🧀🍞 Warm Brie Bread Bowl with Cranberry & Thyme
✨ Description:
Imagine gooey, melty Brie baked into a crusty bread bowl, topped with sweet-tart cranberry sauce and aromatic fresh thyme. Every scoop is a mix of savory, sweet, creamy, and crispy. This dish is both rustic and elegant—an edible centerpiece that guests will devour.
🛒 Ingredients:
- 1 round sourdough bread loaf (8–10 inches wide)
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese (8 oz – double or triple cream)
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- Optional: pinch of cracked black pepper, chili flakes, or honey drizzle for extra flavor
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 20 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6–8 (as appetizer)
👨🍳 Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Hollow Out Bread Bowl:
- Cut a circle on top of the bread and remove it like a lid.
- Hollow out the inside to fit the Brie wheel snugly (save torn bread chunks for dipping!).
- Prep the Brie:
- Remove rind from top of Brie if you prefer extra gooeyness.
- Place the Brie into the hollowed-out bread bowl.
- Top with cranberry sauce and fresh thyme.
- Bake:
- Brush the outer bread bowl with olive oil or melted butter.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the Brie is melted and bread is crisp.
- Serve:
- Garnish with additional thyme.
- Serve warm with toasted bread, crackers, or veggie sticks.
📝 Notes & Tips:
- Don’t overbake or the cheese may harden instead of staying melty.
- Make it festive: Use orange zest or a splash of port wine in your cranberry sauce.
- Add nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts over the top add crunch.
- Other toppings: Fig jam, caramelized onions, or balsamic reduction work beautifully too.
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
Values vary depending on bread type and cranberry sauce used.
💪 Benefits:
- Brie is rich in calcium, vitamin B12, and protein.
- Thyme adds antioxidants and subtle anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cranberries provide vitamin C and a tangy brightness that helps digestion.
- This is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s vegetarian-friendly and easy to prepare.
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Yes! Camembert is a great substitute. Even a soft goat cheese wheel works if you enjoy tangier flavors.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can assemble ahead and refrigerate—just bake right before serving for the best texture.
Q: What kind of bread is best?
A: A crusty, firm sourdough boule holds up best and doesn’t get soggy too quickly.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Use a gluten-free bread bowl or serve the baked Brie in a dish alongside GF crackers or veggies.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven until the cheese is melted again. Best consumed fresh though!
🌟 Final Thoughts:
Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a casual night in with wine, this Warm Brie Bread Bowl with Cranberry & Thyme is indulgent, eye-catching, and irresistibly delicious. It’s the kind of dish that vanishes fast, so consider doubling the recipe if you’ve got a hungry crowd!