This Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl is a stunning and delicious appetizer featuring warm, gooey brie cheese, tart cranberry sauce, and a crispy, golden bread bowl. Perfect for holiday gatherings, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy – Melted brie pairs perfectly with tangy cranberries and crusty bread.
- Show-Stopping Presentation – A stunning centerpiece for your appetizer table.
- Quick & Easy – Only 5 ingredients and 30 minutes to make!
- Perfect for Sharing – Everyone can tear off pieces of bread and dip into the warm cheese.
- Customizable – Add nuts, honey, or herbs for extra flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 round loaf of sourdough or crusty bread
- 1 wheel of brie cheese (8-12 oz)
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for garnish)
- Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing the bread)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Bowl
- Preheat Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the Bread – Slice off the top of the bread loaf and scoop out the center to create a hole that fits the brie. Save the extra bread for dipping.
- Score the Sides – Make shallow crisscross cuts around the edges to create pull-apart sections.
Step 2: Assemble the Brie Bowl
- Place Brie in the Center – Remove the rind if desired, then place the whole wheel inside the bread.
- Top with Cranberry Sauce – Spread cranberry sauce evenly over the brie.
- Add Extras – Drizzle with honey, sprinkle chopped nuts, and add fresh herbs.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
- Brush with Oil or Butter – Lightly coat the edges of the bread for a golden, crispy texture.
- Bake – Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the brie is melted and the bread is golden.
- Garnish & Serve – Let cool slightly, then sprinkle with extra rosemary or thyme. Serve warm with the extra bread pieces for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Variations
- Savory Twist – Add caramelized onions for extra depth.
- Spicy Kick – Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey.
- Fig & Brie Bread Bowl – Swap cranberry sauce for fig jam.
- Cheesy Upgrade – Mix in shredded mozzarella or Gruyère for extra melty goodness.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free bread loaf.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or until gooey again.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the bread may become soggy.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bread bowl and refrigerate, then bake fresh before serving.
Do I need to remove the brie rind?
No, the rind is edible, but you can remove it if you prefer a smoother melt.
What kind of bread works best?
Sourdough, boule, or any crusty round bread works great.
Can I use different cheeses?
Yes! Try Camembert, goat cheese, or a mix of brie and mozzarella.
What can I serve with this dish?
Serve with apple slices, crackers, toasted baguette, or fresh veggies.
How do I keep the bread from getting too hard?
Wrap the edges with foil if needed during baking to prevent over-browning.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes! Just cook them down with sugar to make a simple cranberry sauce.
What’s the best way to cut and serve this?
Let it cool slightly, then pull apart the scored bread edges and dip into the melted brie.
How can I make this dish nut-free?
Simply omit the nuts or replace them with pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Can I air fry this instead?
Yes! Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until melty.
Conclusion
This Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl is the ultimate holiday appetizer—creamy, cheesy, sweet, and savory, all wrapped in a crispy, golden bread bowl. Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, it’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors!
PrintBaked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl
This Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl is a warm, gooey, and irresistible appetizer featuring melted brie cheese, tart cranberry sauce, and a golden, crusty bread bowl. It’s easy to make, perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or cozy nights in!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Ingredients
- 1 round loaf of bread (sourdough or French boule)
- 1 wheel of brie cheese (8–12 oz)
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- Crackers, apple slices, or toasted bread (for dipping)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Bowl
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the top off the bread loaf and hollow out a space to fit the brie wheel. Save the removed bread for dipping.
- Brush the inside of the hollowed-out bread with olive oil or melted butter for extra crispiness.
Step 2: Assemble the Brie
- Place the brie wheel inside the bread bowl.
- Spread cranberry sauce over the brie.
- Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with chopped nuts and fresh herbs.
Step 3: Bake
- Wrap the entire bread bowl loosely in foil (to prevent over-browning).
- Bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the brie is soft and gooey.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with extra herbs and nuts.
- Serve warm with crackers, apple slices, or toasted bread pieces for dipping.
Notes
- No bread bowl? Bake brie in a small dish and serve with crusty bread on the side.
- Make it savory: Add caramelized onions or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- No cranberry sauce? Use fig jam, apricot preserves, or honey instead.