Roasted Garlic & Camembert Flatbread with Fig Jam & Fried Sage
This flatbread hits that perfect balance of sweet and savory. Creamy, melty Camembert, mellow roasted garlic, sticky fig jam, and crisp fried sage come together on a warm artisan flatbread base. Add fresh figs, walnuts, a drizzle of honey, and a little lemon zest, and you’ve got something that feels special without being complicated.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Roasting Time: 35–40 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: About 55–60 minutes
Ingredients
Core Ingredients
2 artisan flatbreads or sourdough naan
1 whole head of garlic
2–3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
8 oz (225 g) Camembert cheese, cut into wedges
½ cup fig jam
8–10 fresh sage leaves
Supporting Ingredients & Garnishes
2 fresh figs, quartered
¼ cup crushed walnuts
1–2 tablespoons honey (for drizzling)
½ teaspoon lemon zest
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Garlic: Slice the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, wrap loosely in foil, and roast for 35–40 minutes until soft and golden.
Cool and Squeeze: Let garlic cool slightly, then squeeze the softened cloves into a small bowl. Mash into a paste.
Lower Oven Temperature: Reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) for baking the flatbread.
Prepare the Sage: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Fry sage leaves for 10–15 seconds until crisp but not browned. Transfer to paper towel to drain.
Prep the Flatbread: Brush flatbreads lightly with olive oil. Spread roasted garlic paste evenly over each base.
Add Fig Jam: Spoon fig jam over the garlic in small dollops, spreading lightly.
Layer the Cheese: Arrange Camembert wedges evenly across the flatbreads.
Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling and edges are lightly crisp.
Finish and Garnish: Remove from oven. Top with fresh fig quarters, crushed walnuts, crispy sage, lemon zest, black pepper, and a drizzle of honey. Slice and serve warm.
Tips
Roast garlic until fully soft. Undercooked garlic will taste sharp instead of sweet.
Don’t overcrowd the flatbread with jam. Too much can overpower the cheese.
Let Camembert sit at room temperature 20 minutes before slicing for easier handling.
Fry sage quickly. It crisps in seconds and burns just as fast.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Toast walnuts lightly beforehand for deeper flavor.
Add honey after baking to keep its aroma fresh.
Slice flatbread with a sharp knife while still warm for clean cuts.
If your flatbread is thick, pre-bake it for 3–4 minutes before topping.
Serve immediately. Camembert is best when fully melted and creamy.
Variations
Brie Swap: Replace Camembert with Brie for a slightly milder flavor.
Blue Cheese Twist: Add small crumbles of blue cheese for sharper contrast.
Caramelized Onion Addition: Layer slow-cooked onions under the cheese.
Prosciutto Finish: Add thin slices of prosciutto after baking.
Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic reduction instead of honey.
Pear Version: Swap fresh figs for thinly sliced ripe pear.
Rosemary Option: Use crispy rosemary instead of sage.
Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes before baking.
Arugula Topping: Scatter fresh arugula after baking for a peppery note.
Truffle Touch: Finish with a light drizzle of truffle oil.
Q&A
Can I roast garlic ahead of time?
Yes. Store roasted garlic in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Do I remove the Camembert rind?
No. The rind is edible and helps hold the cheese together while baking.
Can I use store-bought naan?
Absolutely. It works perfectly and saves time.
What if I can’t find fresh figs?
Use extra fig jam or substitute sliced pears.
How do I prevent soggy flatbread?
Avoid spreading jam too heavily and bake directly on a hot sheet pan.
Can this be made on a grill?
Yes. Grill over indirect heat with lid closed until cheese melts.
How should leftovers be stored?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
How do I reheat it?
Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–8 minutes. Avoid microwaving.
Is it very sweet?
It’s balanced. The honey and jam are offset by savory garlic and cheese.
What wine pairs well?
A crisp white wine or light red pairs beautifully.
Nutrition
(Approximate per serving, half flatbread)
Calories: 520–560
Protein: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fat: 34 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 16 g
Values vary depending on cheese and bread used.
Conclusion
Roasted Garlic & Camembert Flatbread with Fig Jam & Fried Sage is the kind of dish that feels elegant but comes together easily in your kitchen. The sweetness of figs and honey, the earthiness of sage, the richness of melted cheese, and the mellow depth of roasted garlic create layers of flavor in every bite.
It’s perfect for sharing, easy to adapt, and memorable enough to serve when you want something just a little different from the usual flatbread. Once you try it, you’ll see how beautifully sweet and savory can work together.