This impressive appetizer features a wheel of creamy brie cheese nestled inside a crusty loaf of bread, baked until gooey and topped with sweet and tart cranberry sauce. It’s a perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, offering a delightful combination of warm, melted cheese and flavorful toppings.
Ingredients:
- Bread:
- 1 round or oblong loaf of crusty bread (sourdough, French, or Italian work well)
- Brie:
- 1 (8-ounce) wheel of brie cheese
- Cranberry Sauce:
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Butter:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Garlic (Optional):
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional, for brushing on the bread)
- Fresh Herbs (for garnish):
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Using a serrated knife, carefully cut a circle or oval out of the top of the bread loaf, leaving about a 1-inch border all around.
- Gently hollow out the inside of the bread, removing most of the soft bread to create a well for the brie. You can save the removed bread for dipping later.
- Prepare the Brie:
- Place the wheel of brie inside the hollowed-out bread loaf. You can leave the rind on or trim the top rind if you prefer.
- Add Cranberry Sauce:
- Spoon the cranberry sauce over the top of the brie cheese.
- Brush the Bread:
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic (if using).
- Brush the outside and the removed top of the bread loaf with the garlic butter mixture.
- Bake the Brie:
- Place the bread loaf on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the brie cheese is melted and gooey. The baking time may vary depending on the size and density of your bread.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Carefully remove the baked brie in bread from the oven.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs.
- Serve immediately while the brie is warm and melted, with the reserved bread pieces, crackers, or crudités for dipping.
Tips and Notes:
- Bread Choice: Choose a sturdy, crusty bread that can hold its shape while baking.
- Cranberry Sauce Variations: You can add orange zest, chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or a pinch of cinnamon to your cranberry sauce for extra flavor.
- Other Toppings: Instead of cranberry sauce, you can use other sweet or savory toppings such as fig jam, honey and nuts, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the bread and fill it with brie and cranberry sauce a few hours ahead of time and keep it covered at room temperature. Bake just before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a variety of dippers such as apple slices, pear slices, grapes, baguette slices, or vegetable sticks.
Enjoy your warm and inviting Baked Brie in Bread with Cranberry Sauce!