Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl Recipe
If you’re looking for a showstopping appetizer that’ll wow your guests every single time, the Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl might just become your new secret weapon. This beautifully gooey centerpiece pairs rich, melty Brie with tangy cranberry sauce, all baked inside a golden bread bowl and topped with sweet honey and savory rosemary. With every pull-apart bite, you get pops of flavor and irresistible texture, making it hard not to go back for seconds—or thirds! Whether you’re throwing a holiday party, a cozy brunch, or simply indulging at home, the Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl brings a festive spirit and plenty of deliciousness to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this appetizer so irresistible is its short, approachable ingredient list—each item truly brings something special, whether it’s creamy, chewy, sweet, or savory. Gather these essentials and let the magic happen.
- Sourdough Bread Loaf: Choose a round, sturdy loaf to hold all that cheesy goodness and double up as edible serving pieces.
- Brie Cheese Wheel: Go for a creamy, 8-ounce wheel for the perfect melt and rich flavor in every scoop.
- Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: The star topping—tart, fruity, and gorgeous in color, store-bought or homemade both work!
- Honey: A drizzle adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the tang of the cranberries.
- Fresh Rosemary: This herb adds earthy, piney notes and makes the bread bowl extra aromatic.
- Olive Oil or Melted Butter: Brushing the bread bowl keeps it golden and crisp—use your favorite option.
- Salt: Just a pinch—don’t skip it! It sharpens the flavors and makes everything pop.
- Optional Toppings (Pecans, Extra Rosemary, Orange Zest): Sprinkle these on top for added crunch and bursts of citrusy or herbal flavor.
How to Make Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl
Step 1: Prep Your Bread Bowl
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice off the very top of the sourdough loaf, then use your hands (and maybe a serrated knife) to hollow out the center, leaving about an inch-thick wall all around so it holds the cheese without leaking. Tear or cut the extra bread you remove into cubes—these will become irresistible dippers once toasted.
Step 2: Nestle in the Brie
Unwrap the Brie wheel—trim off the rind if you’d like a smoother texture, but know the rind is absolutely edible and melts beautifully. Set it right inside that hollowed-out bread bowl, making sure it fits snugly. If your loaf is slightly larger, you can always add a few extra slices of Brie around the edges.
Step 3: Mix the Cranberry Topping
In a small bowl, stir together the whole berry cranberry sauce, honey, and chopped fresh rosemary. This trio is sweet, tart, and herbaceous all at once—and it takes just a minute to combine for maximum flavor. Spoon it generously over the Brie, letting it tumble down the sides.
Step 4: Brush and Season
Brush the edges of the bread bowl with olive oil or melted butter for that golden, crisp finish. Don’t forget a pinch of salt over the top to brighten all the flavors. Arrange your bread bowl on a baking sheet lined with parchment for easy cleanup.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Gooey
Pop the bread bowl into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The Brie will melt and become gloriously gooey, the cranberry topping will glisten, and the edges of the bread will turn beautifully crusty. For bonus crunch, add the bread cubes to the baking sheet during the final 10 minutes to toast.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve
Once out of the oven, finish your Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl with a sprinkle of chopped pecans, a little more rosemary, or some vibrant orange zest. Serve it immediately while it’s decadent and warm, surrounded by your toasted bread cubes or crackers for dipping.
How to Serve Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl
Garnishes
For that extra wow factor, top your Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl with a handful of toasted pecans for crunch, a scatter of fresh rosemary for aroma, or a bit of orange zest for zippy brightness. Each garnish not only looks beautiful but also adds layers of flavor that make this appetizer truly unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This cheesy masterpiece pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Offer an assortment of crackers, crisp apple or pear slices, and even thinly sliced cured meats for a festive presentation. Light salads with vinaigrette or roasted vegetables add a fresh, crisp counterpoint that keeps your table inviting and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl the centerpiece of a grazing board, surrounded by colorful fruit, veggies, and charcuterie. Or, for intimate gatherings, place it on a wooden board with a tiny pot of extra cranberry sauce, scattered herbs, and edible flowers to make it feel extra special. Wherever you serve it, watch as everyone gathers around for a generous scoop!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap the remaining bread bowl tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. The cheese can firm up in the fridge, but you’ll still enjoy those bursts of flavor for up to two days. Just keep in mind—this appetizer is at its absolute best served fresh and melty!
Freezing
It’s not ideal to freeze the fully assembled Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl, since both bread and cheese can change texture after thawing. However, you can freeze the hollowed-out loaf and cranberry mixture separately for up to a month. That way, you’re only minutes from assembling a fresh, bubbly batch when the craving strikes.
Reheating
To re-create that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat leftovers in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes, wrapped loosely in foil to prevent over-browning. The cheese should soften again, bringing back some of that irresistible gooeyness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread rubbery.
FAQs
Can I substitute another cheese for Brie?
Absolutely! While Brie’s creamy melt is iconic, feel free to use Camembert or a mild triple-cream cheese for similar results. Just make sure the cheese fits comfortably in your bread bowl and gets nice and oozy when baked.
Is it necessary to use whole berry cranberry sauce?
No, you can also use smooth cranberry sauce or even experiment with raspberry preserves or fig jam. Each topping creates a different (but equally delicious) twist on the classic Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl.
Can I prepare the Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl ahead of time?
You can assemble the bread bowl (without baking) up to two hours ahead of your gathering. Store it in the refrigerator, then pop it in the oven about 25 minutes before serving. This makes party planning a total breeze!
What do I do with the Brie rind?
The rind is completely edible and melts into the cheese beautifully, but if you prefer a smoother interior, trim off a bit before baking. Either way, the flavor remains creamy and rich.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap in a gluten-free round bread loaf or even large gluten-free buns and ensure your crackers and dippers are gluten-free as well. The key flavors of the Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl still come through wonderfully!
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about tearing into a freshly baked, bubbling Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl, laughter and conversation flowing around the table. I hope you give this cheesy, berry-bright appetizer a try—it’s easy, festive, and guaranteed to get everyone gathering around for just one more bite!
Print
Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and gooey goodness of this Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl, a delightful appetizer perfect for any gathering. A warm, melty wheel of Brie cheese topped with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, all baked inside a hollowed-out sourdough loaf. Serve with toasted bread cubes or crackers for a delicious treat!
Ingredients
Bread Bowl:
- 1 round sourdough bread loaf
Filling:
- 8 oz wheel of Brie cheese
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: chopped pecans, extra rosemary, or orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Hollow out the bread: Slice the top off the sourdough loaf and hollow out the center, leaving a thick wall around the edges. Cut the removed bread into cubes for serving.
- Prepare the filling: Place the Brie inside the loaf. Mix cranberry sauce, honey, and rosemary; spoon over the Brie.
- Brush with oil: Brush outer edges with oil, sprinkle with salt.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until Brie is melted. Toast bread cubes if desired.
- Finish and serve: Top with pecans, orange zest, or rosemary. Serve warm with bread cubes or crackers.
Notes
- You can use raspberry preserves or fig jam instead of cranberry sauce.
- Brie rind is edible, but can be trimmed for a smoother texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of bread bowl
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
