Indulge in the creamy delight of baked brie nestled in a warm bread bowl, topped with a sweet-tart cranberry sauce and fresh thyme. This dish is an elegant yet simple appetizer perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday dinner or an intimate evening, this gooey cheese and aromatic thyme combination will certainly impress your guests.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe for baked brie in a bread bowl is a delightful twist on traditional baked brie. The combination of creamy brie, crispy bread, and the sweetness of cranberry sauce creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
If you love cheese, it’s worth knowing a bit more about the origins of Brie cheese. Brie, often referred to as the “Queen of Cheeses,” originates from France and has become one of the most popular soft cheeses worldwide. Its luxurious creaminess makes it an ideal choice for baking.
Fresh herbs like thyme not only add flavor but also come with surprising health benefits. Using herbs like thyme in your recipes can contribute to overall well-being. Read about the health benefits of using fresh thyme to better appreciate this delightful ingredient.
For a perfect cheese-based appetizer, also consider trying these Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites. These bites provide a similar comforting experience and pair wonderfully with wine, just like this baked brie in a bread bowl.
Ingredients Breakdown
To make this baked brie bread bowl, you’ll need:
- 1 round loaf of rustic bread (bread boule)
- 1 wheel of brie (about 12 ounces, triple cream recommended)
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Brie Cheese: Choosing a triple cream brie will give you a richer and creamier texture. You can use a double cream brie if you prefer something slightly lighter.
Bread Bowl: A round boule of rustic bread or sourdough is perfect. The bread needs to be sturdy enough to hold the melted brie without becoming too soggy.
Thyme: Fresh thyme works best for this recipe as it adds a subtle but fragrant herbal note. If you can’t find fresh thyme, you can substitute it with rosemary or dried thyme, but it might change the flavor slightly.
If you are interested in understanding the nuances between different cheeses, read this guide on the Difference Between Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. It will help you understand why certain cheeses are better suited for baking versus others.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to start with a hot oven to ensure the bread is crisp and the brie is evenly melted.
2. Prepare the Bread
- Slice off the top quarter of the bread loaf and set it aside.
- Place the brie wheel in the center of the bread and trace a circle around it.
- Use a knife to cut out the middle of the bread to create a hollow where the brie will sit.
- Remove the inner bread pieces, leaving about a 1-inch thick wall. Keep the removed pieces for dipping.
3. Cut the Bread for Dipping
Make vertical cuts around the edge of the bread, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart, and cut about three-quarters of the way down without cutting through the bottom. This creates pull-apart pieces that are perfect for dipping.
4. Season the Bread
- Brush the inside of the bread bowl and the edges of the bread with olive oil.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sprinkle half of the fresh thyme leaves inside the hollowed bread for additional flavor.
5. Add the Brie and Cranberry Sauce
- Place the brie wheel into the hollowed-out center of the bread.
- Spoon the cranberry sauce over the brie and sprinkle the remaining thyme leaves on top.
6. Bake the Brie
- Replace the top of the bread loaf.
- Place the bread bowl on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper to catch any melted brie that might ooze out.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the brie is melted and the bread is crispy and warm.
7. Serve
Remove the bread bowl from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Remove the top of the bread loaf to reveal the melted brie inside. Serve immediately with the extra bread pieces and let your guests pull apart the edges for dipping.
Tips and Shortcuts
Bread Choice: Choose a bread that’s sturdy and crusty, like a sourdough boule. This prevents it from becoming soggy once the brie melts.
Cranberry Sauce: For a quicker option, you can use store-bought cranberry sauce. If you prefer, make a homemade version for a more personalized flavor.
Herbs: If you don’t have fresh thyme, rosemary, sage, or even a sprinkle of dried thyme can work well.
For a unique twist, consider pairing this baked brie bread bowl with a different dipping sauce like the one from our Burger Sauce Recipe. The variety of dips can provide your guests with an interesting array of flavors.
Variations and Recipe Swaps
Cheese Alternatives: Swap out brie for camembert or even a triple cream goat cheese if you want a different flavor profile.
Sweet Alternatives: Instead of cranberry sauce, try fig jam, apricot preserves, or even caramelized onions for a sweeter contrast.
Add Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cranberry sauce before baking to add texture.
Conclusion
This baked brie in bread bowl with cranberry sauce and thyme is the ultimate indulgent appetizer for holiday gatherings or special occasions. Its combination of textures—from the crisp, pull-apart bread to the smooth, melted brie—is simply irresistible. Try this recipe and delight your friends and family with a gourmet experience that’s easy to make at home.
Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share this crowd-pleasing recipe with your friends and family!