a wonderful crunch that complements the soft, gooey texture of the cheese. Drizzle the toasted bread with a bit of olive oil and a touch of honey for sweetness.
Presentation and Enjoyment
Once the cheese is ready, remove it from the oven and place it directly on a serving platter. Surround it with your prepared slices of bread. Guests can dip the bread directly into the cheese, scooping up a luscious blend of flavors and aromas that are sure to delight.
Enjoy the Fromager Rôti Île-de-France with a glass of crisp white wine or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir, which perfectly complements the creaminess of the cheese.