Irresistible Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe

Whenever I host a holiday gathering, I need an appetizer that looks impressive but takes minimal effort to prepare.

This Cranberry Baked Brie combines sweet, tart fruit with rich creaminess for a flavor profile that everyone seems to devour instantly. It has quickly become the most requested snack at my family parties because it doubles as a delicious centerpiece.

What Makes This Cranberry Baked Brie a Keeper for Years to Come

The preparation is shockingly simple since you mainly just need to carve a circle into a loaf of bread. You get maximum impact with just a few basic grocery store staples that you might already have on hand.

The contrast between the crispy, toasted bread and the gooey, melted cheese offers a perfect texture in every single bite. It serves as both the dip and the dipping vessel, making cleanup significantly easier at the end of the night.

You can easily customize the toppings with different herbs or nuts depending on what flavors you are craving at the moment. It works beautifully as a starter for a fancy dinner or a casual snack for game night.

If you crave more sweet and savory combinations, you have to try my Savory Orange Creamsicle Cookies Recipe for a unique treat. For a stunning dessert to follow this appetizer, the Ultimate Whole Orange Cake Recipe is an absolute showstopper.

Everything You Need for Perfect Cranberry Baked Brie

Here is the short shopping list required to make this cheesy delight:

• Round Bread Loaf: A sourdough boule or rustic Italian loaf works best to hold the cheese securely.
• Brie Wheel: Choose an 8-ounce wheel of high-quality cheese, preferably triple cream for the best melt.
• Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry sauce provides better texture and tartness than the jellied variety.
• Fresh Thyme: These leaves add an earthy, aromatic finish that balances the sweetness of the fruit.
• Cooking Spray: A light coating helps the bread achieve that golden, crunchy exterior while baking.

My Method for Cranberry Baked Brie

Let’s get baking so you can enjoy this warm treat:

1. I start by preheating my oven to 350°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper to catch any drips. I take my round bread loaf and slice off the top quarter horizontally to create a lid, then I place the wheel of brie on top of the cut side to trace a circle around it with a small knife.
2. Next, I carefully scoop out the inner bread from the circle I just traced, digging deep enough so the cheese will sit flush with the top of the loaf. I never throw away these bread scraps because they are perfect for toasting alongside the bowl for extra dipping pieces later.
3. I place the hollowed bread bowl onto my prepared baking sheet and nestle the brie wheel snugly into the center cavity I created. Before moving on, I use a sharp serrated knife to cut 1-inch slices around the edge of the bowl, being extremely careful not to cut all the way through the bottom crust.
4. Now I generously spray the outside of the bread with cooking spray to ensure it browns beautifully in the oven. I spoon the cranberry sauce directly over the cheese, spreading it out slightly, and sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves over the top for a pop of color and flavor.
5. Finally, I bake the entire assembly for about 25 minutes until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese is soft to the touch. I serve it immediately while it is piping hot, allowing guests to pull apart the edge pieces and scoop up the melted goodness.

My Best Tips for Perfect Cranberry Baked Brie

Make sure you select a sturdy loaf like sourdough because softer breads might collapse under the weight of the warm cheese. A firm crust helps keep the structure intact while guests tear away the pieces of this Cranberry Baked Brie.

I always recommend scraping a bit of the white rind off the top of the brie before baking to help the cheese melt faster. This simple step ensures the center gets gooey at the same time the bread finishes toasting.

If you have leftover holiday sauce, this is the perfect way to use it up instead of buying a new jar. The tartness of homemade sauce pairs wonderfully with the rich cheese in this Cranberry Baked Brie recipe.

How to Serve This Cranberry Baked Brie

This dish is best enjoyed straight from the oven while the cheese is still molten and stretchy. I place the hot baking sheet directly on a trivet in the center of the table so everyone can dig in immediately.

You can serve extra crackers or sliced apples on the side if the bread bowl gets devoured before the cheese is gone. A crisp sparkling apple cider makes a refreshing beverage pairing that cuts through the richness of the dairy.

For more warm and cozy recipe inspiration, come join me on Pinterest to see what I am baking next.

Cranberry Baked Brie

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 37 min
• Yield: 8 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

A warm and cheesy appetizer served in a toasted bread bowl topped with tart cranberry sauce and fresh thyme.

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Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) wheel brie cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• Cooking spray
• 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 round sourdough bread boule

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Instructions

1. I start by preheating my oven to 350°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper to catch any drips. I take my round bread loaf and slice off the top quarter horizontally to create a lid, then I place the wheel of brie on top of the cut side to trace a circle around it with a small knife.
2. Next, I carefully scoop out the inner bread from the circle I just traced, digging deep enough so the cheese will sit flush with the top of the loaf. I never throw away these bread scraps because they are perfect for toasting alongside the bowl for extra dipping pieces later.
3. I place the hollowed bread bowl onto my prepared baking sheet and nestle the brie wheel snugly into the center cavity I created. Before moving on, I use a sharp serrated knife to cut 1-inch slices around the edge of the bowl, being extremely careful not to cut all the way through the bottom crust.
4. Now I generously spray the outside of the bread with cooking spray to ensure it browns beautifully in the oven. I spoon the cranberry sauce directly over the cheese, spreading it out slightly, and sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves over the top for a pop of color and flavor.
5. Finally, I bake the entire assembly for about 25 minutes until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese is soft to the touch. I serve it immediately while it is piping hot, allowing guests to pull apart the edge pieces and scoop up the melted goodness.

Notes

If using homemade cranberry sauce, ensure it is not too runny. You can substitute rosemary for thyme if preferred.

• Prep Time: 12 min
• Resting Time:
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 165
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 330mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 28mg

Keywords: Cranberry Baked Brie, bread bowl appetizer, holiday cheese dip, baked brie recipe