Bacon Wrapped Camembert Jacket Potato - Day 17

The holiday season brings an array of joyous gatherings and delightful culinary experiences. Among the many festive dishes that grace our tables, the bacon-wrapped Camembert jacket potato stands out for its warmth and indulgence. This delectable recipe marries the crispy texture of a perfectly baked potato with the creamy richness of melted Camembert and the savoury notes of crispy bacon. It's a dish that promises to impress, offering a wonderful blend of flavours and textures.

Imagine the satisfying crunch as you bite into the golden potato skin, giving way to a soft, fluffy interior. The Camembert, with its characteristic creamy texture and slightly pungent aroma, oozes beautifully when baked, creating a luscious contrast. The bacon, when wrapped around the cheese, crisps up nicely, adding a savoury crunch that complements the smooth Camembert.

This dish is not only delicious but also versatile, making it a perfect choice for festive dinners or any special occasion. It's easy to prepare yet offers a sense of sophistication that will surely delight your guests. Whether you choose to serve it as a main course or a hearty side, the bacon-wrapped Camembert jacket potato is bound to become a favourite.

To make this dish, you'll need some simple yet high-quality ingredients. Opt for large baking potatoes like Maris Piper or King Edward, known for their fluffy texture. A good wheel of Camembert and high-quality streaky bacon are essential for achieving the best results. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can add a lovely finishing touch.

Creating this dish involves a few straightforward steps, each contributing to the overall success of the final product. Baking the potatoes to achieve a crisp skin and fluffy interior, wrapping the Camembert in bacon to prevent it from oozing out, and finally bringing everything together in a harmonious bake. The result is a festive dish that's both comforting and indulgent, perfect for celebrating with loved ones.

For this recipe, gather the following essential ingredients:

Ingredients

• Large baking potatoes (Maris Piper or King Edward preferred for their fluffiness)
• A wheel of Camembert cheese
• Streaky bacon rashers
• Olive oil
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for garnish

Choose potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes to ensure a consistent texture. A high-quality Camembert will exhibit a creamy interior and a slightly pungent aroma, essential for the dish's richness. When selecting bacon, opt for a variety that crisps up nicely to provide that perfect contrast of textures.

Start by sourcing your potatoes from local markets or reputable supermarkets. Look for Maris Piper or King Edward varieties, known for their ideal baking qualities. These potatoes will yield a fluffy interior while maintaining a crisp skin.

For the Camembert, select a wheel that feels soft when gently pressed. This indicates a ripe cheese that will melt beautifully when baked. Avoid overripe or underripe wheels, as they may not deliver the desired texture and flavour.

When it comes to bacon, streaky rashers are the best choice due to their fat content, which helps achieve that crispy finish. Ensure the bacon is fresh and of good quality, as this will significantly impact the overall taste.

Olive oil is crucial for coating the potatoes, contributing to their crispiness. A good extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its superior flavour. Sea salt enhances the potato's taste, while freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice.

Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate the dish's presentation and flavour. These herbs add a fragrant touch and a pop of colour, making your dish visually appealing.

By carefully selecting these ingredients, you'll lay the foundation for a truly indulgent and festive bacon-wrapped Camembert jacket potato.

Method

1. To start, ensure your oven is set to 200°C (180°C fan/gas mark 6). Begin by scrubbing your potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. After cleaning, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Using a fork, pierce each potato multiple times. This step is crucial as it allows steam to escape during the baking process.
2. Once your potatoes are prepped, rub them generously with olive oil, making sure they are well-coated. This not only helps to achieve a crisp skin but also adds a rich flavour. Sprinkle a generous amount of sea salt over the potatoes, which will enhance their taste and contribute to a delightful crunch.

1. Place the prepared potatoes directly onto the oven rack. This allows for even heat distribution, ensuring that the potatoes cook uniformly. Bake them for approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on their size. To determine if they are done, insert a skewer or fork into the centre of the potato; it should slide in easily without resistance.
2. While the potatoes are in the oven, you can prepare the other elements of your dish. Keep an eye on the potatoes as they bake, turning them once or twice if necessary to ensure an even crispness on all sides. The goal is to achieve a beautifully golden skin that contrasts with the fluffy interior.
3. Remember, the key to a perfect jacket potato lies in the texture: a crisp, golden skin on the outside and a soft, airy interior. When the potatoes have finished baking, allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack before proceeding to the next step of the recipe. This cooling period helps to maintain the integrity of the crispy skin while making the potatoes easier to handle.
4. While the potatoes bake, turn your attention to the Camembert and bacon. Start by carefully unwrapping the Camembert and setting it aside. On a clean surface, lay out the streaky bacon rashers, slightly overlapping them to create a base wide enough to envelop the cheese wheel.

1. Place the Camembert in the centre of the bacon arrangement. Fold the bacon strips over the cheese, ensuring it is completely covered. The overlapping technique not only secures the cheese but also helps the bacon adhere better during cooking. Make sure there are no gaps where the cheese might escape.
2. You can use kitchen twine to tie the bacon-wrapped Camembert if you find it difficult to keep the bacon in place. This step, while optional, can make handling the wrapped cheese easier.

By the time the potatoes are done, your bacon-wrapped Camembert will be ready to join them in the oven.

9. Once the potatoes are perfectly baked and have had a moment to cool slightly, use a sharp knife to make a cross-shaped incision on the top of each potato. Gently press the sides of the incision to open them up, creating a pocket that will hold the cheese.
10. Next, take the prepared bacon-wrapped Camembert and place it carefully into the pocket of each potato, pressing it down gently to ensure it is secure. This step is crucial as it ensures that the Camembert melts evenly into the potato, enhancing its flavour and texture.
11. Place the filled potatoes onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. This not only helps in catching any drips but also makes cleaning up easier. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. Keep a close watch during this time to ensure that the bacon crisps up nicely without over-browning. The goal is to have the bacon perfectly crisp while the Camembert inside becomes wonderfully gooey.
12. During this second baking phase, the flavours meld beautifully, with the creamy Camembert seeping into the fluffy potato and the bacon adding its savoury crunch. The parchment paper also helps in even baking, ensuring that the bacon crisps uniformly and the cheese melts perfectly.

As the dish approaches the end of the baking time, you will notice the tantalising aroma of bacon and Camembert filling your kitchen. The visual appeal is equally delightful, with the crispy bacon wrapping the melted cheese that sits snugly within the golden-baked potato.

13. Once the baking time is up, carefully remove the tray from the oven. Allow the potatoes to sit for a minute before serving. This brief resting time helps the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to handle and serve. The potatoes will be piping hot, and the cheese will be at its melty best, ready to delight your guests with each mouthful.

Prepare to serve the dish immediately, ensuring your guests can enjoy it at its peak of flavour and texture.

Consider placing each potato on a decorative plate, garnished with a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme for a touch of elegance. For a well-rounded meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or some roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.

Pairing these delightful potatoes with a glass of crisp white wine, such as a Chardonnay or a Chenin Blanc, enhances the creamy notes of the Camembert. Alternatively, a light ale or a sparkling apple cider can complement the savoury bacon and creamy cheese beautifully.

The visual appeal is equally delightful, with the crispy bacon wrapping the melted cheese that sits snugly within the golden-baked potato.

To elevate the presentation, consider arranging the potatoes on a wooden board, surrounded by small bowls of complementary sides such as pickled onions, gherkins, or even a zesty apple chutney. These accompaniments provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy main component, adding an extra layer of flavour and texture to the dining experience.

For an added festive touch, scatter some pomegranate seeds or cranberries around the serving platter. These not only enhance the visual appeal with their vibrant colours but also offer a burst of tartness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy Camembert and crispy bacon.

If you're serving a larger group, create a self-serve station where guests can personalise their potatoes with a variety of toppings. Some ideas include caramelised onions, sautéed mushrooms, or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added crunch. This interactive element can make the meal even more enjoyable and engaging.

When it comes to garnishing, fresh herbs are your best friend. A sprinkle of finely chopped chives, parsley, or dill can add a pop of colour and a fresh note that brightens up the dish. These small touches not only enhance the flavour but also show attention to detail, making your dish look as good as it tastes.

The secret to an outstanding bacon-wrapped Camembert jacket potato lies in careful execution and thoughtful details. Begin by selecting quality ingredients, as this sets the foundation for the dish's overall taste and texture.

When baking the potatoes, ensure they achieve a perfectly crisp skin and a fluffy interior. Use a fork to check for doneness; it should easily pierce through to the centre without resistance. This texture contrast is key to the dish's success.

For wrapping the Camembert, make sure the bacon is tightly secured around the cheese. Overlapping the bacon strips creates a seamless covering that helps the bacon adhere during baking. If necessary, use kitchen twine to keep everything in place, although this is optional.

Enhance the flavour profile by considering different herbs or a touch of garlic. Rosemary and thyme are excellent choices, adding a fragrant note that complements the creamy cheese and savoury bacon. Smoked bacon can introduce a delightful depth of flavour, offering a different twist on the traditional recipe.

Pay close attention during the final baking phase. Monitor the oven to ensure the bacon crisps up nicely without burning. The aim is to achieve a golden, crispy bacon exterior while allowing the Camembert to melt to a gooey perfection. Using parchment paper on the baking tray helps catch any drips and makes for an easier clean-up.

For added indulgence, consider topping the finished potatoes with caramelised onions, sautéed mushrooms, or crushed nuts. These additions can provide extra texture and richness, making the dish even more enjoyable.

Presentation plays a significant role in the dining experience. Garnish the potatoes with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill. This not only adds a pop of colour but also a fresh, vibrant note that enhances the overall dish.

Lastly, serve the potatoes immediately to enjoy the melted cheese at its best. This attention to detail ensures your festive bacon-wrapped Camembert jacket potato is a standout dish that your guests will remember and savour.

If you make this dish, why not send me a picture on Instagram using the #acountrygirlskitchen so I can go over and show it some love.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

*Chefs Kiss*