Description
Warm, gooey baked Brie cheese nestled in a hollowed-out bread boule, topped with a sweet and tangy cranberry, nut, and honey mixture. This elegant yet easy appetizer is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights, served with toasted bread pieces or crisp apple slices for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bread Bowl and Filling
- 1 round bread boule (sourdough or any round loaf)
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking when the filled bread bowl is ready.
- Prepare the Bread Bowl: Cut the top off the bread boule and carefully hollow out the center, leaving about a 1-inch thick shell to hold the cheese and toppings securely. Save the removed bread pieces for dipping later.
- Prepare the Brie: Remove the top rind of the Brie cheese wheel to expose the creamy interior, then place the Brie into the hollowed-out bread bowl.
- Add Toppings: In a small bowl, combine the cranberries, chopped nuts, honey or maple syrup, and ground cinnamon. Spoon this vibrant mixture evenly over the Brie inside the bread bowl.
- Bake: Place the filled bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the Brie is melted and bubbly and the bread shell is toasted to perfection.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs if desired. Serve immediately with the reserved bread pieces, crackers, or sliced apples for dipping into the luscious cranberry Brie mixture.
Notes
- You can use either fresh or dried cranberries depending on availability and preference.
- Choose your favorite nuts: pecans or walnuts both add great texture and flavor.
- For a vegan alternative, substitute Brie with a plant-based cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey to maintain sweetness.
- Be gentle when hollowing out the bread boule to keep a sturdy shell that supports the melted cheese and toppings.
- This recipe is perfect for entertaining and can be prepared just before guests arrive for warm serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
