- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Cut the Bread Bowl
Take the round loaf and cut off the top, about 1–1.5 inches thick. Carefully hollow out the center of the bread, creating a bowl. Leave about 1 inch of bread along the sides and bottom to support the filling.Tip: Reserve the bread you scooped out for dipping or use it to make croutons! - Brush with Oil or Butter
Lightly brush the inside of the bread bowl and the underside of the top with olive oil or melted butter. This will help it get crispy as it bakes.
Step 2: Prepare the Brie
- Score the Brie
Use a sharp knife to lightly score the top of the Brie wheel in a crisscross pattern. This will help the cheese melt evenly and allow the cranberry and thyme flavors to infuse. - Place the Brie in the Bread Bowl
Place the scored Brie wheel into the hollowed-out bread bowl.
Step 3: Add Cranberry and Thyme
- Top with Cranberry Sauce
Spoon the cranberry sauce over the top of the Brie. If you’re using jellied cranberry sauce, you may need to break it up a bit with a spoon. - Sprinkle with Thyme and Season
Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top of the cranberry sauce, and season with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper. For a touch of extra sweetness, drizzle honey over the cranberry topping.
Step 4: Bake
- Wrap in Foil
Place the filled bread bowl on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This will prevent the top from browning too quickly while allowing the cheese to melt fully. - Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the Brie is soft and gooey. Uncover for the last 5–10 minutes to let the edges of the bread and Brie caramelize slightly.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Garnish with Extra Thyme
Once out of the oven, sprinkle additional fresh thyme leaves on top for a pop of green and added aroma. - Serve Warm
Serve the bread bowl immediately. Arrange the bread pieces you removed around the bread bowl for dipping, along with other dippables like crackers, apple slices, or celery sticks.
Tips for Success
- Choose Good Quality Brie: A higher quality Brie will melt creamier and provide a richer flavor.
- Add Extra Flavors: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.
- Warm Garnishes: Try adding a sprinkle of orange zest or a dash of balsamic glaze on top just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy Your Warm Cranberry and Thyme Brie Bread Bowl!
This Warm Cranberry and Thyme Brie Bread Bowl is guaranteed to be the centerpiece of any gathering. Its rustic charm and mouthwatering combination of flavors make it a crowd-pleasing, hands-on appetizer. Each bite offers a cozy mix of sweet, savory, and herbaceous notes that will keep your guests coming back for more!