If you’re searching for the ultimate festive centerpiece, the Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl is about to become your new go-to appetizer. Imagine a golden, crusty bread loaf brimming with gooey, melted Brie, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and a hint of crunch from toasted nuts—all finished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh thyme. It’s rich, melty, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet, making it absolutely irresistible for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. This show-stopping treat is surprisingly simple to make, and it’s guaranteed to have everyone gathered around, tearing off warm bread and diving in for another bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl plays a starring role, from the rustic bread to the creamy cheese and festive toppings. These are simple, classic flavors that combine for a stunning taste and texture—each one adding its own magic to the final dish.
- Round sourdough or French bread loaf: The crusty outer shell holds everything together and soaks up all that melty cheese, while the interior becomes perfect for dipping.
- 8 oz wheel of Brie cheese: Creamy, mild, and buttery, Brie melts beautifully for that irresistible gooey center.
- 1/2 cup whole cranberry sauce (fresh or canned): Adds a bright, tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the rich cheese.
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For a nutty crunch and earthy flavor—totally optional, but highly recommended!
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional): A drizzle brings just a touch more sweetness and shine to the top.
- Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish): Lends a subtle herbal aroma and a pop of color right before serving.
How to Make Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl
Step 1: Prep the Bread Bowl
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Slice off the top of your bread loaf—just about an inch or so—and set the lid aside. Carefully hollow out the center, leaving about a one-inch-thick shell. Don’t toss the bread you pull out; those soft pieces are perfect for dipping later! This “bowl” will cradle all that cheesy, cranberry goodness and keep it piping hot.
Step 2: Add the Brie
Unwrap your Brie wheel and nestle it right inside the hollowed bread. It should fit snugly, with the rind left on to help hold things together as it melts. Don’t worry if it’s a tight fit—once it bakes, the cheese will soften and fill out the bread bowl beautifully.
Step 3: Top with Cranberry Sauce
Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the Brie. Whether you use fresh or canned, the goal is to cover the entire surface so every scoop gets a burst of juicy, sweet-tart flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in a spoonful of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
Step 4: Sprinkle Nuts and Drizzle Honey
Now’s the time to sprinkle your chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cranberry layer for a lovely crunch (if you’re using them). Finish with a light drizzle of honey for extra sweetness and that gorgeous, glossy look. This step is optional but gives the Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl a special touch.
Step 5: Bake Until Melty and Golden
Place the assembled bread bowl on a baking sheet and pop it in the oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the Brie is completely melted and the bread is toasty and golden. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese jiggles slightly in the center and the aroma is absolutely mouthwatering.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the bread bowl from the oven and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. Let it sit for just a minute, then bring it straight to the table while it’s still hot and gooey. Serve with the bread “lid” and the pieces you removed from the center, or add extra bread slices for dipping. The Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl is best enjoyed right away!
How to Serve Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl
Garnishes
A few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary add a fragrant, festive finish. You can also sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or a few extra chopped nuts over the top for a little crunch and color. These finishing touches take your Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl from delicious to absolutely dazzling.
Side Dishes
This appetizer pairs beautifully with crisp apple slices, crackers, or even raw veggies like celery and carrots. For a heartier spread, include cured meats, olives, and pickled veggies on your cheese board—everything mingles so well with the melty brie and tart cranberry in the bread bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For a truly wow-worthy presentation, serve the bread bowl on a wooden board surrounded by seasonal fruits, nuts, and extra bread cubes. If you’re hosting a larger crowd, make a few mini bread bowls using smaller rolls and individual brie rounds. The Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl looks stunning at the center of any holiday table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, wrap the cooled bread bowl tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two days. The bread will soften slightly, but the flavors only get more delicious as they meld together.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for this dish (the cheese may become grainy and the bread can turn soggy), you can freeze the bread bowl and cheese separately before baking. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, assemble with cranberry sauce and toppings, then bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, place the leftover Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl in a 325°F oven, uncovered, for about 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melty again and the bread is warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread chewy and the cheese unevenly melted.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Absolutely! While sourdough and French bread are classics for their sturdy crusts, you can use any round, rustic loaf you like. Just be sure it’s firm enough to hold the melted cheese and toppings without collapsing.
What if I can’t find Brie?
If Brie isn’t available, Camembert makes a fantastic substitute with a similar creamy texture and flavor. You can even use a mild double- or triple-cream cheese, though the flavor will be a bit different.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the bread bowl up to a few hours in advance (minus the honey and nuts), cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, add the honey and nuts, then bake as directed for a fresh, gooey appetizer.
Are there other toppings I can use besides cranberry sauce?
Definitely! Try fig jam, raspberry preserves, or even a savory onion jam for a twist. The Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl is endlessly customizable to your favorite flavors.
How do I keep the bread from getting too soggy?
A thick bread shell helps, but you can also lightly toast the hollowed loaf in the oven for 5 minutes before adding the cheese. This creates a barrier and helps keep the interior crisp and ready for dipping.
Final Thoughts
If you want to wow your guests and treat yourself to a truly comforting appetizer, give the Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl a try. It’s festive, easy, and always the first thing to disappear at any gathering—so don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it all year long!
Print
Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl is a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. It features a round sourdough or French bread loaf hollowed out and filled with a creamy Brie wheel topped with tangy cranberry sauce, crunchy nuts, and a drizzle of honey. Baked until gooey and warm, it’s an inviting dish that combines sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 round sourdough or French bread loaf
- 8 oz wheel of Brie cheese
- 1/2 cup whole cranberry sauce (fresh or canned)
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the bread bowl.
- Prepare Bread Bowl: Slice off the top of the bread loaf and carefully hollow out the center, leaving about a 1-inch-thick shell to create a sturdy bowl for the filling.
- Assemble: Place the Brie wheel inside the hollowed-out bread bowl. Evenly spread the cranberry sauce over the top of the Brie. If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the cranberry layer and drizzle honey on top for added sweetness.
- Bake: Place the assembled bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the Brie has melted and becomes gooey.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves. Serve warm with the bread pieces removed from the center or additional bread slices for dipping.
Notes
- For added flavor and a crunchier texture, lightly toast the bread bowl before assembling the ingredients.
- You can substitute the cranberry sauce with fig jam or raspberry preserves for a different twist.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the melty, gooey texture of the Brie.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
