Indulgent Baked Brie in Bread Bowl with Cranberry Sauce & Thyme Recipe
An indulgent and elegant appetizer featuring creamy baked Brie nestled inside a crusty bread boule, topped with tangy cranberry sauce and aromatic fresh thyme. Perfect for entertaining or a cozy gathering, this baked Brie bread bowl combines rich flavors and inviting textures in a simple yet impressive dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bread Bowl
- 1 loaf Bread Boule – a hearty, round loaf that forms the perfect vessel for your Baked Brie.
For the Filling
- 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.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy clean-up.
- Prepare Bread Bowl: Slice the top quarter off the bread boule to create a lid, then carefully scoop out the inner bread from the loaf, leaving a thick crust to hold the filling without collapsing.
- Assemble Brie and Toppings: Place the whole brie cheese into the hollowed center of the bread bowl. Lightly spray the exterior of the bread with cooking spray and make shallow cuts around the sides to help with even baking and presentation.
- Add Cranberry Sauce and Thyme: Spoon the cranberry sauce evenly over the brie to add sweet and tart flavor, then sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for an aromatic touch.
- Bake: Place the assembled bread bowl on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, until the brie is melted and the bread is warmed through and slightly crisp on the exterior.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Encourage guests to pull apart the bread to dip into the melted, gooey brie cheese combined with cranberry and thyme flavors for an irresistible bite.
Notes
- Ensure your bread boule is large enough to contain the filling without spillage.
- Bake just before serving to enjoy the brie at its meltiest and freshest.
- You may substitute dried thyme if fresh is unavailable, though fresh thyme offers a brighter flavor.
- This appetizer pairs beautifully with sparkling wines or light red wines.
Keywords: Baked Brie, Bread Bowl, Appetizer, Cranberry Sauce, Thyme, Cheese Lovers, Party Food
