Indulge in the ultimate appetizer with this Pull Apart Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl. This mouthwatering dish combines creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and fresh thyme, all baked to perfection in a rustic bread bowl. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious and visually stunning dish.
This recipe has quickly become a favorite in our household, especially during the holiday season. The first time I made it, my husband couldn’t stop raving about how the flavors melded together so perfectly. Now, it’s a must-have at our family gatherings. My kids love pulling apart the bread and dipping it into the gooey brie, making it a fun and interactive appetizer for everyone.
Why This Pull Apart Baked Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl
What Makes This Recipe Special
- Elegant Presentation: The bread bowl makes for a beautiful, shareable centerpiece.
- Flavor Explosion: Creamy brie, sweet and tart cranberry sauce, and aromatic thyme create a symphony of flavors.
- Easy Preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a hassle-free yet impressive dish.
- Versatile Serving: Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or as a cozy night-in treat.
Ingredients
- 1 bread boule (round loaf of rustic bread)
- 340 grams (12 ounces) wheel of brie, top rind removed (triple cream recommended)
- 120 grams (1/2 cup) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Fresh ground pepper
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the top quarter off of the bread boule. Using the brie wheel, measure a circle in the center of the bread. Trace a circle with a knife and scoop out the middle to create a cavity for the brie.
- Create Pull Apart Slices: Cut slices around the edge of the bread, about 1.5 inches apart and three-quarters of the way down, making sure not to cut through to the bottom. These slices will form the pull-apart pieces.
- Season the Bread: Brush the inside of the bread with olive oil, then season with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. Sprinkle half of the thyme leaves inside the bread bowl.
- Add the Brie and Cranberry Sauce: Place the brie wheel into the hollowed-out center of the bread. Sprinkle the remaining thyme over the brie, and spoon the cranberry sauce on top.
- Bake: Replace the top of the bread and place it on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper to catch any melted brie. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the brie is melted and the bread is toasted.
- Serve: If desired, toast the bread pieces scooped out from the center for additional dipping. Serve the bread bowl immediately, allowing guests to pull apart the slices and dip into the gooey, flavorful brie.
Notes
- Substitutions: If you don’t have cranberry sauce, you can use any fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to substitute thyme with rosemary or a mix of your favorite fresh herbs.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a glass of wine or a festive cocktail for the perfect holiday appetizer.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven before serving.
