This Rustic Brie Bread Bowl with Cranberries and Fresh Thyme is the perfect dish for gatherings, holiday parties, or a cozy night in. The creamy, melty brie paired with the sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, aromatic thyme, and a touch of honey creates a delightful contrast against the crispy, golden-edged sourdough bread. It’s an elegant yet simple appetizer that will have your guests coming back for more.
Ingredients:
- 1 round loaf of sourdough bread (about 8-10 inches in diameter)
- 1 wheel of brie cheese (8 oz)
- 1/2 cup whole cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
- Crackers or sliced baguette (optional, for serving)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Bread Bowl: Cut off the top of the sourdough loaf and carefully hollow out the center, leaving a thick wall of bread around the edges. Be sure to keep the bread pieces you remove, as they’ll be great for dipping. Set them aside for later.
- Assemble the Brie: Place the entire wheel of brie cheese into the hollowed-out bread bowl. It should fit snugly but comfortably.
- Prepare the Cranberry Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, fresh thyme leaves, honey, and ground black pepper. Stir until well mixed. Spread this cranberry mixture evenly over the top of the brie cheese.
- Season the Bread: Drizzle olive oil over the entire bread bowl. Rub the edges of the bread with the minced garlic to infuse a subtle, savory flavor into the crust.
- Bake the Bread Bowl: Place the filled bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake it in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the brie is melted and gooey, and the bread edges are golden and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the bread bowl from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for an extra touch of elegance. Serve immediately with the reserved bread pieces, crackers, or slices of baguette for dipping into the luscious brie and cranberry sauce.
Recipe Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
- Servings: 6
Final Thoughts:
This Rustic Brie Bread Bowl with Cranberries and Fresh Thyme is not only a crowd-pleasing appetizer, but it also combines the best of savory, sweet, and herbal flavors. The melted brie is wonderfully complemented by the fresh thyme and the festive cranberry sauce, while the crusty sourdough adds a satisfying crunch. It’s a simple yet indulgent treat that makes any occasion feel extra special.
Enjoy this delightful dish with your favorite company