Cranberry Baked Brie Bread Bowl

Looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s both savory and sweet? This Cranberry Baked Brie Bread Bowl is the perfect dish, combining creamy brie cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and warm, soft bread for a crowd-pleasing treat!

Imagine a warm, gooey wheel of brie cheese surrounded by a luscious cranberry sauce, all baked inside a soft, fresh bread bowl. The sweetness of the cranberries perfectly complements the creamy brie, while the bread adds a comforting crunch for dipping.

This baked brie is the ultimate indulgence—perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or cozy nights in. The combination of flavors and textures will have everyone reaching for more!

Ready to impress your guests with this delicious appetizer? Let’s make Cranberry Baked Brie Bread Bowl and enjoy a creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Sharing: A beautiful centerpiece for holidays, parties, or a quiet night in.
• Easy to Make: Just a few simple steps—slice, stuff, bake.
• Melty and Rich: The Brie gets soft and gooey, perfect with the tart cranberry topping.
• Minimal Ingredients: Just 5 everyday ingredients.
• No Waste: The bread bowl is part of the meal—no dishwashing needed.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: Serves 6–8 as an appetizer.

Difficulty: Easy—great for beginners or busy cooks.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Serrated bread knife
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small spoon or knife (to scoop out bread)
• Oven mitts

Ingredients for Cranberry Baked Brie Bread Bowl

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this crowd-pleasing appetizer:

• 1 bread boule (round loaf): This acts as the edible bowl.
• Cooking spray: For greasing the baking sheet.
• 1 (8 oz) wheel of Brie cheese: The creamy, rich center.
• ½ cup cranberry sauce: Sweet and tangy topping.
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme: Adds a nice herbal touch.

How to Make Cranberry Baked Brie Bread Bowl – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray.

2. Hollow the Bread

Use a serrated knife to cut a circle in the top of the bread boule, just large enough to fit the Brie wheel. Carefully scoop out the center of the loaf (save those bread pieces for dipping later).

3. Insert the Brie

Unwrap the Brie and place it inside the hollowed-out bread bowl. If it doesn’t fit, trim the rind or the bread opening slightly.

4. Top with Cranberry Sauce

Spoon ½ cup of cranberry sauce over the Brie, spreading it evenly across the top.

5. Add Thyme

Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the cranberry for a fragrant herbal note.

6. Bake

Place the whole bread bowl on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the Brie is melty in the center.

7. Serve

Carefully transfer the hot bread bowl to a serving platter. Use the reserved bread chunks, crackers, or sliced apples for dipping.

Variations for Cranberry Baked Brie Bread Bowl

• Use Fig Jam or Apricot Preserves: Swap cranberry for fig or apricot for a different kind of sweetness.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch.
• Make it Spicy: Mix cranberry sauce with a spoonful of hot pepper jelly.
• Try Puff Pastry: Instead of a bread bowl, wrap the Brie and cranberry in puff pastry and bake.

How to Serve Cranberry Baked Brie Bread Bowl

This baked Brie bread bowl is warm, cheesy, and best enjoyed right out of the oven. Here are a few tasty ways to serve it:

• As a Centerpiece Appetizer: Place the bread bowl on a board surrounded by crackers, apple slices, and fresh herbs.
• With Dippers: Serve with sliced baguette, pretzel sticks, or the extra bread pieces you scooped out.
• At Holiday Gatherings: It’s a favorite for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy get-together.
• As a Side: Pair it with a warm salad or bowl of soup for a comforting winter lunch.

Storing Cranberry Baked Brie Bread Bowl

Refrigeration:
If you have leftovers (rare!), wrap the bread bowl tightly in foil and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10–15 minutes. This keeps the bread crisp and the cheese soft again.

Freezing:
Freezing is not recommended, as Brie doesn’t hold up well after thawing.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use a Fresh Loaf: A crusty boule holds up better and won’t get soggy.
• Room Temp Brie: Let your Brie sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes before baking. It melts more evenly.
• Watch the Oven: Don’t overbake. Brie should be gooey but not completely melted through.
• Serve Immediately: The longer it sits, the firmer the cheese becomes.

Nutrition

Serving Size	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein	Sugar	Fiber
1/8 loaf with cheese	~220	12g	18g	8g	5g	1g

Note: These are estimated values based on standard ingredients.

Cranberry Baked Brie FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the bread bowl with Brie and cranberry, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

What if I don’t like cranberry?
You can use fig jam, raspberry preserves, or even apple butter for a different flavor.

Should I remove the rind from the Brie?
No need. The rind is edible and helps hold the cheese together as it melts.

Can I use a different cheese?
Brie is best for this recipe, but Camembert can also work.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Baked Brie Bread Bowl is one of those comforting recipes that brings everyone to the table. It’s warm, gooey, and wrapped in crusty bread—easy enough for beginners and special enough for holidays.

Whether you’re hosting a party or just want something cozy and cheesy, this dish delivers every time.