Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl combines everything you love in a holiday appetizer: savory, sweet, creamy, and crunchy. The rich, melted brie cheese pairs perfectly with the bright, tart flavor of cranberries, while the bread bowl adds a delightful crunch. It’s an impressive yet simple dish to make, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something special, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 1 round sourdough bread or bread bowl
• 1 wheel of brie cheese (about 8 ounces)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh thyme or rosemary (for garnish) (Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the top off the bread and hollow out the inside to create a bread bowl. Be sure to leave enough bread around the edges to hold the filling.
3. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and balsamic vinegar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the cranberries begin to pop and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set the cranberry sauce aside to cool.
5. Place the wheel of brie cheese in the center of the hollowed bread bowl. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the brie cheese, spreading it evenly.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the bread bowl and sprinkle with fresh thyme or rosemary.
7. Wrap the bread bowl in foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the brie is fully melted and the bread is golden and crispy.
8. Remove from the oven, unwrap the foil, and serve the warm bread bowl with the melted brie and cranberry sauce. Enjoy!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add nuts: Consider adding some chopped pecans or walnuts to the cranberry mixture for added texture and a nutty flavor.
• Sweetener alternative: If you prefer a less sweet version, you can replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup.
• Herb options: Use different herbs such as sage or rosemary for a variety of flavors.
• Add a protein: For a more filling dish, add some prosciutto or sliced turkey alongside the cranberry sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover cranberry brie filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bread bowl can be stored separately for the same period.
• Reheating: Reheat the brie and cranberry mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warm. For the bread, you can wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?

Yes, you can substitute brie with other soft cheeses like camembert, goat cheese, or even cream cheese.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cranberry sauce and hollow out the bread bowl ahead of time. Assemble the dish just before baking.

3. What type of bread is best for this recipe?

A round sourdough bread or any sturdy bread with a crusty exterior works well for creating the bread bowl.

4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian. If you want to make it vegan, you can swap the brie with a plant-based cheese alternative.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, as the bread may lose its texture after freezing. However, you can freeze the cranberry sauce separately for up to 3 months.

6. How can I make the cranberry sauce thicker?

To thicken the cranberry sauce, you can let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid or add a little cornstarch mixed with water.

7. Can I use dried cranberries for the sauce?

Fresh or frozen cranberries yield the best results, but you can use dried cranberries as a substitute if needed. Add a bit more water to the sauce to help them rehydrate.

8. What can I serve with this bread bowl?

Serve the bread bowl with extra bread cubes, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

9. How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Ensure you hollow out the bread carefully, leaving enough structure to hold the cheese and cranberry sauce. You can also toast the inside of the bread bowl lightly before filling it to help reduce sogginess.

10. Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought cranberry sauce for a quicker version of this recipe. However, homemade cranberry sauce offers a fresher, more vibrant flavor.

Conclusion

This Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl is the perfect combination of savory and sweet, with a creamy and gooey center that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether it’s for a holiday party or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress with its impressive presentation and incredible flavor.