Description
A delightful holiday appetizer that beautifully combines melty brie and vibrant cranberry sauce inside a rustic bread boule.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 round bread boule (rustic loaf)
- 1 wheel of brie (about 12 oz, rind removed – triple cream recommended)
- ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Kosher salt & fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it will be hot enough to melt the brie perfectly without overcooking the bread.
- Next, take your round bread boule and slice off the top quarter. Make sure to do this gently to keep the lid intact. Once you have the lid off, use the wheel of brie to trace a circle on the inside of the bread. Carefully hollow out the center, creating enough space for the brie to fit snugly without any overflow.
- Cut slits around the bread boule about 1½ inches apart, making sure not to slice all the way through the bottom. This creates individual pull-apart pieces that are perfect for dipping.
- Brush the inside of the bread with olive oil. This will add flavor while helping the bread crisp up nicely on the outside. Season with kosher salt, fresh cracked pepper, and half of the fresh thyme leaves for that aromatic touch.
- Place the wheel of brie in the hollowed-out center. Sprinkle the remaining thyme over the cheese and top it with the whole berry cranberry sauce, making sure it’s evenly spread so every bite is packed with flavor.
- Replace the “lid” you cut from the top of the bread and place it back on top. Transfer the entire bread bowl on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the brie is melty and gooey. The bread should have a delightful golden hue by the end.
- Remove from the oven, and serve immediately while warm. Encourage your guests to pull apart the bread pieces and dip them into the delicious melted brie and cranberry mixture. For an added delight, toast the scooped-out bread pieces for extra dippers!
Notes
Prepare the bread bowl a few hours in advance, then bake it just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Protein: 12 g