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This homemade Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl is an easy recipe and show-stopping holiday appetizer that's as beautiful as it is delicious. Gooey, melted brie pairs perfectly with the sweet tartness of cranberry sauce, all served in a crusty bread bowl designed for dipping and sharing. It's the perfect centerpiece for your holiday gatherings!
Why You'll Love This Appetizer
This appetizer is a holiday dream come true: easy to prepare, visually impressive, and bursting with flavor. The combination of melty brie and cranberry sauce is irresistible, while the pull-apart bread bowl adds a fun interactive element for guests. Serve this at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's celebrations, and watch it disappear in minutes!
Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl
- Round Bread Loaf: 1 large sourdough or rustic bread round.
- Brie Wheel: 8-10 ounce wheel, room temperature.
- Cranberry Sauce: 1 cup homemade or store-bought.
- Fresh Thyme: 2-3 sprigs for garnish.
- Olive Oil or Melted Butter: For brushing the bread.
- Optional Additions:
- Honey for drizzling
- Chopped nuts for texture
- Fresh rosemary for extra aromatics
How to Prepare the Bread Bowl
- Select the Bread
- Choose a round loaf approximately 8-10 inches in diameter, ensuring it's large enough to fit your brie wheel with some extra space.
- Cut the Top
- Using a serrated knife, cut a circle in the top of the bread about 1/2 inch larger than your brie wheel. Remove the top and set aside.
- Hollow the Bowl
- Carefully hollow out the inside of the bread, leaving about 1-inch thickness on the bottom and sides. Save the bread pieces for dipping.
- Prepare for Baking
- Cut the removed bread into 1-inch cubes. Place on a separate baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and toast at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until golden. These will serve as dippers.
- Score the Bowl
- Make crosshatch cuts around the rim of the bread bowl, about 1 inch apart and 1 inch deep, creating pull-apart sections.
Assemble the Brie Bread Bowl
Place the wheel of brie into the hollowed-out bread bowl. Spread cranberry sauce over the brie, then sprinkle with fresh thyme for added flavor. Brush the edges of the bread with olive oil or butter if desired, to enhance browning during baking.
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Baking and Serving
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the brie is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately with toasted bread pieces, crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping. Guests will love pulling apart the bread and dipping into the gooey brie and cranberry center.
Tips and Variations
For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle honey over the cranberry sauce before baking. You can also add nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture. If you prefer a savory version, swap cranberry sauce for caramelized onions or fig jam. Leftovers (if there are any!) can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their gooey texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use triple cream brie?
- Triple cream brie is recommended because it melts better and creates a creamier texture than double cream brie. It provides the best melty, gooey result for this appetizer.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
- You can prepare the bread bowl and cut the slices ahead of time, but it's best to assemble and bake right before serving for the optimal melty cheese texture.
- → Why use whole berry cranberry sauce?
- Whole berry cranberry sauce provides better texture and a more interesting flavor profile than jellied sauce. It also looks more appetizing when melted with the brie.
- → What kind of bread works best?
- A rustic round bread boule works best as it's sturdy enough to hold the melted cheese and has a nice crust. Sourdough or country bread are good options.
- → What can I do with the scooped out bread?
- Toast the scooped out bread pieces and serve them alongside the bread bowl for extra dipping options. They're perfect for scooping up any extra melted cheese.