Cozy Baked Brie in Bread Bowl with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Melting soft brie nestled inside a crusty bread bowl creates a dreamy appetizer that screams comfort.

Warm spices and tart cranberry sauce add unexpected depth to this simple dish.

Rustic presentation makes people lean in with curiosity.

Herbs like thyme bring earthy undertones that complement the creamy cheese perfectly.

Fresh ingredients transform an ordinary snack into something memorable.

Cheese lovers will absolutely adore this elegant yet uncomplicated starter.

You can easily impress guests with minimal kitchen effort.

Flavor Twists For Baked Brie

• Gluten-Free Brie Bowl: Replace traditional bread with a gluten-free sourdough or cauliflower-based bread bowl for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Swap dairy brie with plant-based cashew cheese and use homemade vegan cranberry compote for a dairy-free version.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Substitute thyme with rosemary and oregano, and replace cranberry sauce with sun-dried tomato spread for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Add diced jalapeños to the cranberry sauce and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a hot and sweet combination that brings extra heat to the appetizer.

Suggested Pairings For Baked Brie

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange the baked brie bread bowl as the centerpiece of your appetizer spread, surrounded by crispy crostini, sliced apples, and crackers for varied dipping options.
• Festive Holiday Companion: Pair this warm, cheesy dish with a glass of sparkling white wine or mulled cider for a cozy winter gathering that feels both elegant and comforting.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Break apart the bread edges and dip them into the melted brie and cranberry sauce while watching sports, creating an interactive and delicious shared experience with friends.
• Rustic Brunch Highlight: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad and charcuterie board to transform this baked brie into a satisfying weekend brunch centerpiece that looks impressive yet easy to prepare.

Proper Storage For Baked Brie

• Store leftover baked brie in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap the bread bowl tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Warm at 300°F for 10-15 minutes, covering loosely with foil to prevent bread from burning. Remove foil in the last 3 minutes to crisp the edges.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to avoid overheating. Microwaving might slightly soften the bread's texture but works for quick warm-ups.
• Let baked brie sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore optimal creamy consistency after refrigeration.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Any round, sturdy bread like sourdough or country loaf works well. Just ensure it’s large enough to fit the brie wheel and has a firm structure.

• What if I don't have fresh thyme?

Dried thyme is a perfect substitute. Use about half the amount of dried thyme compared to fresh. Alternatively, rosemary or oregano can work as replacement herbs.

• Is homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce better?

Both are great! Homemade offers more control over sweetness and texture, while store-bought provides convenience. Choose based on your time and preference.

Why Baked Brie In Bread Bowl Is Perfect

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Transform an ordinary appetizer into a showstopping dish that instantly elevates any gathering with its impressive presentation and mouthwatering combination of melted cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and aromatic thyme.
• Customize with Ease: Swap cranberry sauce for different preserves or add nuts like pecans for extra crunch, making this recipe incredibly versatile and adaptable to personal taste preferences or seasonal ingredients.
• No-Fuss Preparation: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, even novice cooks can create a restaurant-quality appetizer that looks complex but requires little culinary expertise, perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients For Baked Brie With Cranberry Sauce

• Bread Loaf: A soft, round bread that serves as a delicious and edible bowl for the baked brie.
• Brie Wheel: A creamy, rich French cheese that melts beautifully and provides a luxurious centerpiece for the dish.
• Cranberry Sauce: A sweet and tangy sauce that adds a festive and vibrant flavor to the melted brie.

• Fresh Thyme, Salt, Pepper: These classic seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile and add aromatic depth to the bread and cheese.

• Olive Oil: A light oil that helps to crisp and season the bread from the inside, adding a subtle richness to the dish.
• Foil or Parchment Paper: Used to line the baking sheet and catch any melted cheese, ensuring easy cleanup.

How To Make Baked Brie In Bread Bowl

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C), preparing a warm welcome for our cheesy creation.

Step 2: Carve Out the Bread Base

Grab a sturdy bread loaf and slice off its crown, revealing a canvas for culinary magic.

Trace the brie wheel’s outline in the bread’s center, carefully excavating the interior to create a cozy cheese nest.

Step 3: Create Dippable Bread Edges

Using a sharp knife, slice around the bread’s perimeter, cutting about three-quarters deep.

These strategic cuts will transform your bread into irresistible pull-apart sections perfect for scooping up melted cheese.

Step 4: Prepare the Flavor Foundation

Drizzle olive oil inside the bread cavity, sprinkling with a pinch of salt and pepper.

• Half the thyme goes inside the bread
• Nestle the brie wheel into the hollowed center
• Sprinkle remaining thyme on top of the cheese

Step 5: Add a Cranberry Burst

Generously dollop cranberry sauce over the brie, spreading it in a luscious layer that promises sweet-tangy excitement.

Step 6: Bake to Melty Perfection

Position the bread bowl on a lined baking sheet, crown replaced.

Slide into the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes until the brie transforms into a molten, irresistible pool of deliciousness.

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Rescue your masterpiece from the oven and dive in immediately.

For an extra crispy bonus, toast the scooped-out bread pieces to create ultimate dipping companions.

Tips For Perfect Baked Brie

• Brush olive oil inside the bread bowl to create a protective barrier that stops moisture from making the bread soggy during baking.
• Choose a dense, round sourdough or boule bread with thick walls to ensure the bread bowl holds its shape and supports the melting brie without collapsing.
• Remove the brie from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to ensure even melting and prevent the cheese from becoming too runny or burning at the edges.
• Experiment with different cranberry sauce variations like adding orange zest, a splash of port wine, or a pinch of cinnamon to elevate the overall taste profile of the dish.

Baked Brie in Bread Bowl with Cranberry Sauce and Thyme Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy baked brie nestled in a rustic bread bowl showcases holiday elegance with tart cranberry sauce and fragrant thyme. Rich flavors meld together, offering a delightful appetizer that will impress guests and elevate your seasonal entertaining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 round loaf of rustic bread (boule)
• 1 wheel of brie (12 ounces, 340 grams)

Sauce and Herbs:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) whole berry cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

Seasoning and Oil:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Fresh ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the kitchen oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing for a delightful cheesy creation.
2. Select a round bread loaf and carefully slice off the top quarter, revealing a sturdy base for the brie.
3. Position the brie wheel atop the bread and trace its circumference, creating a precise guide to hollow out the center with a sharp knife.
4. Craft decorative pull-apart sections by slicing around the bread’s perimeter, cutting three-quarters deep without separating the base.
5. Enhance the bread’s interior with a luxurious olive oil brush, then season with salt and pepper, sprinkling half the fresh thyme inside.
6. Nestle the brie wheel into the bread’s carved center, generously covering it with remaining thyme leaves.
7. Generously spread cranberry sauce across the brie’s surface, ensuring an even, vibrant layer.
8. Transfer the prepared bread bowl onto a lined baking sheet, covering with its sliced top, and bake for approximately 20 minutes until the cheese melts into a creamy texture.
9. Extract from the oven and serve immediately, optionally toasting the reserved bread chunks for additional crispy dipping accompaniments.

Notes

• Choose a round, sturdy sourdough or artisan bread that’s dense enough to hold the melted brie without falling apart.
• Let the brie sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking to ensure smooth, even melting throughout.
• Swap homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce with fig jam, pepper jelly, or caramelized onions for different flavor profiles.
• For gluten-free guests, use a gluten-free bread or serve the brie in a small cast-iron skillet with accompaniments on the side.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg