If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate show-stopping appetizer, look no further than this Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl. Imagine crispy, golden bread filled with a pool of molten brie, all topped with a sparkling crimson layer of sweet-tart cranberry sauce and honey. This crowd-pleaser effortlessly marries comfort and elegance, making it absolutely perfect for holiday parties, special gatherings, or even a cozy night in with friends. There’s just something magical about scooping up the gooey, jammy cheese with hunks of warm bread—trust me, this is one of those dishes that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl are straightforward but each plays a crucial part in creating that irresistible combination of creaminess, tang, and crunch. Let’s take a closer look at why every element matters:
- Sourdough or Artisan Bread Boule: The edible bowl! Its crust gets crispy while the inside stays perfect for dipping.
- Brie Cheese Wheel (8 oz): The star of the show—choose a good-quality brie for maximum melt and flavor.
- Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce (1/2 cup): Adds a tangy, fruity punch and beautiful ruby color.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Lends a subtle sweetness that balances the brie’s richness and cranberry’s tartness.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/4 tsp): Just a hint for cozy, warm flavor—the secret ingredient that makes people go “what is that delicious note?”
- Chopped Fresh Rosemary (1 tbsp, optional): Offers herbal brightness and festive flair—if you love rosemary, don’t skip it!
- Olive Oil, for brushing: Helps the bread crisp up into perfection and gives a golden finish.
- Crackers or Sliced Baguette: For dipping and scooping up every last bit of gooey goodness.
How to Make Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl
Step 1: Prep the Bread Bowl
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your round loaf of sourdough or artisan bread and, using a sharp serrated knife, cut a circle out of the top slightly larger than the size of your brie wheel. Carefully hollow out the center, leaving enough bread along the walls and base to provide structure but making space for the cheese. Save both the bread top and the extra inside pieces; they’ll make excellent dippers later on!
Step 2: Assemble with Brie and Toppings
Place your whole wheel of brie snugly into the hollowed-out bread bowl. In a small bowl, stir together your cranberry sauce, honey, and ground cinnamon until well combined—the scent alone is enough to make your mouth water. Spoon this glorious mixture generously over the brie, letting it drip down the sides. If you love a fresh, aromatic vibe, sprinkle some chopped rosemary on top for that optional (but highly recommended) pop of color and flavor.
Step 3: Bake to Melty Perfection
Set your filled bread bowl on a baking sheet—it helps catch any cheesy drips and makes clean-up a breeze. Give the outside of your bread bowl a quick brush with olive oil to ensure it bakes up golden and crispy. Slide the whole thing into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the brie is meltingly gooey and the bread crust is temptingly crusty. If you like a little nutty crunch, now’s the time to sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the top in the last few minutes of baking.
Step 4: Serve and Dive In!
Remove from the oven and serve immediately while it’s warm and bubbling. Arrange your reserved bread hunks, crackers, or sliced baguette around the bread bowl. Let everyone tear into the crust, scoop up that glorious cheese and cranberry, and prepare for pure holiday happiness!
How to Serve Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl
Garnishes
Garnish your Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl with a sprig or two of fresh rosemary, a scattering of chopped toasted nuts, or even a handful of pomegranate seeds for extra jewel-toned pizzazz. A quick drizzle of honey across the top right before serving also adds lovely sheen and a sweet finish.
Side Dishes
This appetizer is rich and satisfying, so lighter or tangy sides are ideal partners. Try serving it with a crisp winter salad of arugula, sliced pears, and toasted walnuts, or a sparkling fruit punch to cut through the creaminess. Even a fresh veggie platter or a tangy pickle assortment is a smart idea for cleansing the palate between gooey bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl by placing it on a rustic wooden board with a ring of crudités, vibrant fruit, and colorful breads. For a holiday party, dress it up with festive ribbons or edible gold leaf. You can even miniaturize the recipe by using small bread rolls and petite brie wheels—individual portions are adorable and perfect for casual mingling!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s never been a problem at my house!), simply wrap the bread bowl tightly in foil or plastic wrap and stash it in the refrigerator. The flavors mellow and continue to marry, making for a delicious snack the next day.
Freezing
Unfortunately, freezing isn’t ideal for the Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl—the textures of both cheese and bread change a lot after thawing, often becoming watery or tough. However, you can freeze the cranberry sauce mix separately and assemble a fresh bread bowl when ready to bake.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, place the bread bowl (unwrapped) on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes, until everything is gooey again. If the bread is browning too much, tent some foil over the top partway through to prevent over-crisping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Absolutely! While sourdough’s tang and sturdy crust work beautifully for this recipe, any hearty, round loaf will do. Just make sure the bread isn’t too soft, or it might not hold up to all that melty brie.
What if I can’t find whole berry cranberry sauce?
No worries! You can use regular jellied cranberry sauce, or even homemade cranberry compote. If using jellied sauce, chop it up a bit for more texture, or add a few dried cranberries for that rustic look.
Is there a way to make this gluten free?
You bet! Swap in a gluten-free boule if you can find one at your bakery or store, or bake the brie and cranberry mixture in a ceramic baking dish and serve with your favorite gluten-free crackers and breads for dipping.
Can I prepare parts of the Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl in advance?
You can definitely prep ahead: hollow out the bread and mix up the cranberry topping a few hours before your event. Just wait to assemble and bake until guests arrive so the cheese is hot and lava-like at serving time.
Will the bread get soggy underneath?
If you serve the Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl shortly after baking, the top and sides of the bread will be nicely crisp while any part that touches the brie stays soft and dunkable, not soggy. For best texture, don’t let it sit too long before digging in!
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the oohs and aahs that greet a warm Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl at the table. Whether you’re hosting a big celebration or keeping things cozy, this recipe brings sweet, savory, and creamy comfort in every bite. Give it a try and get ready to start your own holiday tradition—I can’t wait to hear how much you and your loved ones enjoy it!
Print
Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious combination of melted brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and warm bread with this Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl recipe. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in, this appetizer is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl:
- 1 round sourdough or artisan bread boule
- 8 oz wheel of brie cheese
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (optional)
- olive oil for brushing
- crackers or sliced baguette for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Bread: Cut a circle in the top of the bread bowl slightly larger than the brie wheel. Hollow out the center to fit the brie snugly. Reserve the top and inside pieces for dipping.
- Fill the Bread Bowl: Place the brie into the bread bowl. In a small bowl, mix the cranberry sauce with honey and cinnamon, then spoon over the brie. Sprinkle with chopped rosemary if using.
- Bake: Place the filled bread bowl on a baking sheet and lightly brush the outside of the bread with olive oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the brie is melted and gooey.
- Serve: Serve warm with the reserved bread pieces, crackers, or baguette slices for dipping.
Notes
- For extra texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cranberry sauce before baking.
- This is a great holiday appetizer that pairs well with sparkling wine.
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