Name: Baked Brie in Bread Bowl with Cranberry Sauce and Thyme
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: French-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 round loaf of bread (sourdough or rustic boule); 1 wheel of Brie cheese (8 oz to 12 oz); 1/3 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought); 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves; 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste

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Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl with Cranberry Sauce and Thyme is the ultimate holiday or party appetizer. Warm, gooey cheese baked inside a crusty bread bowl and topped with sweet-tart cranberry sauce and aromatic thyme—it’s as delicious as it is stunning on the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how effortlessly impressive this dish is. The melted Brie is rich and creamy, and when I scoop it up with a piece of warm bread, it’s the perfect bite. The cranberry sauce adds just the right balance of sweet and tangy, while fresh thyme brings a cozy, herby note. It’s ideal for holidays, but I honestly make it anytime I want to wow guests (or treat myself).

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Round loaf of bread (sourdough or similar)
Whole wheel of Brie cheese
Cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Fresh thyme leaves
Olive oil or melted butter (optional, for brushing)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
I slice the top off the bread loaf and hollow out the center, leaving about 1-inch of bread around the sides and bottom.
I place the Brie wheel inside the hollowed-out bread bowl. If it doesn’t fit, I trim it slightly.
I spoon cranberry sauce over the top of the Brie and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.
I brush the outside of the bread with olive oil or butter for extra crispness, and season with a little salt and pepper.
I place the whole bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the Brie is melted and the bread is golden.
I let it rest for a few minutes before serving. I usually serve it with extra bread cubes, crackers, or sliced apples for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 as an appetizer. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20–25 minutes to bake, so I usually have it ready in about 30–35 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the cranberry sauce for fig jam or apricot preserves when I want a sweeter flavor. I’ve also added chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top for a little crunch. When I want more savory flavor, I roast some garlic and mash it over the Brie before baking. For a spicy twist, a drizzle of hot honey works surprisingly well with the creamy cheese.

storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I wrap the whole bread bowl in foil and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. To reheat, I bake it in a 325°F oven for about 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey again. I avoid the microwave because it softens the bread too much. Baked Brie in Bread Bowl with Cranberry Sauce and Thyme

FAQs

What kind of bread works best for the bowl?

I use a sturdy round loaf like sourdough or a rustic boule. It holds its shape well and gets nice and crisp on the outside.

Can I use a different cheese?

Brie melts beautifully, but I’ve also used Camembert with great results. Any soft-ripened cheese that fits the bread bowl will work.

Can I make it ahead of time?

I prep the bread bowl and stuff it with the Brie and toppings ahead, then wrap it and refrigerate. I just bake it fresh before serving.

What goes well with this dish?

I serve it with sliced baguette, crackers, or apple slices. It’s also great as part of a larger cheese board or holiday spread.

Do I need to remove the rind from the Brie?

No, I leave the rind on—it helps hold the cheese together as it melts. It’s completely edible and softens in the oven.

Conclusion

Baked Brie in Bread Bowl with Cranberry Sauce and Thyme is one of my favorite crowd-pleasing appetizers. It’s creamy, flavorful, and fun to eat, with a beautiful balance of savory, sweet, and herby notes. Whether for a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, it’s always a hit.