Cranberry Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl

Name: Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American-inspired
Ingredients: 1 bread boule (round loaf), for the base.; Cooking spray, to crisp the bread.; 1 (8-ounce) wheel brie cheese, for creamy filling.; ½ cup cranberry sauce, for tartness.; 2 tbsp fresh thyme, for a fragrant garnish.

Featured in Irresistible Tasty Bites.

Cranberry Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl is an easy and elegant appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. A crusty bread boule is hollowed out and filled with creamy brie cheese, topped with tart cranberry sauce and fragrant fresh thyme. Baked until golden and melty, the cheese pairs perfectly with the pull-apart bread edges for dipping. This crowd-pleasing dish is ready in under 30 minutes and can be customized with alternative toppings like fig jam or apricot preserves. Serve warm for a gooey, delicious centerpiece to your appetizer spread.

By Clare Greco

Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:06:58 GMT

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Cranberry Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl is a show-stopping appetizer that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Combining gooey brie cheese with tart cranberry sauce inside a golden, crusty bread boule, this dish is perfect for entertaining during the holidays or any special gathering.

Ingredients

Bread boule: 1 round loaf, for the base
Cooking spray: To crisp the bread
Brie cheese: 1 (8-ounce) wheel, for creamy filling
Cranberry sauce: ½ cup, for tartness
Fresh thyme: 2 tbsp, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1:: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:: Slice off the top quarter of the bread boule. Hollow out the center, reserving the bread for dipping or other use.
Step 3:: Place the brie wheel into the hollowed-out bread and lightly spray the outside of the bread with cooking spray.
Step 4:: Cut slices around the edges of the bread (1–2 inches apart), ensuring they remain attached to the loaf.
Step 5:: Spoon cranberry sauce over the brie and sprinkle with fresh thyme.
Step 6:: Bake for 25 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and the brie is melted and gooey.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve immediately while the brie is warm and gooey.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.

Helpful Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the cranberry sauce before baking.
Substitute cranberry sauce with fig or apricot preserves for a different twist.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Chef Mia recommends brushing the bread with garlic butter before baking for an additional layer of flavor.

Conclusion

Cranberry Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl is a festive and delicious appetizer combining creamy brie cheese with tart cranberry sauce, all baked inside a crusty bread boule. The pull-apart bread slices make it easy to share, while the melted brie creates a gooey, irresistible dip. Garnished with fresh thyme, this appetizer is not only flavorful but also visually stunning, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or dinner parties. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is simple, elegant, and sure to impress your guests.