Name: Indulgent Baked Brie in Bread Bowl with Cranberry Sauce & Thyme Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf Bread Boule – a hearty, round loaf that forms the perfect vessel for your Baked Brie.; 8 ounces Brie Cheese – creates a luxurious, creamy center; feel free to swap with mild cheese.; ½ cup Cranberry Sauce – adds a delightful balance of tartness; homemade or store-bought is fine.; 2 tablespoons Fresh Thyme – infuses earthy flavor; dried thyme can be used as a substitute.

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Introduction

Indulgent Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl is a show-stopping appetizer that combines creamy cheese with tart cranberry sauce and fragrant thyme. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for gatherings, offering a warm, melty center encased in crusty bread.

A round pastry with a golden-brown crust forms the bottom and outer ring, showing flaky layers and a shiny surface. Inside, there is a thick layer of deep red cranberry filling with whole berries, creating a rich texture. On top of the cranberry layer sits a square piece of soft, melted yellow cheese with a slightly browned surface. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled over the cheese, adding color and detail. The whole dish is set on a wooden surface with a blurred background, but the background is changed to a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 loaf Bread Boule (a hearty, round loaf)
8 ounces Brie Cheese
½ cup Cranberry Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
2 tablespoons Fresh Thyme (or dried thyme as a substitute)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Slice off the top quarter of the bread boule and carefully scoop out the inner bread, creating a hollow center large enough to hold the brie.
Step 3: Place the brie inside the hollowed bread. Lightly spray the exterior of the bread with cooking spray and make shallow cuts around the sides to help it crisp in the oven.
Step 4: Spoon the cranberry sauce over the brie and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.
Step 5: Transfer the bread bowl to the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes, until the brie is melted and the bread is golden.
Step 6: Serve immediately, pulling apart the crusty bread to enjoy with the warm, gooey cheese and tangy cranberry topping.

Tips & Variations

Use a bread boule large enough to hold all the filling without spilling to avoid mess.
For extra flavor, add a drizzle of honey over the cranberry sauce before baking.
Swap fresh thyme with rosemary or sage for a different herbal note.
If you prefer a milder cheese, try Camembert or a soft goat cheese instead of brie.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10 minutes to warm the cheese without drying out the bread. Freshly baked is best enjoyed immediately.

How to Serve

A round galette with three distinct layers is shown on a white marbled surface. The outer layer is a thick, golden-brown, flaky crust with a shiny glaze that looks soft and slightly puffed. Inside this crust, there is a bright red layer of juicy, cooked cranberries with a glossy texture. At the center, a square piece of white, melted cheese with a browned top is placed, sprinkled with small green herb leaves scattered on top. The whole dish looks warm and freshly baked. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the bread bowl with the brie and cranberry sauce in advance and keep it refrigerated, but bake it just before serving to ensure the cheese is perfectly melted and the bread stays crisp.

What can I serve with baked brie in a bread bowl?

This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, nuts, or cured meats. It also works well as a centerpiece for a holiday appetizer spread alongside crackers and vegetable sticks.