Cranberry Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl Recipe
Introduction
Cranberry Baked Brie is a warm, gooey appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. With tangy cranberry sauce and fresh thyme atop creamy brie encased in a crusty bread boule, it’s both elegant and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 bread boule (round loaf)
- Cooking spray
- 1 (8-ounce) wheel brie cheese
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Slice off the top quarter of the bread. Remove the rind from the brie wheel. Place the brie on the bread and trace a circle around it. Scoop out the bread inside this circle and set aside for another use or to toast.
- Step 3: Place the hollowed bread boule on the baking sheet. Set the brie wheel inside the hollow. Spray the outside of the bread with cooking spray.
- Step 4: Cut slices around the edges of the bread, about 1-2 inches apart, taking care not to slice all the way through. This creates removable bread wedges for dipping.
- Step 5: Spoon cranberry sauce over the top of the brie and sprinkle with fresh thyme. Bake for about 25 minutes, until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melty.
- Step 6: Serve immediately while warm and gooey for the best taste and texture.
Tips & Variations
- Use a sourdough boule for added tanginess and texture.
- Swap fresh thyme with rosemary for an earthy twist.
- Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top for extra crunch.
- If you prefer a sweeter touch, mix a little honey into the cranberry sauce before spreading.
Storage
Store any leftover baked brie wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300°F) until warm and soft again. Keep bread and brie separate if possible to avoid sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the bread and brie with cranberry sauce up to a few hours before baking. Keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
What if I can’t find a bread boule?
A round loaf of any crusty bread, like sourdough or French bread, works well. Just pick one sturdy enough to hold the cheese and toppings.
PrintCranberry Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl Recipe
Cranberry Baked Brie is a delightful appetizer featuring a wheel of creamy brie cheese nestled inside a hollowed bread boule, topped with tangy cranberry sauce and fresh thyme, then baked until the bread is toasted and the cheese is perfectly melty. This elegant yet simple dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 bread boule (round loaf)
- Cooking spray
- 1 (8-ounce) wheel brie cheese
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the Bread: Slice off the top quarter of the bread boule to create a lid. Then, cut off the rind from the brie wheel. Place the brie on the hollowed-out top of the bread and trace around it with a knife. Scoop out the inner bread circle to make a cavity for the cheese. Save the removed bread for toasting or another use.
- Assemble: Place the hollowed bread boule on the prepared baking sheet. Insert the brie wheel into the hollowed center of the bread. Spray the outside of the bread with cooking spray to help it brown evenly. Make slices all around the edges of the bread about 1–2 inches apart, cutting down part way, but not through, to create removable pieces for serving later.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Spread the cranberry sauce over the top of the brie and sprinkle fresh thyme evenly on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the brie is melted and gooey.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while the cheese is hot and melty, perfect for dipping the bread slices.
Notes
- Use a sharp serrated knife to hollow out the bread for easier and cleaner cuts.
- The removed bread can be toasted separately and served as extra dippers.
- Try using different herb toppings like rosemary or sage for variation.
- For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or drizzle honey on top before baking.
- Make sure to serve immediately as the brie will firm up as it cools.
Keywords: Cranberry Baked Brie, baked brie recipe, holiday appetizer, cranberry sauce, cheese appetizer, baked cheese, bread boule appetizer
