Indulge in the rich, gooey delight of baked brie served in a crusty bread bowl, topped with cranberry sauce and fresh thyme. This recipe is the perfect combination of flavors—creamy brie, tangy cranberry, and herb-infused thyme, all nestled in a crispy bread bowl. It’s ideal for festive gatherings or a cozy night in with friends and family.
For more culinary inspiration, check out these delightful Earl Grey Cookies to pair with your brie appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish stands out because it’s both easy to prepare and visually impressive. The melting brie inside the bread bowl becomes a gooey dip for the pull-apart bread edges, making it a fun, shareable dish. Not to mention, the sweet-tart cranberry sauce balances perfectly with the creaminess of the brie. It’s a great addition to any holiday spread or an elegant appetizer for any dinner party.
For a perfect side, consider a Pumpkin Banana Loaf to bring more seasonal flavors to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 round loaf of rustic bread (bread boule)
- 1 wheel of brie (about 12 oz, triple cream recommended)
- ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Bread Bowl
- Slice off the top quarter of the bread loaf and set it aside.
- Hollow out the middle of the bread to create space for the brie.
- Save the removed bread pieces for dipping.
3. Prepare the Dipping Pieces
- Make vertical cuts around the edge of the bread, 1.5 inches apart, without cutting through the bottom.
- This makes the bread easy to pull apart after baking.
4. Season the Bread
- Brush the inside of the bread bowl with olive oil.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Sprinkle half of the fresh thyme inside the hollowed-out bread.
5. Add the Brie and Cranberry Sauce
- Place the brie wheel inside the hollowed-out bread.
- Spoon the cranberry sauce over the brie and sprinkle the remaining thyme on top.
6. Bake the Brie
- Replace the top of the bread and place it on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the brie is melted and the bread is crispy.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the bread cool for a couple of minutes.
- Serve immediately with the toasted bread pieces for dipping.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this baked brie with a glass of Pinot Noir or a sparkling cranberry spritzer. If you’re looking for a heartier main course to complement this appetizer, check out these Homemade Shrimp Recipes for a seafood feast.
Storage Tips
If there are leftovers, wrap the remaining bread and brie in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Enjoy this elegant yet simple appetizer, and don’t forget to pair it with these Air Fryer Onion Rings for a crunchy snack on the side.
