Cranberry Baked Brie Bread

This cranberry brie bread bowl transforms a simple wheel of cheese into a showstopping appetizer that always disappears within minutes at holiday gatherings. The combination of melty cheese, tart cranberries, and pull-apart bread creates an interactive eating experience that brings people together around the table.

I first served this at my sister's holiday housewarming party three years ago, and now it's requested at every family gathering from Thanksgiving through New Year's. Even my cheese-skeptical nephew devours this every time.

Ingredients

• Round bread boule Creates the perfect vessel for the melty cheese while being substantial enough to hold everything together
• 8 ounce wheel of brie cheese The star of the show with its creamy texture and buttery flavor select a wheel with a firm rind for best results
• Cooking spray Helps the bread achieve that perfect golden crispiness without drying out
• Cranberry sauce Provides a sweet tart contrast that balances the richness of the cheese homemade or high quality store bought both work well
• Fresh thyme Adds an aromatic herbaceous note that elevates the entire dish look for bright green sprigs without any wilting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature creates the perfect balance of melty cheese and crispy bread without burning.

Create the bread bowl

Carefully slice off the top quarter of the bread boule, setting it aside. Then hollow out the center, creating a bowl shape with walls about 1 inch thick. Save these bread pieces for dipping later.

Add the cheese

Place the whole brie wheel into the hollowed bread bowl. If your brie is slightly larger or smaller than the cavity, you can trim it or adjust the bread hollow accordingly for a perfect fit.

Prepare the bread for baking

Lightly spray the outside of the bread with cooking spray. This helps achieve that gorgeous golden color. Then make cuts around the edges of the bread about 1 to 2 inches apart, cutting almost to the bottom but ensuring the slices remain attached to create the pull apart effect.

Add the toppings

Spoon the cranberry sauce generously over the brie, allowing some to drip down the sides for visual appeal. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top, pressing some gently into the cranberry sauce so they don't fall off during serving.

Bake to perfection

Place the prepared bread bowl on your lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the bread turns golden brown and the cheese is completely melted with a slight bubble around the edges.

Serve immediately

Transfer the hot bread bowl to a serving platter surrounded by the reserved bread pieces. For maximum enjoyment, serve while the cheese is still warm and gooey, perfect for dipping and pulling apart.

Save

The first time I made this, I accidentally used a bread that was too soft, and it collapsed under the weight of the cheese. Now I always choose a sturdy artisanal boule with a good crust, which holds everything perfectly while still being easy to pull apart. The contrast between the crusty exterior and the soft, cheese soaked interior creates the most satisfying bites.

Make Ahead Options

This bread bowl can be completely assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Simply prepare everything through step 5, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding an extra 5 minutes to the baking time if needed. The convenience of advance preparation makes this ideal for busy holiday hosting.

Flavor Variations

While cranberry and brie create a classic pairing, this versatile recipe welcomes creative adaptations. Try raspberry preserves with a sprinkle of rosemary for a fragrant twist, or caramelized onions with thyme for a savory version. During autumn, apple butter with a sprinkle of cinnamon creates a warm, spiced variation that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese. Each variation maintains the wow factor while offering a completely different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This bread bowl works beautifully as part of a larger grazing table. Surround it with clusters of grapes, sliced apples, additional crackers, and charcuterie for an abundant display. For beverages, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling prosecco provides the perfect acidic balance to cut through the richness of the cheese. During colder months, serving alongside mulled wine creates a festive pairing that guests always appreciate.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare the bread bowl ahead of time?

Yes! You can hollow out the bread and prepare the bowl up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered at room temperature, then add the brie, cranberry sauce, and thyme just before baking.

→ What can I do with the leftover bread from hollowing out the boule?

The bread pieces make excellent dippers! You can toss them with olive oil and herbs, then toast them alongside the bread bowl for the last 10 minutes of baking for delicious homemade crostini.

→ What other toppings work well besides cranberry sauce?

Fig jam, apricot preserves, honey with walnuts, caramelized onions, or a savory herb and garlic mixture all pair beautifully with the brie. You can customize based on your preferences or the season.

→ Should I remove the rind from the brie before baking?

It's not necessary to remove the rind as it's completely edible and helps the cheese hold its shape while baking. However, you can trim the top rind if you prefer a more immediate melty surface.

→ How do I serve this appetizer?

Serve immediately after baking while the cheese is still warm and gooey. Place it on a serving board with the bread pieces arranged around it. Guests can pull off bread sections and dip them into the melted brie and cranberry mixture.

→ What type of bread works best for this?

A sturdy sourdough or country-style bread boule works best as it can hold its shape and the melted cheese without becoming soggy. Avoid very soft or thinly-crusted bread varieties.